Zara Wishloff, aftermarket veteran and long-time executive with APD Automotive Parts Distributors has acquired the Western Canada based distributor in a share purchase transaction.

“I joined APD almost 11 years ago with ownership possibility as the key reason,” says Wishloff.

“Business ownership has been a goal since I started in the aftermarket sweeping floors and picking parts for UAP right out of high school.”

APD operates branches in Edmonton, Calgary, and Lloydminster, Alta., and Saskatoon, Sask.

It also operates a dedicated Training Division and sponsors more than two dozen awards recognizing technicians and parts professionals.

Wishloff says that the share purchase nature of the acquisition means there will be few changes in the operation.

“APD will continue to be the Canadian Distributor for FLO-PRO products to complement our wholesale offering.  We have also made arrangements to share the FloPro head office with our administrative duties. With that, there will be minimal disruptions.”

Wishloff thanked former owners and founder Don and Kim Schumacher for their perseverance and growth mindset and also announced that trusted team member Rob Newlove will be staying on to aid in a transition.

“Rod Newlove has been a big part of APD. He has been a mentor and friend and has helped me immensely towards my goal of being in a position to acquire the company that Schumacher’s had built,” says Wishloff.

“Rod is a consummate professional and is staying on with APD  as VP Special Projects.  This role will have reduced hours, as Rod is dipping his toe in the retirement waters.”

It was also announced that Derek Drews is joining APD. For the past 14 years Derek has held various management positions with Nvent Electrical, most recently directing industrial electrical operational activities in the Fort McMurray region of Alberta.

Prior to Nvent, Derek spent 18 years in sales and management positions within the automotive aftermarket, beginning with Norwest / Fort Ignition, Warehouse Services, Gabriel Aftermarket, Dana Corporation and NAPA/Traction in Fort McMurray. 

Derek holds a Red Seal Journeyperson Parts Technician trade certificate, a Blue Seal Business Fundamental trade designation, NAIT Business Administration Diploma, and an SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) designation.

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