Northwood University recently honored a Schwartz Advisors managing partner and six other prominent supporters of educational initiatives within the automotive aftermarket industry during its annual Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards luncheon in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Michael C. Buzzard, of Dallas, Texas, joined Schwartz Advisors in April 2022, and has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. Schwartz Advisors is headquartered in La Jolla, California, and Buzzard resides in Dallas, Texas.
As a buy-side advisor, Buzzard works with sponsors to better understand opportunities in the aftermarket, identify potential strategic acquisitions, and participate in the due diligence process for pending acquisitions. On the sell-side, his approach is to immerse himself in the client’s operations and culture, identifying what separates the business from its competitors, assessing its value in the marketplace, and understanding the objectives of ownership.
A trustee of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, Buzzard currently serves as chairman of the Scholarship Selection Committee. He previously served on the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Board of Governors.
Buzzard was a recipient of the Auto Care Impact Award, which annually honors aftermarket professionals, age 40 or younger, who have made significant contributions within the motor vehicle aftermarket.
For his dedication to the aftermarket industry, Northwood University was pleased to name Buzzard among this year’s Class of Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award honorees.
“We appreciate our university’s special relationship with the aftermarket industry,” said President Kent MacDonald during the luncheon. “The future is bright for Northwood students, as we have implemented a strategic plan for growth in all programs with a focus on automotive and the automotive aftermarket. We are exceedingly grateful for industry leaders who continue to support and shape our students through internships and experiential learning.”
Since 1975, Northwood has honored aftermarket leaders for their significant efforts to further the cause of education for business and society. The Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award honorees, past and present, comprise a “who’s who” of this industry.
This year’s other honorees include:
Randy Buller, CEO, Parts Authority, New Hyde Park, New York
Arthur “Bo” Fisher III, CEO/owner, Fisher Auto Parts, Staunton, Virginia
Dr. Donald R. James, CEO, Solero Technologies, Rochester Hills
Brian B. Norko, senior vice president, commercial business operations, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs), Wixom, Michigan
Aaron M. Shaffer, director of marketing services, Standard Motor Products, Long Island City, New York.
Chris Williams, president and CEO, NA Williams, Atlanta, Georgia
The Automotive Aftermarket Management Awards were developed in partnership with the Auto Care Association, Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association, Motor & Equipment Manufacturer’s Association and Northwood University. The awards luncheon was held during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nevada. AAPEX is one of the leading international meetings for the global automotive aftermarket industry.
Northwood students enrolled in the Automotive Aftermarket Management program — which is the only four-year degree program of its kind in the nation — presented the awards to the honorees.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to gather today to recognize and celebrate the successes of these professionals who are being honored by Northwood University for making a difference in the lives of many in their communities and in the aftermarket industry,” stated Northwood student Owen Hayes, of Whitehall, Michigan.
