MEMA's Bill Long Strives To Understand Before Being Understood

MEMA’s Bill Long Strives To Understand Before Being Understood

In this edition of AMN Drivetime, MEMA's Bill Long shares a few key mantras gleaned from an incredible career.

From first jobs crashing a NAPA Delivery vehicle to today leading the nation’s top association for motor and equipment suppliers, Bill Long says he really got his start in this industry on the “ground floor.”

In this episode of AMN Drivetime, you’ll hear more about Long’s remarkable career. You can also see some of the many photographic memories he’s captured and shared for AMN.

Long started going to races when he was 4 with his dad who was a NASCAR official. Long himself spent time as a chief starter, a race control director and other roles in racing, which led to jobs at NASCAR in Daytona Beach, and the IndyCar series, where he spent 5 seasons at IMS. About working in racing, Long said “There’s a lot to be learned and a lot of challenges and many of them are transferrable to this industry.” 

Regardless of the role, Long is known for his calm and affable demeanor. Perhaps it can be attributed to one of the key mantras passed down by mentors, which he shared in the podcast: “Seek first to understand before being understood.”

You May Also Like

Big Mouths in The Bay – How Talking Will Help You Fix Cars

What if a tech didn’t have to move from the vehicle to get service information? This podcast is sponsored by CYTK.

Here’s an all-too realistic scenario – A technician is elbow deep into a repair when he suddenly needs to access an online repair manual. Because the shop’s computer is in the main office, he stops work, sets down his tools, washes his hands, walks to the office, starts to look for the TSB he needs but realizes he doesn’t remember the trim level on the vehicle. He finally inputs all the right information, hits PRINT – and is met with a flashing NO PAPER message.

Tendeco’s John Lussier Sits Down with AMN Drivetime (Podcast)

Bill Babcox and John Lussier discuss supply chain challenges, the value of OE heritage, international business and more.

Transtar’s Neil Sethi, from Healthcare to Hard Parts (Podcast)

Throughout his career journey from medicine to an MBA, some key themes prevail for Sethi – the desire to serve and a passion to innovate.

APA’s Steve Tucker and His ‘Island of Misfit Toys’ (Podcast)

After a career on the supplier side of the aftermarket, Tucker shared that working in a program group has been an “eye opener.”

AMN Drivetime: NTN’s Charles Harris (PODCAST)

After more than 30 years in the automotive aftermarket, Harris has a lot of inspiration to share.

Other Posts

MEMA Boss Talks Industry Challenges, Chances

Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, sees ‘Opportunity and Upside’ in ADAS.

AMN Drivetime: Rick Maxwell Is An Industry ‘Lifer’

Rick Maxwell and Bill Babcox trade stories about what it means to continue the legacy of a family business.

From Building Race Engines to Building Sales Teams

Industry veteran Caracci is a guy who can wield a wrench – or an interview question – as deftly as he can a sales pitch.

MEMA Leaders Discuss The Association’s Future

MEMA leaders sat down with Bill Babcox to share updates on the association’s realignment announced in November.