The Panel:
Trevor Martin began his career in the Automotive Aftermarket 37 years ago. Trevor is the President of Vaca Valley Auto Parts, a family owned company that has been in business since 1974. During his time at Vaca Valley, he has worked in every position from stocking shelf’s, delivery driver, counter, outside sales and now President.
Trevor currently serves on the Federated Board of Governors, Federated C0-MAN council, Solano Community College Automotive Advisory Board, and is a past AWDA Board of Governor.
Trevor is married to Paula and has three children, Jenna, Zoe, and Zane. When he is not participating in his children’s sports and activities, he enjoys water skiing, snow skiing and being with friends.
Bradley J. Hartline was born and raised in Boyertown, PA where he attended school graduating from Boyertown Area Senior High School in 1978. He subsequently attended Ursinus College (Collegeville, PA) graduating in 1982 with a bachelors degree in Economics and Business Administration with a minor in Psychology.
Immediately following graduation Brad went to work for Big A Auto Parts – at the time the second largest auto parts distributor in the country. He began as a management trainee for his first year of employment. During that year he learned the basics of operating a parts store and began honing his managerial skills. In 1983, he assumed the responsibility of managing a store in Gilbertsville, PA. Operating a store forged the foundation of his future in the auto parts industry. Two years later he was promoted to operations manager for Big A Auto Parts’ Pennsylvania store chain. In that position, he developed a “big picture” view of operating businesses. In 1986 he transferred to the distribution center side of the business (APS – Big A Auto Parts’ corporate identity) where he spent 18 months in sales as an Account Executive. The job entailed selling to and working with privately owned Big A stores. This gave him additional exposure to how small businesses operated versus a corporate environment. Again, this would lend itself towards what was yet to come in his career. In 1988 Brad was appointed Assistant General Manager of the Pennsylvania store chain returning to his roots. After two years in that position, he became the General Manager, a position he held until he left Big A in 1997. As General Manager he had full responsibility for as many as 20 stores during his term. The experience was invaluable.
Upon leaving Big A (they were on the brink of bankruptcy and ultimate liquidation) he joined Parts America – a Sears company and division of Western Auto. Brad was hired with the intent of becoming a Territory Manager (same as a General Manager with Big A), but a twist of fate would guide me to my first store ownership. Less than a year after beginning with Parts America (acting as a recruiter in the HR
