A conversation with Ken Mooney, president, ROWE USA Inc.

Kenneth Mooney
President – ROWE USA Inc.
ROWE MINERALÖLWERK GmbH

What products does your company make?

We are a German manufacturer of lubricants for the automotive, industrial and agricultural sectors.

How long have you worked in the automotive aftermarket?

12 years

How did you find yourself in the automotive aftermarket?

I went back to school to get my bachelor’s degree and once I graduated, a friend of mine called me and offered me a job at a small manufacturer’s rep agency in the industry, and the rest is history. I don’t know if I will ever be able to leave now. 🙂

What area of the automotive aftermarket do you work in and how has what you do changed in the last 2 years?

Two years ago, I made the jump from the rep agency, to working directly for ROWE Motor Oil here in the United States. I began at ROWE as their North American Sales and Marketing Manager. I was responsible for the continued growth and expansion of the program here, with boots on the ground, while the subsidiary was managed by a gentleman in Germany. As of May 1st, that person has since retired and I was offered the position of President of ROWE USA Inc. subsidiary to handle the entire business moving forward.

What was the last automotive aftermarket event or trade show you attended and what were the biggest two or three takeaways you gathered from taking part?

I attend AAPEX every October/November and attended Automechanika in Frankfurt last September. Taking part in these events is always so fruitful to the expansion of business. Most of the time, you can have direct conversations with decision makers in the industry and also allow yourself dedicated time to review the programs and educate people about a newer brand to North America like ourselves. The other main takeaway is that, regardless of how the world is changing, there is still a special feeling about building relationships and shaking hands in person at these events. It’s a much more rewarding feeling than consistent virtual meetings.

“Do you HAVE to be a car guy in this industry? No. Does it help? Absolutely. Being able to communicate with the enthusiasts, shop owners, distributors and other partners, no matter what level of the distribution process they are in, helps to be successful within this industry.”

What’s something you’re particularly proud of accomplishing in the automotive aftermarket?

I think the idea that I was able to start 12 years ago as a regional sales representative, and have worked my way up through the ranks in a very natural progression. More importantly, I would have to say I am extremely proud to have been working with ROWE since its introduction in the states back in 2014. First with my previous job as one of the brands I represented, fast forward to today, as the President of our North American subsidiary. This program has been extremely important to me from day one, and I am thankful for the opportunity and trust instilled in me from our home office to take our program to the next level.

What else do you want us to know about you?

Simply put, I do the best job I can do, day in and day out. I have taken everything I have experienced over the years to try and be the best leader I can for my team.

I am a car guy, and have been my entire life, so it tends to translate a little bit easier when you are working in the automotive aftermarket. Do you HAVE to be a car guy in this industry? No. Does it help? Absolutely. Being able to communicate with the enthusiasts, shop owners, distributors and other partners, no matter what level of the distribution process they are in, helps to be successful within this industry. 

I’m grateful to work in an industry that I have such a passion for. 

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