The Aftermarket Guild is now very much in evidence! The Guild has built on an old tradition… the Automotive Fellowship Society that was started in the early 1960s.

At that time, two distinguished pioneers, firmly entrenched in the Automotive Aftermarket—Mr. Cliff Phillips and Mr. Bill Cowell successfully gathered some of the ‘senior statesmen’ of the industry together and all attended a dinner at the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec.

The purpose

This was done with a purpose of bringing together gentlemanly competitors from all over the industry for an evening of good fun and comradery. Even though they were competitors during the day, this evening would bring them all together in a friendly manner. The evening was for invited guests only and would include those associated with the original Jobber Organization (dating back to the 1930s)—the Canadian Automotive Wholesalers Association. For this event, a new name was announced—‘The Automotive Fellowship Society’ (AFS).

By the time 1964 had rolled around, the dinner event became known as the ‘Annual Reunion and Dinner of the Automotive Fellowship Society’. It happened at the same time as the AIA Annual Convention. Needing organization, a small committee formed in order to unite this annual evening and review applications from new candidates—only a few were admitted each year. As well, certain guidelines and rules were created—the committee formed would have no rules and regulations; deliberations, decisions and annual meetings were to be kept secret. No one outside the organization would have any knowledge of financial accounting—if there was any income, it would go toward ‘gastronomical delights and beverages’ at the annual reunion for the AFS Members. In addition, there were to be no rules, no dues, no By-Laws, no Board of Directors, no lofty aims, no guests! However, members did have to be employed by an Automotive company; advanced to a position of high authority with a minimum of 25 years of service.

The AFS has lived over the years because members have always been present at the annual reunions due to their friendship and fellowship and this lasted until 2018. Greg Stone told those gathered all about this and went on to say how happy he was about the new Aftermarket Guild. 

On Thursday, October 3, 2024, this estimable organization welcomed new members who had been invited. Also explained was the mission of the Guild—to recognize current and past leaders, Visionaries and Change Agents thus preserving the heritage of our industry by creating an industry ‘Hall of Fame’. 

The Mission—remembering past and current leaders

That evening the Hall of Fame recognized 11 recipients worthy of this recognition: Greg Stone; Don Hannah; Emmet Grant; George Clark; John Grant Senior; Fred Shaddick; John A. MacDonald; Tom Saxton; Don Chase; Ed Coates and John Vanstone. Each was presented with a beautiful plaque and sincerely applauded by attendees. A photo of each was shown and their background in the industry was presented as well. For those not personally in attendance, a relative or personal representative accepted the award in their place.

All in all, a wonderful evening with many poignant memories and much delight at seeing industry friends. The Aftermarket Guild Organizing Committee who brought us all together are to be highly commended: Ken Coulter; Bill Hay; Mike Fazackerly; Patty Kettles; Ray Osika; Scott Stone and Steve Gushie. Many thanks for all your hard work… it was certainly worth it! 

Be sure to go to the Aftermarket Guild’s website: aftermarketguild.ca. There you will see the photos of all the Hall of Fame inductees and read about their prowess in the automotive aftermarket industry. Many great memories there and much knowledge worthy of reading.