Newsroom

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is proud to announce the promotion of Joe Meyer to Vice President of Business Development. Meyer brings 35 years of experience in the heavy duty aftermarket and has been an integral part of the VIPAR Heavy Duty organization, serving as Program Manager since 2018.

 

Meyer has been responsible for leading strategic supplier relationships and developing high-value programs across VIPAR Heavy Duty and its family of companies. Known for his thoughtful, strategic approach and ability to connect supplier capabilities with distributor needs, Meyer has played a key role in advancing several of the organization’s largest and most successful programs.

 

“Joe is a terrific program manager who has built deep relationships across the industry,” said Larry Griffin, Vice President of Program Management. “He skillfully aligns supplier strengths with customer requirements, resolves challenges in a fair and professional manner, and represents VIPAR with integrity. While we’ll miss him in Program Management, I’m confident he’ll thrive as Vice President of Business Development.”

 

Meyer’s extensive career includes sales and sales management roles with Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Grote Industries, Borg Warner Automotive, and Chicago Rawhide (now SKF). His dual experience in sales and program management—along with a keen understanding of both supplier and distributor needs—positions him exceptionally well for his new role, where he will oversee the organization’s growth initiatives and partnerships across The Americas.

 

“Joe has spent his entire career in sales and strategy. He’s a planner, a thoughtful leader, and someone who never takes shortcuts,” said Chris Baer, President and CEO of VIPAR Heavy Duty. “He’s worked closely with each of our department heads, knows our business inside and out, and understands the pressures that both our distributors and suppliers face. Having someone with his knowledge, vision, and people skills on our leadership team is a real advantage.”

 

Meyer holds a degree from Southwest Missouri State University and will continue to be based out of his office in St. Louis, Missouri.

 

“I am truly blessed with this opportunity, and I look forward to working with my team, distributors, and suppliers to mutually grow the business as VIPAR Heavy Duty moves forward. The industry continues to change and evolve, and I look forward to the challenges that it will bring,” said Meyer.

VIPAR Heavy Duty congratulates Jim Pennig, who will retire from his role as Vice President of Business Development for the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies, effective June 30, 2025.

 

For nearly two decades, Pennig has served as a key member of the executive management and leadership teams, playing a pivotal role in the organization’s strategic growth and success. His tenure has been marked by major milestones, including significant expansion of both the VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty networks, the development and execution of the company’s expansion strategy in Mexico and Latin America, and the foundational work on its national accounts program.

 

Widely respected across the heavy duty aftermarket industry, Pennig is known for his calm and measured approach, relentless work ethic, and deep commitment to collaboration and results. His colleagues, distributor members, supplier partners, and peers regard him as a trusted leader who brings integrity and vision to every opportunity.

 

“Jim’s contributions to our organization and the industry are immeasurable,” said Chris Baer, President and CEO, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “His leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication have helped shape who we are today. We are incredibly grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

 

VIPAR Heavy Duty extends its sincere appreciation to Jim Pennig for his years of leadership and lasting impact on the organization and the heavy duty aftermarket.

 

Joe Meyer, Program Manager for the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies since 2018, will succeed Pennig as Vice President of Business Development. With 35 years of sales and business development experience in the heavy-duty aftermarket, Meyer is well-versed in the dynamics of the market, which will prove highly beneficial in driving value for distributors and managing relationships with supplier partners. Pennig and Meyer have spent significant time collaborating to ensure a successful transition.

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is proud to announce a new partnership with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), extending the foundation’s reach to the heavy duty aftermarket community to provide critical support to industry members and their immediate family during times of personal crisis.

 

Since 1959, AACF has helped individuals and families facing financial hardship due to unexpected adversity such as natural disasters, catastrophic medical conditions, life-changing accidents, and devastating fatalities. Through this new partnership, AACF’s support will now be available to individuals working in the heavy duty aftermarket and their immediate family members during the hardest moments of their lives. 

 

The process to apply for financial support is simple and can take as little as five to seven days. Once eligibility is established, an application is completed and sent to the AACF Recipient Committee for review. If approved, the funds can be sent to the recipient or directly to a business, such as hospitals, funeral homes, or landlords.

