Talk from the Top
MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers continues its long-standing tradition of delivering unfiltered insights through its highly anticipated Talk from the Top series, bringing supplier members closer to the real priorities, challenges and expectations shaping today's aftermarket.
Kicking off 2026, the Commercial Vehicle Talk from the Top took center stage at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue (HDAD '26), where Shannon O'Brien shared candid perspectives gathered from one-on-one conversations with heavy duty aftermarket leaders. The session painted a realistic picture of the market, highlighting solid 2025 performance paired with a cautious outlook for 2026 amid ongoing freight uncertainty. Leaders discussed major industry shifts, including the impact of the FleetPride-TruckPro merger, the continued rise of private label and evolving brand loyalty.
The conversation also addressed pressing challenges such as tariff-driven pricing volatility and increasing expectations placed on suppliers. At the same time, it spotlighted opportunities, calling attention to the importance of supplier consistency, high-quality data and strong customer support. Notably, suppliers excelling in training and technical assistance were recognized as setting the benchmark for the industry.
Building on this momentum, O'Brien will host a follow-up webinar on April 13, offering a deeper dive into the trends shaping the road ahead. This expanded session will explore the growing role of AI in the aftermarket—covering both its potential and its challenges—along with practical applications that can drive efficiency today. Attendees can also expect insights into workforce evolution, the expectations of emerging talent and actionable "quick wins" to strengthen supplier-customer relationships.
On the automotive side, we are proud to continue our nearly 15-year tradition of Talk from the Top at the 2026 Vision Conference, where Ben Brucato will join me to present candid feedback from top automotive aftermarket customers. Suppliers will get a clear view of what they're doing well—and where improvement is needed.
Key themes will include supply chain dynamics, pricing pressures, tariffs, private label vs. branded products and the growing influence of technology. Leaders have also emphasized shifting expectations around availability, data accuracy and ease of doing business, while recognizing suppliers that are raising the bar in training, technical support and overall engagement.
Together, these Talk from the Top experiences offer MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers members invaluable, real-world insight to help navigate uncertainty, strengthen partnerships and position their businesses for success in a rapidly evolving marketplace.