SMP Receives APSG Vendor of the Year Award and Eric Sills Inducted into Hall of Fame

English

SMP Receives APSG Vendor of the Year Award and Eric Sills Inducted into Hall of Fame

April 10, 2023

On March 29, 2023, the Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) recognized its top vendor partners during a special awards ceremony held at The Group’s annual membership conference and expo in National Harbor, Maryland. Over 1,000 members, vendors, and associates of The Group attended the first combined meeting, which included Federated, The Pronto Network, and Alliance. During the event, SMP received The Group’s highest award, the Vendor of the Year Award. Additionally, SMP CEO Eric Sills was inducted into the Federated Hall of Fame.

Vendor of the Year Award

SMP is proud to be named The Group’s Vendor of the Year for the third consecutive year. Members of Federated Auto Parts and The Pronto Network cast votes to determine the top supplier in each category. This award is a true testament to the people of SMP, and our ability to consistently execute on the pillars of our value proposition.

“This was our first-ever meeting of the Federated Alliance and The Pronto Network and it was a very productive week of working together and setting our agenda for the next year,” said Larry Pavey, CEO of The Group. “At The Group, we value our relationships with all of our supplier partners, and we feel it’s crucial to acknowledge those who exceed expectations. We extend our congratulations to this year’s award winners and express our gratitude for their outstanding support and partnership.”

Speaking on the decision to award SMP the honor, Mike Mohler, Executive Vice President of the Automotive Parts Services Group, said, “In choosing, members must ask a few questions: Is there a vendor out there who has truly distinguished themselves – not only in the previously awarded categories, but in general? A vendor who has simultaneously worked with members to identify and lay hold of every-day opportunities that are manifested, despite the unprecedented challenges we face today? We say opportunity is bred from challenge. Times like these test the mettle of such statements. What about vision? Is there a vendor whose vision would include altruistic notions for the betterment of us all – pulling each other across the finish line? Yes, there is a vendor out there who is as indispensable as they are deserving...”

Federated Hall of Fame Induction

With his induction into the Federated Hall of Fame, Eric Sills and Larry Sills become the first ever father and son to be inducted. Eric is the third SMP employee to be inducted into the Federated Hall of Fame, joining his father, and SMP’s National Group Sales Director Bill Collins in the prestigious club.

During the induction, Bo Fisher said, “We’d fail without our vendors and now I’m honored to recognize one that I admire. Today’s recipient is a highly capable CEO, and in May, will become Chairman of the Board. His father will transition to Emeritus Director. During his 31 years, he’s served at increasing levels of responsibility including as VP of various divisions, and GM. He’s completed an advanced Harvard program, and holds an MBA from Columbia University. Like father, like son . . . Eric Sills.”