 

“We pride ourselves in our efficiency because we know that when people need help, time is not always on our side. We can help much faster than most employers and government programs and will do everything possible to expedite the process,” said John Kairys, Executive Director, AACF. 

 

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is honored to help promote the foundation's mission by raising awareness of these valuable resources, providing support through charitable giving efforts, and serving as a liaison within the heavy duty aftermarket. 

 

The AACF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With the exception of two full-time staff positions, AACF is run entirely by volunteers from the aftermarket industry. 

 

“Our partnership with AACF furthers our commitment to supporting the heavy duty aftermarket community—not only in business, but in life. It reflects the heart of this industry – a community that shows up for one another when it matters most. We encourage everyone in our network to spread the word about this important resource, and when able, support its mission to help those in need in our industry,” said Chris Baer, VIPAR Heavy Duty President and CEO. 

 

For more information, please visit https://hd.aftermarketcharity.org.

 

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies announced Tom Ruud has joined its team as Program Manager. Tom will be working in multiple capacities including Program Management, Global Parts Network (Product Distribution Center and Brake Related Product Management), and Business Systems. He will report to Larry Griffin, Vice President of Program Management.

Ruud brings 13 years of heavy-duty industry experience to the team, with a proven track record in product and program management, supply chain management, and production and warehouse operations. He previously served as Director of Supply Chain at Wheelco Truck & Trailer Parts and Service, which was acquired by FleetPride, Inc. last year. Most recently, he was Sr. Manager of FleetPride’s OE Operations. Over the course of his career in the heavy-duty aftermarket, he has gained valuable experience in product pricing and procurement, globally sourced products, rebate management, and ERP software implementation.

“We are excited to welcome Tom to the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies. His extensive industry experience brings valuable insight that will support our continued growth. In addition to his role as Program Manager, Tom will be involved in several strategic initiatives that are critical to our long-term success. Having team members on board who understand the complexities of the supply chain and today’s evolving business systems is essential, and Tom’s previous experience positions him well to help navigate those efforts. We look forward to his contributions to the success of the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies for many years to come,” said Griffin.

 

Ruud will be based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

 

“What I’ve always loved about the heavy-duty industry is that, while it’s large and complex, it still feels like a small, tight-knit community. It’s a relationship-driven business, full of good, reliable, hardworking people. When I first entered the industry 13 years ago I was amazed at how quickly things were evolving, especially in areas like marketing, supply chain, and technology. I’ve seen firsthand how this industry has not only caught up, but in many ways, has surged ahead,” said Ruud.

 

“As for VIPAR Heavy Duty, I’ve known the organization and its leadership for many years, and the decision to join their team was easy. It’s the culture that drew me in—VIPAR Heavy Duty is a well-run organization that genuinely cares about its people and its role in the industry. Surrounding yourself with good people makes all the difference.”

 

RBR Truck Parts, with three locations in Texas, recently joined Power Heavy Duty. Founded in 2018, RBR Truck Parts LLC is a heavy-duty parts distributor serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

With three locations across the region, RBR provides aftermarket parts for all truck makes and models. They cater to owner-operators, local fleets, service centers, and municipal accounts, offering high-quality products to keep their customers’ vehicles running efficiently.

The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, home to 8.5 million people across 200+ cities, is a major hub for the trucking industry. RBR’s Hutchins, Texas, location is strategically positioned near Interstate 45, just 250 miles north of Houston, one of the nation’s largest ports. Additionally, they have locations near a large rail/container yard and major warehouse operations to serve the region’s trucking needs.

RBR proudly serves a diverse customer base in North Central Texas. They understand the needs of the community – delivering reliable truck parts at competitive prices with customer service that prioritizes trust and expertise. They stock a wide selection of aftermarket truck parts, including engine components, suspension parts, brake systems, wheels and tires, filters, fluids, accessories, and more. Their Texas locations include a 14,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse in Hutchins, supported by a 5,000-square-foot facility in Duncanville and a 7,000-square-foot branch in Fort Worth. Their team is led by owner Rony Santos and general manager Cesar Perez.

“RBR Truck Parts is a well-established business known for honesty, integrity, and their strong ties in the community. They are dedicated to growing their business with quality parts from Power Heavy Duty’s network of supplier partners, and we look forward to supporting them with great programs and true group value,” said Jim Pennig, Vice President of Business Development, VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies.

