Compiled by Jason Catullo
LINE-X Protective Coatings Purchases American Aftermarket Group
LINE-X Protective Coatings announced the purchase of leading automotive aftermarket supplier, American Aftermarket Group (AAG). According to a recent release, the partnership will allow LINE-X franchise locations to offer consumers a more personalized and complete truck-accessory customization experience through AAG’s accessories product fulfillment portal. LINE-X purchased AAG with support from Graham Partners. LINE-X has been one of Graham Partners’ portfolio companies for the past eight years. More information regarding the LINE-X Franchise Network integration with the AAG system will be announced in the coming months.
 Betts Company announced that it hired Bob Herold as vice president of sales. | |
Betts Company Hires Bob Herold as VP of Sales
Betts Company announced that it hired Bob Herold as vice president of sales. He is responsible for all sales activities at Betts Company’s two manufacturing divisions—BettsHD and Betts Spring Manufacturing. Prior to joining Betts, Herold was most recently the vice president of product development and sales for off-road equipment manufacturer Trail-Gear Inc. Prior to that assignment he was senior director of field services for 3VR Security Inc. and spent 15 years at Pelco Manufacturing in a variety of roles.
"Bob contributes an extensive background in sales and engineering to our team," said Bill Betts, vice president, Betts Company. "His commitment to customer centric support and passion for innovation will drive future growth for Betts Company in targeted transportation and industrial markets."
B.R.A.K.E.S. Offers Safe-Driving Course for Teens
The non-profit organization B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe), founded by former NHRA and IHRA Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert, is heading to historic Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia, August 17–18, to conduct its Teen Pro-Active Driving School for young motorists age 15–19. The NHRA, owners of Atlanta Dragway, have provided the racing facility to B.R.A.K.E.S. for the upcoming course, while Kia Motors has shown its support for this life-saving program by providing the vehicles used during the sessions. “The continued support from Kia and the NHRA has been incredible,” says Herbert. “We are looking forward to giving Georgia teens the B.R.A.K.E.S. behind-the-wheel training that will keep them safer on the roads and give them the valuable information they need to make better decisions behind the steering wheel of a car.” Registration for the Atlanta school is available by contacting Martha Walker (martha.walker@putonthebrakes.com) or Lisa Bickford (lisa@putonthebrakes.com) at B.R.A.K.E.S. or 704-720-3806. The deadline to register is August 16.
 Ernst & Young named MagnaFlow Founder and CEO Jerry Paolone the 2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. |
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MagnaFlow's Jerry Paolone Honored by Ernst & Young LLP
Ernst & Young LLP recently named MagnaFlow Founder and CEO Jerry Paolone the 2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Paolone moved from Italy to the United States more than 30 years ago and built Car Sound Exhaust Systems Inc., now MagnaFlow, from the ground up. The award finalists and winners were selected by an independent panel of judges and honored at a gala event at the St. Regis Resort in Laguna Niguel, California, in June.
MGP Signs Licensing Agreement With Mopar
MGP LLC has signed license agreement with Mopar to launch and distribute officially licensed Mopar-, Dodge-, Chrysler-, and Jeep-branded caliper covers. Some of the official logos available include: Mopar, Hemi, Challenger, Charger, Chrysler, 300, Crossfire, R/T, Dodge, Ram, Jeep and Wrangler. With the latest agreement, MGP Caliper Covers’ list of official licenses now includes Ford, GM, Mopar, Chrysler, Jeep and Shelby American.
 Workshop Hero selected Frank Fritz of History's hit TV series "American Pickers" to serve as its spokesman. | |
"American Pickers" Frank Fritz Named Workshop Hero Spokesman
Workshop Hero has teamed up with Frank Fritz from History's hit TV series "American Pickers" to serve as its spokesman. Fritz, a picker by trade, sees the damage and loss that results from rust and corrosion first-hand, making him an ideal spokesman to promote Workshop Hero rust-removal and rust-preventative products. Fritz became a fan of the Workshop Hero Metal Rescue and Dry Coat after using the products in his own workshop.
"My Classic Car" Moves to MAVTV and Velocity
"My Classic Car," a weekly television show that captures America's love affair with the automobile, has new network homes. In August, "My Classic Car" will air on MAVTV five times a week—Sunday, 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (EDT), Thursday, 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (EDT), Saturday 12:00 p.m. (EDT). Starting January 2014, the show will also air on Velocity (a Discovery network), Sunday, 9:30 a.m. (EDT) and Saturday, 6:30 a.m. (EDT).
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