The Michigan Automotive Parts Association (MAPA) honored Gary Deuling, Owner-President of Hart Automotive Supply located in Hart, Michigan as recipient of its 2019 MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award during MAPA Industry Day held on September 11, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre in Flint, Michigan. Gary's accomplishments in Michigan's automotive aftermarket over the past 46 years were highlighted. Gary Deuling has exemplified a lifetime commitment to the automotive aftermarket for over 46 years. His passion to stay involved and to give back to the industry is unmatched. He invests most of his time supporting the success of the independently owned automotive parts store owners, parts manufactures and warehouse distributors, and he is proudly supported by the Michigan Automotive Parts Association. Gary started in the automotive business in 1973 as an outside salesperson for a 2 store NAPA Auto Parts owner. Gary was quickly promoted as a store manager in Fremont, Michigan and advanced to operations manager for a 5 store NAPA independent group in 1987. Gary became a business partner and owner and would assume full ownership of 2 stores located in Hart and Shelby, Michigan in 1993. He has been an active auto parts store owner and has received recognition from NAPA (National Automotive Parts Association) being awarded the Five Star Excellence for 6 years. The NAPA Five Star Award is excellence in training, marketing, wholesale and retail growth and community involvement. Gary has always been an industry leader and was one of the first parts stores to offer delivery service to wholesale accounts and opening 7 days a week to support his local market needs. Gary’s commitment to “Giving Back” and involvement in both his community and the aftermarket is extensive and includes; NAPA Business Advisory Boards in Heavy Duty, Advertising, Tools & Equipment, NAPA Auto Parts independent owner for 32 years, Proudly elected in 1995 to the MAPA Board of Directors, 21 years served on MAPA Board, Elected first board member to have served as Chairman for 2 terms, Recently elected as MAPA Inaugural Honorary Lifetime Board of Directors member, and Gary has made many visits to the Lansing State Capitol to advocate to the legislative regulators about the aftermarket. Gary admits he has been diagnosed with “Terminal Raised Hand Disease”. He will not say NO! Gary has always cared beyond himself first. A genuine person that believes in God, family and Community first. Gary’s commitment to community includes; Fremont Chamber of Commerce Board, Co-Chair Fremont Old Fashion Days, Co-Chair Grant Summer Celebration, Chair First Street Car Show, Fremont Downtown Retailers Group, Shelby Chamber of Commerce, Advisory Board of the Automotive Newaygo County Career Tech Center, Newaygo County Compassion Home Fund Raiser, Trustee and Moderator of the First Congregational Church - - just to name a few! The MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Gary Deuling by John Sedlecky, General Manager of NAPA Grand Rapids during MAPA Industry Day 2019 held in Flint, Michigan. Gary's accomplishments over the past 46 years were highlighted as Gary shared special comments about how his father Benard Deuling has been his greatest inspiration, and Gary credits his father for his successes throughout his life. Congratulations Gary!
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