 

Founded in 2018, RBR Truck Parts proudly serves customers from three locations in North Central Texas. 

Power Heavy Duty is pleased to announce that NorthWest Bearing & Industrial Supply, with two locations in Oklahoma, has joined its network.

NorthWest Bearing & Industrial Supply is a locally owned and operated industrial supply store that has been serving the gas compression, agricultural, and farming industries in Western Oklahoma since 1991. With a commitment to excellence and a customer-focused approach, NorthWest Bearing has established itself as a trusted provider of industrial bearings, filters, and hydraulic components. The company is owned by Bob and Denise Mitchell.

The company operates two locations in Oklahoma: a 15,000-square-foot facility in Woodward and a 2,400-square-foot branch in El Reno. A dedicated staff of 20 professionals serve across various roles, including counter sales, outside sales, purchasing, warehouse shipping/receiving, accounting, and delivery — many of whom are certified in hydraulics and have extensive knowledge of mechanical components for industrial equipment. Their expertise ensures that customers receive the right solutions for their equipment needs. NorthWest Bearing maintains a fleet of four delivery vans and four trucks to get parts to their customers quickly and efficiently.

"NorthWest Bearing has built a reputation for excellence by delivering top-quality products and unmatched expertise to the industries that keep Western Oklahoma running. Their commitment to customer service and deep knowledge of industrial components make them a trusted partner for businesses that depend on reliable solutions. They are well-positioned for continued growth, and we look forward to supporting their success as part of our expanding network,” said Jim Pennig, Vice President of Business Development, VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies. 

For more information about Northwest Bearing & Industrial Supply, please visit www.northwestbearing.com.

 

NorthWest Bearing & Industrial Supply's main location is this 15,000-square-foot facility in Woodward, Oklahoma. They also operate a 2,400-square-foot branch in El Reno.

 

In honor of the 114th International Women's Day on March 8, VIPAR Heavy Duty recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions women make to the trucking industry. While trucking has historically been male-dominated, women are increasingly taking on diverse roles, from drivers to executives, and shaping the industry's future.

 

According to The Women in Trucking Association’s 2024-2025 Index report, women make up 9.5% of all professional drivers. The survey also found that in leadership roles, approximately 28% in C-Suite/executive positions are women, and 34.5% are in supervisory leadership roles.

 

VIPAR Heavy Duty values this global movement recognizing the contributions of women, having first-hand knowledge of the impact women make within its own organization and the heavy duty truck parts aftermarket. Fifty-one percent of VIPAR Heavy Duty’s staff is women, five of whom serve in supervisory leadership roles. 

 

When VIPAR Heavy Duty President & CEO Chris Baer took on the top leadership position in 2017, he introduced a management structure consisting of new leadership roles to help the organization achieve its aggressive growth goals.

 

“We flattened out the leadership team and distributed responsibility. That action created opportunities for a new group of leaders to step into key roles, where they continue to drive success. To achieve success with efficiency, accountability, and integrity, it’s important to put a variety of voices at the table. The more experiences and perspectives you include in the conversation, the more well-rounded your solutions will be. Within our organization, women contribute to all areas including finance, technology, marketing, and sales, and our business is thriving due to their contributions,” said Baer. 

 

To promote the inclusion of women in the heavy duty workforce and the path they forged to get there, the women of VIPAR Heavy Duty were asked who influenced, mentored, or inspired them. Read on for their meaningful responses:

 

 

For more information on VIPAR Heavy Duty, visit www.vipar.com or email info@vipar.com.

For more information on Power Heavy Duty, visit www.powerheavyduty.net or email info@powerheavyduty.net. 

Connect via social media on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Two newly elected members of the VIPAR Heavy Duty Board of Directors will attend the first meeting of 2025 next week in Monterrey, Mexico. Ryan Bugai, President of Northwest Drive Train, and Adam Sadler, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Sadler Power Train, accepted nominations to a four-year term last October.

 

A strategic list of goals and initiatives awaits their input as VIPAR Heavy Duty advances plans for Latin American expansion, technological innovations, a new training platform, and growth in the distributor and supplier program channels for 2025.

