February 7, 2019 - The Michigan Automotive Parts Association is pleased to announce the selection of Gary Deuling, Owner and President of Hart Automotive Supply located in Hart, Michigan as recipient of its 2019 MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award. Created in 2010, the MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award is designed to honor the excellence of individuals in the automotive aftermarket industry who have made significant impacts in the industry and/or the association. The recipient must have/had an extensive career in the industry, contributed significantly to the automotive aftermarket industry in Michigan, and made accomplishments within his or her local community. Gary Deuling has exemplified a Lifetime commitment to the Automotive Aftermarket over the past 46 Years. Gary’s passion to stay involved and to give back to the Industry is unmatched. Gary invests most of his time supporting the success of the Independently Owned Automotive Parts Store Owner, Parts Manufactures and Warehouse Distributor, and he is proudly supported by 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 MI and advanced to Operation 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. Gary has been an active Auto Parts store owner and has been recognized from NAPA (National Automotive Association) awarded the Five Star Excellence for 6 years. The NAPA Five Star Award is excellence in Training, Marketing, Wholesale & 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, Newly Elected First Time Honorary Lifetime Board of Directors member, and Gary has made many visits to the Lansing State Capitol to advocate to the legislative regulators of 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 & Moderator of the First Congregational Church (just to name a few). The MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Gary Deuling during MAPA Industry Day 2019 being held on Wednesday, September 11th at the Holiday Day Inn Gateway Centre in Flint, Michigan. Presenter of the award will be John Sedlecky, General Manager of NAPA Distribution Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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