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Ron Pyle to be Next ASA PresidentPosted 7/10/2002
Board Names Industry Veteran to Lead Association
“The goal going into the search months ago was to find the absolute best candidate and bring that person to ASA. One person, Ron Pyle, clearly stood apart and enabled us to fulfill our goal,” Frohlich said. “I am excited that he has agreed to become a part of ASA. Those of us who have gotten to know Ron during this search process agree ASA will have outstanding leadership in the years ahead,” Frohlich said. Pyle will join the ASA national staff on July 25. On Nov. 1, he will assume the presidency from current ASA President Walter Trapp. “This is a tremendous honor for me,” Pyle said. “Having spent most of my adult life in the automotive industry, I have admired and supported ASA and its unwavering efforts in advancing independent automotive service. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to join ASA and help lead it and the industry into the future,” Pyle said. Frohlich said this is a critical time for not only the automotive industry and ASA, but also associations in general. Citing a June statement issued by the American Society of Association Executives, Frohlich said many associations are facing pressures to their operating environment. Fortunately, ASA is not grappling with the operating difficulties facing many associations. However, ASA and its members are not immune to the post-Sept. 11 economic downturn, Frohlich said. “This is a new era in our nation's history and it's a critical time for our industry. Changing realities face us every single day. “To prepare for these changes, ASA recently adopted a five-year strategic plan to map a course for every initiative we undertake. With his considerable industry experience, Ron is the person who's best prepared to navigate that course,” Frohlich said. Calling the strategic plan bold, Pyle said, “It challenges ASA's members, board and committees, affiliates and staff to move the association from a position of leadership to the position of leadership. That's a critical difference and it's one of the reasons why I am so excited about the opportunities awaiting me. “The chance to participate in creating a renewed, stronger ASA will undoubtedly prove to be the highlight of my career because tens of thousands of industry professionals and millions of motorists are the beneficiaries of the accomplishments ASA members achieve.” Most recently, Pyle served as distribution network president for California-based CarParts Technologies. Prior to that, Pyle worked for the National Pronto Association, from 1989 to 2000, joining that company as vice president of marketing and spending seven years as president and CEO. Additionally, Pyle has owned and operated successful parts distribution and retail companies, and also worked as a territory sales manager for Standard Motor Products. In 2000-2001 he served as the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) board chairman, and is currently serving as past chairman and treasurer. Pyle also served as chairman of the Automotive Service Industry Association (ASIA) in 1999-2000 and was instrumental in the formation of AAIA, which resulted from the merger of ASIA and the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association. Pyle is a member of the Northwood University Aftermarket Advisory Committee. “My path has crossed ASA's path several times during my career. Earlier this year, in my role with AAIA, I had the opportunity to help establish a special CARS [Congress of Automotive Repair and Service] Service Professionals Day at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. This and other opportunities have made it possible for me to meet and work with ASA staff, affiliates and members, so I know what an outstanding organization this is,” Pyle said. A graduate of the prestigious U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School, Pyle served aboard the USS Sargo, an early generation nuclear fast attack submarine. Walter Trapp announced in March his decision not to seek a renewal of his contract with ASA, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. At that time, to identify potential successors, the ASA board retained Chicago-based Tuft and Associates Inc., a firm specializing in association executive searches.
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Ron Pyle, a 30-year veteran of the automotive industry, has been selected by the Automotive Service Association board of directors to become the association's next president. In making the announcement, ASA Chairman Dan Frohlich said, “ASA conducted a national search and considered more than 100 individuals for this important position.
