Prestolite Performance, a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of brands including Mr. Gasket, ACCEL, Lakewood and Mallory, recently broadened its sales team with the addition of Craig Stark as vice president of sales and Michael Grimes as director of retail sales. The company has also appointed Bob Bruegging the vice president of business development.
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“We are committed to long-term growth that exceeds the industry average and these recent developments will enable us to meet that expectation,” says Scott Fox, Prestolite Performance’s president. “With these new team members, we can increase our presence in the marketplace and expand our innovative product offerings for each brand in our portfolio.”
As head of the sales team, Stark brings more than three decades of aftermarket experience with his previous executive position at Corteco, which services specialty channel automatic transmission repair. He will be responsible for planning, implementing and driving sales with a short- and long-term strategic mindset.
“Prestolite Performance’s priority is to remain customer centric and market needs driven,” says Stark. “My goal is to focus on customer service through increased communication to distribution channels and more aggressive new product delivery.”
In addition to Stark’s extensive professional history, he is a true auto enthusiast.
“I am a motorsports fan to the bone,” says Stark. “Combine that with my new role here at Prestolite Performance and the unique opportunity to work with various people in the industry, it does not get any better than that!”
To further develop its leadership position in the performance aftermarket, Prestolite Performance has appointed Bruegging to vice president of business development. Bruegging has worked with the company’s brands including Mr. Gasket in several executive positions for more than 20 years.
A pillar in the automotive aftermarket community, Bruegging will be able to capitalize on his deep understanding of the industry and the company to create new business opportunities in this role. He will focus on finding new business ventures through distribution, acquisitions and partnerships.
“Prestolite Performance is committed to investing in the business,” says Bruegging. “More than ever, we are focused on expanding our business and elevating our brands – both domestically and internationally. As a result, we are looking to collaborate with smaller entrepreneurial companies with great ideas and products that could take advantage of Prestolite Performance’s extensive distribution capabilities.”
The auto parts manufacturer rounds out the sales team with Grimes as the new director of retail sales. With more than 20 years of automotive experience, Grimes will be working with Prestolite Performance’s retail accounts and continuing successful partnerships to exceed sales and productivity objectives.
Before joining the team, Grimes previously served as a director at Dorman Products as well as director for Tenneco Automotive. Now, he will focus on retail partners to provide a single point of contact.
“We are continually working to evolve as a company and as a market leader within the automotive performance aftermarket industry,” says Fox. “These new members will help move our sales efforts forward with a fresh perspective and provide new ways to drive business growth. It has been a great start to the year and this is an exciting time for the company.”
