Matt Crumpton says: “I was drawn to the automotive aftermarket because this is an industry that brings a broad range of car lovers together, from technicians to drivers.”
In this installment of “5 Minutes With…,” get to know Crumpton, his role at NAPA, industry involvement, what initiatives at NAPA he’s most proud of, his personal mantras, and much more.
- Tell us about your role and what you like best about it.
I manage program development across three major business sectors within the NAPA Auto Care program: partner relationships (with AAA being our largest and longest tenured partner with overlapping NAPA Auto Care programs), program enhancements for NAPA Auto Care, and Autotech technical training. What makes all three successful is the incredible team we have at NAPA. I like the fact that it is fast paced, always evolving and has tremendous impact on our business and the success of our customers. - What attracted you to the automotive aftermarket?
I grew up around cars and they will always be a passion of mine. I was drawn to the automotive aftermarket because this is an industry that brings a broad range of car lovers together, from technicians to drivers. NAPA in particular, has an impressive network that is doing a lot to drive the aftermarket forward. This business is unique, challenging and ever changing, which has kept me interested after all these years. - Tell us about your industry involvement?
I am involved in several car care ministries, and extremely passionate about the “Slow Down and Move Over” campaigns to protect our roadside heroes. - Name a favorite trip or place on your “bucket list” you’d like to see?
Italy is probably at the top of my list. - What do you do when you’re not at work?
Mostly think about work! Hahaha.. Mostly I spend time with my amazing wife, my grown kids and time at the lake. - What’s your favorite book and why?
Anything by Lee Childs and industry articles. - What initiatives you’ve participated in within NAPA are you most proud of?
That is a tough one, if it spans my entire career at NAPA, then it would have to be the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund which serves United States military personnel injured in performance of their duties. Since 2012, NAPA’s support has helped the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund build five Intrepid Spirit Centers across the U.S., which brings the care of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes treatment to more military personnel across the country. - You started out as an auto technician. How has what you learned in that role transferred over to the executive side of things?
It gave me a unique perspective and insight into what impacts our customers every day and taught me the importance of great work ethic and the drive to always look for educational opportunities. - What is your personal mantra?
I have two. Always do what is needed before what is wanted. Never ask anyone to do anything that you would not do yourself. - Who was your childhood hero, and who is it now?
Hands down John Wayne, now it is my father without a shadow of a doubt.
