One of the things I've appreciated most about becoming more involved with NTEA is discovering opportunities that allow you to step away from the day-to-day demands of work and think more strategically about your career, your business, and the industry as a whole.
For me, Executive Leadership Summit is one of those opportunities.
It's easy to spend most of our time focused on immediate priorities — customer needs, production schedules, sales goals and the countless challenges that come with running a business. While those responsibilities are important, taking time to look ahead can be just as valuable.
Executive Leadership Summit provides that opportunity.
The event brings together executives and emerging leaders from across the commercial vehicle industry to explore the economic forces, market trends and leadership challenges shaping our future. Rather than focusing on individual companies or products, the conversations center on the broader business landscape and the strategic decisions organizations need to make to remain competitive.
One of the aspects I value most is the opportunity to hear perspectives from every corner of the industry. Manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and chassis OEMs each bring a different viewpoint, yet many of the business challenges we face are remarkably similar. Listening to how others approach those challenges often sparks ideas that can be applied within your own organization.
At my first Executive Leadership Summit in 2024, I expected to gain valuable insights and make meaningful industry connections. What I didn't expect was that a chance conversation in an elevator would lead to one of the most significant business opportunities our company has pursued.
I struck up a conversation with someone from one of our existing customers whom I hadn't met before. We agreed to continue talking at the evening reception, and that discussion ultimately led to what has become one of our five largest projects over the past two years.
That experience perfectly illustrates what makes Executive Leadership Summit unique. The educational sessions are outstanding, but some of the greatest value comes from the conversations that happen between them. Whether it's over breakfast, during a break, at the evening reception or, in my case, in an elevator, those interactions can lead to new ideas, stronger relationships and opportunities that might never have happened otherwise. As NTEA members, both of our companies benefited tremendously from the knowledge and perspectives we shared.
For Generation Next members, Executive Leadership Summit offers another important advantage: the opportunity to learn directly from experienced industry leaders. Whether you're already managing people or preparing for your next leadership role, hearing how executives think about strategy, innovation and change provides insights that are difficult to gain through everyday work alone.
Leadership development isn't something that happens overnight. It's built through continuous learning, asking thoughtful questions, listening to different perspectives, and challenging yourself to think beyond your current responsibilities. Executive Leadership Summit creates an environment where that kind of growth happens naturally.
If you haven't attended before, I'd encourage you to make this your year. Executive Leadership Summit takes place Sept. 21–22, 2026, at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Come prepared to learn, ask questions and introduce yourself to people you haven't met yet. You never know which conversation might change the trajectory of your career—or your business.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Ypsilanti this September.