Three industry veterans have been appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers' Advisory Council. They are: Russell Kruse of Wells Vehicle Electronics, Ryan Maas of ENEOS and Dave Stewart of Dorman Products. During the appointment process, Michael Rukov, Chair of the Board of Directors, commented: “As the MAC continues to grow, we are pleased to have these three individuals join our leadership team and contribute to our discussions of current and future industry issues”. “We look forward to their participation and contributions which will assist the Association in achieving its goals as an effective and valuable automotive aftermarket industry organization”, continued Rukov.

Russell Kruse is presently a Regional Sales Manager for Wells Vehicle Electronics (WVE) headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He currently manages traditional accounts in the Western US and supports eCommerce business with WVE. Mr. Kruse’s career has spanned over twenty-five years in the areas of dealership and private sector service and repair of automobiles, light-duty diesels, research and development of high-performance vehicles and braking systems, hybrid electric vehicles, and business management and development. He proudly joined WVE in 2021 after a successful 4 years with GM ACDelco’s National Accounts Division. His diverse background of experience with companies like Ford, GM, Carquest, and WVE, helps provide a vast knowledge base to draw from in support of today’s business challenges and new technologies in our industry. He has maintained an ASE Master Technician Certification, GM ACDelco Technical Certificates for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Propulsion, Advanced Drivability Diagnostics and Repair, and many other automotive and business-related certificates in support of his career.

Ryan Maas began his journey within the automotive industry at an early age. Pulling weeds and sweeping parking lots for his family’s automotive repair business in 1982. He later was hired as a general service technician advancing to assistant management within the first six months. Growing within the industry, three years later, he was managing his first Goodyear Automotive Service Center. Working a seven day a week operation, his focus grew towards management at a greater level. Within five years Mr. Maas was overseeing six locations while managing over 120 employees ranging from general service technicians to store managers. His career with Goodyear ended in 2012 when he transitioned into the automotive chemical industry. After two years of successfully managing the Northern California territory, he then transitioned to the oil industry. He spent the next ten years successfully supporting the TOTAL brand in Northern and Southern California. In support of change and after 10 years of oil education/experience, he found his new home at ENEOS USA. He feels fortunate to be welcomed by such an upstanding and family oriented Company with core values supporting a “one team” focus. Mr. Maas currently resides in Northern California with his wife Jamie and two beautiful children: Mason, age 14 and Ava, age 8. He is very active in the school and sports lives of both children, coaching and volunteering and will continue to work at playing a major role and a positive influence in both their lives.

Dave Stewart is a sales leader for Dorman Products, managing the Company’s traditional business across the US. He joined Dorman in 2018 as a national chassis sales manager, which quickly lead into growth and promotion to overseeing all aspects of the business. His leadership role with Dorman Products has him leading a team across the US that is responsible for customers' success and growth in the marketplace. Mr. Stewart’s role gives him the privilege of not only training and developing a team, but also working closely with customers throughout the US in supporting them with their success and growth with market share expansion and product knowledge. He has been in the automotive industry for 31 years of which 25 years was spent with CSK and O’Reilly. From there he expanded his knowledge and experience by joining the manufacturers side of the business, allowing him to work with multiple buying groups and customers at all levels. Some of his biggest work accomplishments throughout the years have been watching the growth and development of his team as they have moved up in the Company structure. Every relationship he built with his team or a customer has more than a business relationship, i.e., each relationship is unique and meaningful to him. Mr. Stewart’s passions truly evolve around his word, his integrity and building successful relationships. He has two beautiful daughters and a wife of 25 years that he has “always made my #1 priority”. His other passion is fitness, having a college degree in nutrition and fitness.