Step behind the curtain of the automotive aftermarket and discover the passionate community that powers the digital backbone of the parts industry. In this revealing episode, Jacki Lutz sits down with leaders and rising stars from the Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN) at AutoCare's Connect Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
These are the data specialists and content professionals who transform complex vehicle information into the standardized formats that make modern parts lookup and e-commerce possible. As one guest candidly shares, "The product isn't the product anymore. The product is the data about the product." It's a profound insight that underscores how critical these often-overlooked professionals are to the industry's success.
You'll hear from content veterans with decades of experience alongside newcomers just discovering this specialized field. They discuss the dramatic evolution from paper catalogs to AI-assisted content creation, the challenges of international data standardization, and the unique camaraderie that defines the ACPN community. Despite working for competing companies, members describe finding "colleagues and friends" at industry events, a refreshing perspective in today's business world.
The episode also spotlights innovative initiatives like the "Give Me 10" program, which addresses the skilled labor shortage by connecting students with industry professionals, and the ACPN Explorer Program, which brings fresh talent into the field. These efforts represent the forward-thinking approach of a community that recognizes both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Whether you're a seasoned aftermarket professional or curious about the hidden workings of the industry, this conversation offers fascinating insights into the people who ensure that when you search for a part, you find exactly what you are looking for. Connect with the ACPN community through Auto Care Association and discover how you might fit into this vibrant network of data specialists.

Learn more about ACPN at autocare.org/ACPN

Chapters:

00:00:00 - The Evolution of Content Professionals with ACPN Chair, Courtney Pedler and Vice Chair, Ryan Bachman

00:14:22 - AI in Automotive Content with Ryan Bachman and Ryan Henderson

00:39:55 - ACES and PIES Content Excellence with John Johnson and Adam Phillips

00:50:17 - Receiver Chat with Brian Matthias and Jennifer Cothran

01:00:52 - ACPN Pitch Competition with Paul Arena and Susan Dickson

01:17:36 - ACES & PIES in Mexico and LATAM with Chelsea Scally and Evaristo Garcia

01:37:36 - Explorer Scholarship Winners, Eva Iracheta and Jacob Gresham

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To learn more about the Auto Care Association visit autocare.org.
To learn more about our show and suggest future topics and guests, visit autocare.org/podcast