APH Recognizes Outstanding Team Members at Annual Conference

Jason Vogel, Matthew Shupick, Corey Bartlett (l to r)

Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH) recently hosted its annual conference, bringing together 500 store owners, managers, sales representatives, suppliers and support staff. Held under the theme “Say Yes,” the event highlighted key accomplishments and recognized individuals who contributed significantly to the company’s success in 2024.

During the conference, an awards banquet took place, where APH leadership honored top performers in various categories. Corey Bartlett, CEO of APH, along with several key leaders — including Jim Gruber, general manager of BENCO Equipment; Lonnie Kocmick, president of Refinish Supply Co.; Jason Vogel, president of APH Stores; Tim Gardner, vice president of stores, western division; and Rick Lease, vice president of stores, eastern division — presented the awards. The recipients were chosen based on evaluations from APH’s store operations team and support center staff.

“We are delighted to celebrate our outstanding team members who truly embody the ‘Say Yes’ spirit,” said Bartlett. “Their exceptional dedication to supporting their teams and customers has been essential to our success in 2024. We are proud to honor them and share in their achievements with our industry partners.”

The top honor of the evening, the 2024 Store Manager of the Year award, was presented to Matthew Shupick, who has managed the Eagle Butte, South Dakota, location since 2015.

“Matthew quickly demonstrated his leadership skills, rising to manager in record time,” said Gardner. “He is genuine, down-to-earth and has made a lasting impact on both his team and his community. Driven by a strong sense of duty, Matthew’s commitment to his team’s success and the community that raised him is truly inspiring.”

In addition to Shupick’s award, the following individuals were also recognized for their outstanding contributions:
• Impact Player of the Year: Doug Thompson, Minot, North Dakota
• Outside Sales Representative of the Year: Tony Serr, Aberdeen, South Dakota
• BENCO MVP of the Year: Shane Zahn, Bismarck, North Dakota
• Refinish Supply Co. MVP of the Year: Tim Christensen, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Counter Sales Representative of the Year: Mike Schenk, New Glarus, Wisconsin
• Driver of the Year: Don Vanderberg, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Regional Manager of the Year: Derek Goblirsch, Southern Minnesota
• Support Person of the Year: Kris Stelling, St. Cloud, Minnesota

The annual conference not only served as a platform to recognize outstanding individual achievements, but also reinforced the collaborative spirit that has fueled APH’s growth and continued success.