 

Chris Baer, VIPAR Heavy Duty President & CEO, said the Board took a new approach to identifying candidates. “We started by identifying areas in which we felt we needed to add strength to the bench and concluded that technology would be our major focus. Ryan and Adam are both proven in the market as next generation leaders. Their input and perspective will be important as we continue to develop new applications and enhance existing technologies,” he said. 

 

Ryan Bugai serves as President of Northwest Drive Train, a comprehensive provider of heavy duty truck and trailer parts in the greater Houston area. Established in 1993, the company is a third generation, family-owned business operating five parts and service locations across Texas. Northwest Drive Train is recognized as a leader in truck-mounted hydraulic systems and telematics installation.

 

Ryan joined the company in 2019 in a sales and marketing role and was promoted to President in 2023, succeeding his father, Tony. Northwest Drive Train has been a VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholder since 2004. Ryan was honored as one of the 2024 “GenNext 4 Under 40” Award winners by the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN) and currently serves as co-chair of CVSN’s Education Pillar Community.

 

Adam Sadler is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Sadler Power Train. The business was originally established as the Sadler Machine Co. in 1956 by Roy and Myrna Sadler. Sadler Power Train followed in 1974 and was started by brothers Steve and John Sadler. Starting out providing driveline, differential and transmission parts to its customers, Sadler Power Train has grown to provide parts for suspensions, brakes, power take-offs, hydraulics, clutches, electrical systems and much more. 

 

Today, Sadler Power Train is led by John Sadler and his sons Nate and Adam. Adam began his career with the company in 2008 as a warehouse assistant and made brake shoes. In 2011 he became Director of E-commerce and in 2018 Adam became the VP of Sales & Marketing. Sadler Power Train has been a VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholder since 1996.

 

"I am genuinely excited to bring Ryan and Adam onto the board. These two were identified by the entire board as forward-thinking individuals. They serve as good additions to the leadership body of our organization," added Bill Nolan, VIPAR Heavy Duty Chairman of the Board and President of PBS Truck Parts. 

 

 

For more information on VIPAR Heavy Duty, visit www.vipar.com or email: info@vipar.com.

For more information on Power Heavy Duty, visit www.powerheavyduty.net or email: info@powerheavyduty.net. 

Connect via social media on LinkedIn and Facebook.

 

Power Heavy Duty welcomed 12 new members in 2024, which in turn added 13 new points of sale to their U.S. roster.

 

"Our commitment is not just to grow in numbers but to grow in quality and purpose, ensuring each new member and acquisition strengthens our collective impact and meets the need of parts and service customers nationwide," said Jim Pennig, Vice President of Business Development. His comment was shared at the group’s annual IMPACT Conference, held recently in Marco Island, Fla. Power Heavy Duty was also recognized for reaching its 30th Anniversary. The following companies were welcomed into the network this year:

 

3rd East Auto Parts

Chad Orme

Roosevelt, UT

3rd East sells automotive parts, heavy duty parts, and products for the local agriculture, mining, and off-road business. It was founded in 1979 and serves a rural area with a large trucking community and operates a heavy duty repair facility to service agricultural and mining fleets.

 

Caledonia Diesel LLC

Paul Raymond, John Raymond, and Gary Raymond

Caledonia, N.Y.

Caledonia Diesel serves western New York’s agricultural community, building and roadway contractors, towns and municipalities, trucking companies, and export customers. Caledonia operates a 22-bay repair facility, offers an extensive inventory of new and used parts, and sells trucks, farm equipment, and generator power systems.

 

Freedom Heavy Duty LLC

James and Janice Goldberg

White Oak, Texas

Freedom Heavy Duty was founded in 2014. They operate a 15,000 square foot warehouse and showroom, with additional space for brake drums, shoes, springs and landing gear, and more. They serve local fleets, service centers, owner/operators and the construction, agriculture, timber, and oil field industries.

 

The Heitman Co., Inc.

Landy Dickey and Brent Dickey

Houston, Texas

The Heitman Co., Inc. was founded in 1924 and serves the industrial brake industry in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma. They provide brake linings, suspension, and friction materials for the heavy duty parts and heavy industrial markets including crane, off road equipment, tractors, marine and logging equipment, and onshore and offshore oil field equipment.

