AMN Drivetime: Sue Godschalk (Video)

AMN Drivetime: Sue Godschalk (Video)

Learning from great leaders is better than anything taught in a book or a class, says the president of Federated Auto Parts.

From our friends at aftermarketNews: A conversation with Sue Godschalk.

In this episode of AMN Drivetime, Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts, shares her journey being included in the founding of one of the nation’s leading program distribution groups – Federated Auto Parts, which was established in the mid-1980s.

Not necessarily a “car gal” per se, Godschalk says she was more intrigued by the business side of the aftermarket industry. That curiosity has served her well in her career. Over the years, she rose through the ranks at Federated, from her start serving as secretary and administrative assistant, to office manager, general manager, then corporate secretary and treasurer, then serving as VP before being named president of the organization in 2020.

“I was more interested in the inventory and operations aspect of the business,” she said. “I always found it challenging to understand which manufacturer sold which parts. I wanted to know what the function was of each of those parts for each vehicle. I basically wanted to learn everything – from how the part was ordered, and how the part traveled until it got to the end-users. That started my interest.”

Having worked with several icons of the industry – Art Fisher, Rusty Bishop and Larry Pavey – Godschalk says she feels thankful to have worked with such great teachers. The experiences she gained working with talented leaders has been invaluable she says.

“I think one of the best lessons I’ve learned is, no matter how much we think we know, there’s always more to learn and there’s always new and better ways to do things. You have to keep growing. You always have to strive for continuous improvement in everything you do,” she says.

“You never have to be afraid to take on new challenges, because that is what keeps you in business. Having the opportunity to work directly with each of these incredible leaders has provided me with things that I don’t think I could have learned from a book or a class,” she said.

You May Also Like

AMN Drivetime: Rick Maxwell

Rick and Bill talk about what it means to continue the legacy of a family business.

Drivetime-Maxwell-1400x700-1

In this latest episode of AMN Drivetime, Babcox CEO Bill Babcox sits down Rick Maxwell, president and owner of Cleveland-based United Motor Products.

Rick Maxwell is what some in this industry call a “lifer.” He’s been involved in the industry since he was about eight years old, working along his father, who began as an aftermarket salesman in 1965 for the originator of B’laster.

AMN Drivetime: Dave Caracci

Dave Caracci is a guy who can wield a wrench as deftly as he can a sales pitch.

Drivetime_-Caracci-1400x700-1
AMN Drivetime: Marc Blackman, Bill Long, Paul McCarthy

In mid-November, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) made a major announcement about a new business structure to better position the organization and the vehicle supplier community for the future. The 118-year-old organization will now operate under one umbrella — MEMA — and will represent automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers with two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers

Drivetime_-McCarthy-Long-Blackman-1400x700-1
AMN Drivetime: John Gamauf

John Gamauf is a 50-year veteran of the tire industry. Starting out with Firestone as a tire buster in the late 60s, he rose through the company’s ranks working in different sales positions for Bridgestone brands until he became president of consumer replacement tires for Bridgestone/Firestone North America consumer tire company in 2003. During his

Drivetime_-Gamauf-1400x700-1
AMN Drivetime Quick Hit: AAPEX 2022

Check out this fun and fast-paced conversation with Bill Hanvey and Paul McCarthy as the countdown to AAPEX 2022 begins. Related Articles – An SC school district talks through its transition to electric buses – with Proterra – Up close with the Sono Motors Sion, a $25k solar-powered EV – We test Sailun’s ERange EV

AMN-Quick-Hits-Hanvey

Other Posts

Reimagining the all-electric delivery walk-in van – with The Shyft Group

What do you do when you’re given a $1 million check to find an integrated Class 3-5 EV chassis? If you’re working with The Shyft Group, you ask for $8 million more to develop one yourself. Related Articles – Time for a Ford Pro F-150 Lightning test drive – Are EVs right for you? There’s

Amped-Featured-Image-EP26
Time for a Ford Pro F-150 Lightning test drive

For two hours, we explored the hills of vineyards in Sonoma County from behind the wheel of a new Ford Pro F-150 Lightning.

Impact-Featured-Image-1400x700-EP62
Are EVs right for you? There’s a tool for that – with Geotab

Everyone is talking about EVs, so getting caught up in the hype is easy. The problem is, EVs aren’t yet suitable for every use case, and jumping into electrifying your fleet with eyes closed can have severe consequences. There’s so much to think about: What are your routes? What infrastructure do you need? How much

Amped-Featured-Image-EP25
How Sono’s solar cells became key to its solar-powered EV

The idea of a solar-powered car is nothing new, but building one affordably is.

Impact-Featured-Image-1400x700-EP61