AAPEX has announced that Northwood University President Dr. Kent MacDonald will moderate the AAPEX 2025 Keynote Breakfast, featuring hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
The session, titled “Getting into the Hall of Fame: What it Takes,” will explore lessons from Gretzky’s storied career in the NHL.
Dr. MacDonald will lead a discussion centered on how Gretzky’s intelligence and strategic thinking helped him outperform competitors who were, in his words, “bigger, stronger, faster.” Rather than chasing the puck, Gretzky famously sought to “skate to where the puck is going,” a mindset that has become a metaphor for foresight and adaptability in business—particularly relevant during times of change and uncertainty.
The automotive aftermarket, a $2.3 trillion global industry and $435 billion U.S. market, continues to navigate such uncertainty.
Labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and rapid technological evolution have reshaped how companies operate.
As Auto Care Association CEO Bill Hanvey recently wrote in Ward’s Auto, “Some modern vehicles have more lines of software code than even a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.”
Dr. MacDonald brings firsthand experience leading through challenging times. During his tenure, Northwood University has seen enrollment growth despite both the global pandemic and a devastating flood that affected the campus—achievements that stand out amid nationwide declines in higher education enrollment.
The Michigan-based institution maintains deep ties to the automotive industry, offering specialized programs such as an undergraduate degree in automotive aftermarket management and an automotive & mobility MBA. Northwood also houses the University of the Aftermarket, which provides leadership and management education for professionals across the motor vehicle aftermarket.
The university’s connection to AAPEX runs deep. Each year, Northwood brings a group of students to the show as part of the AAPEX Student Program, where they gain exposure to industry leaders, training sessions and networking opportunities. Many participants describe the experience as invaluable for building their careers.
Northwood also hosts its own major event—the Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS) — now in its 62nd year. Entirely student-run, the show offers hands-on experience and showcases the latest automotive innovations.
AAPEX 2025 will take place Nov. 4–6 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. The show is open exclusively to automotive aftermarket professionals, with registration priced at $100.
The keynote breakfast featuring Wayne Gretzky will be held Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 6:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Palazzo Ballroom at The Venetian Hotel. Tickets are $200 per person, or $2,000 for a reserved table of 10. To reserve tables, contact Chris Kalousek, chris.kalousek@aapexshow.com.
AAPEX strongly recommends that attendees staying overnight secure hotel reservations as soon as possible, using onPeak, the official AAPEX housing partner.
For the latest automotive aftermarket news and information, visit https://aftermarketintel.com. Do you have automotive aftermarket news? Contact Aftermarket Intel Editor Mark Phillips at mark@lpnewmedia.com. He’s on LinkedIn here.