 

Henry’s Truck Parts

Urszula Czynczyk and Greg Czynczyk

Elgin, Ill.

Henry’s is a family-owned business that serves the Chicagoland area with truck parts and accessories. Their selection of tens of thousands of parts and components, from semi-truck batteries to brake line fittings and truck air brakes to air springs, can be acquired in person, online, or through convenient shipping.

 

John’s Spring and Suspension LLC

Michael Colyer

Reno, Nev.

John’s Spring and Suspension has been serving northern Nevada since 1978. They specialize in leaf spring suspension repair and replacement, suspension, and brake and driveline service along with light manufacturing of U-Bolts and retainer clips. They service light, medium, and heavy duty markets from both independent operators and local fleets.

 

Philadelphia Truck Parts

Sergio Srdan Krstic

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia Truck Parts operates a 21,000 square foot facility with showroom and warehouse and an e-commerce site currently under development. Their customer base includes fleets, municipalities, highway departments, machine shops and construction.

 

Powertrain Plus Truck Parts & Service

Mert Kahyaoglu, John Ferry

Cinnaminson, N.J.

Powertrain Plus Truck Parts & Service formed last year when Kahyaoglu and Ferry merged their businesses to establish a distributorship and service facility. They provide parts and service around transmissions, differentials, driveline/drive shaft, flywheel turning, and DPF cleaning. They serve independent repair shops, waste, dump, line haul, and construction fleets.

 

Ron’s Repair Inc.

Ronald Prins

Worthington, Minn.

Founded in 1990, Ron’s Repair grew from Prins’s personal property to today’s 22-shop bays and 15,000-square-foot parts room. Their main focus is service on semis, trailers, buses, and reefer units.

 

TIFCO Industries

Bob Brown and Chris Brown

Cypress, Texas

Founded in 1961, TIFCO Industries is a single source, stocking distributor of over 45,000 quality, maintenance and repair operation (MRO) products for all types of industrial, fleet, and heavy duty equipment. TIFCO maintains two strategically located distribution centers in Houston and Reno.

 

Trailines Enterprises

Craig Sumeral and Todd Sumeral

West Chester and Columbus, Ohio

Trailines is family-owned and operated and began in 1981. From a single mobile truck, it has expanded to 28 bays for truck and trailer repairs, maintenance, painting, decal installation and removal, new and used trailer sales, and local cartage service in the greater Cincinnati area

 

Westman Company Inc.

Gerald Westman

Amherst, Wis.

Under the name Diesel Machine Service, Inc. they sell overhaul-kits, fuel injectors, turbos, and many other parts. They also overhaul and re-machine various truck and agricultural/construction engine components with services including machining and engine component repair.

 

For more information on Power Heavy Duty, contact info@powerheavyduty.net, or visit www.powerheavyduty.net. Connect with us via social media on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Power Heavy Duty has launched a new public-facing website and corresponding private portal that provides significant user experience updates. The new site incorporates a sleek, modern, mobile-responsive design with expanded functionality to offer users improved navigation, streamlined information, and an enhanced online experience. 

 

"With the launch of our redesigned website and private portal, we’re delivering a streamlined, intuitive experience that empowers users to access the information they need more efficiently than ever before," said Jeff Paul, vice president of marketing at VIPAR Heavy Duty. "Our investments in solutions like the new Power Heavy Duty website underscore our commitment to providing the best possible tools and resources to support business success."

 

The Power Heavy Duty public website, www.powerheavyduty.net, is geared toward those interested in learning more about the organization. An interactive “Find a Distributor” tool enables fleets and owner operators to easily find their local Power Heavy Duty parts and service specialist from more than 225 locations across the United States. Visitors can also view the portfolio of premium brands available through the network’s supplier partners, as well as news releases, industry event listings, and direct links to its social media platforms.

 

The Power Heavy Duty private portal hosts the most impactful upgrades for its distributors providing a customizable dashboard for easy navigation to frequently referenced information, enhanced search and filter functionality, and dynamic tools to help them find the right products and supplier programs to support their business and best serve their end-user customers. 

 

For more information on Power Heavy Duty, contact info@powerheavyduty.net. Connect via social media on LinkedIn and Facebook.