You Wouldn't Treat a Partner That Way by Jonathan Clark

2009 marked Jon Clark’s 25th year in the automotive industry. Jon’s career is comprised of equal parts technology and business strategy with an emphasis on human factors. The majority of his career has been devoted to the aftermarket industry – from vehicle service to OEM aftermarket parts initiatives. Jon’s career began at a Chicago petroleum retailer’s full-service island, eventually achieving ASE Master Technician and other certifications through under-the-hood experience and classroom training. After stints as a Line Mechanic at a Chevrolet dealer and Community College instructor, He started a 12-year run with Chrysler, first developing electronic diagnostic tools and software in Detroit. Moving to the parts division to launch the industry’s first VIN-filtered internet-based parts catalog, Jon moved up the ranks to lead Mopar’s® e-Business (B2C and B2D) initiatives; taking responsibility for the $4B in annual revenue the parts dealer portal generated.
In 2005, he took the helm at Mopar Performance. In this position, he successfully re-launched Mopar’s Direct Connection program, developed long-absent Jeep®-application high-performance products, released Dub® and Foose®-branded vehicle accessories, secured over $1 million to successfully redesign and retool Mopar’s HEMI® engine program (including engine blocks, manifolds, cylinder heads, etc.) and retool the HEMI Challenge sportsman drag racing program. Mopar’s Challenger Drag Pak vehicle program was developed under Jon’s direction with its two prototype cars revealed at the 2008 Mopar Mile-High Nationals in Denver.
Today, Jon helps companies manage the intersection of technology and business strategy. His SEMA-Member company, Aftersales LLC’s clients have included Keystone Automotive Operations, SMS Supercars, Volkswagen Group of America, Maremont, Detroit’s Eastern Market Corporation and others. Jon has associate and bachelor’s degrees in automotive service as well as a master’s degree in education.