AAPEX 2026

​Only AAPEX has the trusted training, products, and insights to help you stay ahead today and prepare for tomorrow, all while you connect with the entire industry under one roof. There’s truly something for everyone in the aftermarket here — from independent repair shops to wholesalers/distributors, program groups, and service chains.

AAPEX unites the entire automotive aftermarket supply chain, delivering unparalleled access to the industry’s key people, parts, and professional training in one place. If you’re in the business of keeping cars running, make it your business to attend AAPEX.

Our Institute Speaker Line Up:

Turn Reviews into Raving Fans: Win the Google Game (Even with 1-Stars!)

By Jimmy Lea

AAPEX STAGES

If Google is the new word of mouth, your reviews are shouting your story to the world—good and bad. In this high-energy session, Jimmy Lea shows you how to turn casual reviewers into raving, referring superfans and weaponizing your Google profile for growth.

You’ll discover why you need every flavor of review—1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 stars—to look real, trustworthy, and irresistible. Then we’ll dive into exactly how to answer glowing praise, painful truths, and the dreaded “Mayor of Crazy Town” without losing your cool or your customers.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the three phases of removing toxic or fake reviews—and what to document, save, and screenshot so Google actually listens. Walk out with a plug-and-play review playbook you can hand to your team and start cashing in on tomorrow.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Make Every Star Work for You: Turn 1–5 star reviews into proof, personality, and powerful social proof that converts skeptical shoppers into buyers.

2. Steal Jimmy’s Response Scripts: Copy and customize battle-tested replies for 5-star love, fair criticism, and unhinged 1-stars from the “Mayor of Crazy Town.”

3. Use the 3-Phase Review Removal Plan: Follow a simple, repeatable process to flag, escalate, and remove fake or policy-breaking reviews.

4. Build Your “Review Intelligence” Vault: Learn how and why to archive reviews, profiles, and patterns so you can improve training, systems, and marketing.

5. Turn Happy Customers into a Hype Squad: Install easy, no-pressure habits that get more Google reviews, more often—so your next new customer feels like they already know you.

Chaos to Control: Develop and Implementing SOP's

By Kent Bullard

Take control of your business by mastering the tools and strategies to build a resilient, high-functioning organization. In this dynamic workshop, we’ll guide you through the process of creating and implementing effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that foster a culture of excellence, readiness for change, and streamlined operations. Learn how to develop processes that not only align your team but also adapt to evolving challenges, ensuring long-term growth and success. Gain practical insights into managing teams, driving accountability, and embedding structure into your organization for sustainable performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Build a culture of accountability and adaptability.

• Craft and implement SOPs that drive clarity and consistency.

• Manage team dynamics for seamless process adoption.

• Ensure your business is prepared to thrive amidst change and uncertainty.

Ideal for business owners, managers, and team leaders ready to transform their operations from chaos to control.

Building Your Dream Team: Attract, Hire & Lead for Long-Term Success

By Cecil Bullard

Success in your shop depends on one thing above all: people. Whether you're an Owner, GM, or Service Advisor, building and leading a strong team is no longer optional—it's mission-critical. Join Cecil Bullard in this high-impact workshop that delivers actionable strategies to help you find, hire, train, and lead top-tier teammates who drive results and elevate your shop’s culture.

This class tackles today’s biggest hiring challenges head-on: where to find the right talent, how to interview with purpose, and what it takes to keep team members engaged, accountable, and invested in your business. You’ll learn the step-by-step blueprint for turning new hires into loyal, high-performing contributors—and how to become the kind of leader that brings out their best.

What You’ll Learn:

Module 1: Attracting, Hiring & Training the Right People

• Why good hires turn into poor performers—and how to prevent it

• How to define your “ideal candidate” for long-term fit and cultural alignment

• Proven interview strategies that inspire and reveal true potential

• The 8 essential steps to consistently attract quality candidates

• Writing job descriptions that actually work

• Mentorship models that build trust, confidence, and growth

• Training frameworks that drive consistency and excellence

• Setting clear expectations from day one

  
  

Module 2: Leading and Managing for Success

• The 3 critical elements of team inspiration

• Traits of high-impact leaders (and how to develop them)

• Crafting a vision and mission your team can rally behind

• Setting and achieving business-aligned goals

• Effective team and one-on-one meeting structures

• Techniques to motivate and retain talent

  
  

Module 3: Becoming an Inspiring Leader

• The 6 stages of leadership development

• The 4 phases of building trust with your team

• How to cultivate high-performance teams that thrive

• 10 advanced strategies to improve communication and connection

• Conflict resolution that builds self-esteem and strengthens teams

• Leadership habits that shift blame to growth and accountability

  
  

Key Takeaways:

Participants will leave this class equipped with the mindset, tools, and practical systems needed to:

• Hire smarter and build a rockstar team that drives business growth

• Lead with clarity, empathy, and influence

• Create a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent

• Mentor effectively to elevate new hires into future leaders

• Reduce turnover, increase engagement, and boost overall shop performance

  
  

This class is perfect for shop owners who want more peace of mind, GMs aiming for operational excellence, and Advisors ready to lead and grow. Build your dream team—and become the leader your business needs.

From Successful Shop to Enduring Enterprise - The Legacy Builder's Powerful Journey

By Michael Smith

Success is no longer the finish line. Across our industry, a new generation of leaders is emerging – building companies that perform, grow and leave a lasting impact on teams, customers and communities.

This session presents a comprehensive Legacy Building framework, detailing how leadership development, high-performance brand & culture, investment-level value creation, and strategic company growth align into a powerful pathway toward becoming a Top-1% company.

Who This Session Is For

• Owners seeking long-term strategic direction

• Next-generation successors

• High performers ready for deeper impact

• Conference attendees exploring “what’s next”

  
  

What You’ll Walk Away With

• A roadmap for evolving from operator to Legacy Builder

• Insight into the four crucial Legacy Program pillars

• A framework for aligning purpose, culture, strategy and performance

• New perspectives on long-term industry influence

  
  

Why This Session Is Different

Instead of isolated tactics, this session provides a comprehensive strategic blueprint for sustained excellence.