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Episode 232

John Kairys

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation - AACF

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John Kairys is the Executive Director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a position he has held for the past two and a half years. Before stepping into the role, he served on the AACF board, giving him deep organizational context from both a governance and operational standpoint.

Kairys brings more than 40 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket to the foundation. He is a consistent presence at industry conventions, trade shows, and annual meetings; including Auto Care Connect and the APSG, working to raise awareness of the AACF across every segment of the aftermarket.

In this episode…

Most shop owners know their employees by name. They know who just had a baby, who’s been with the shop for fifteen years, who’s holding things together and who’s quietly struggling. What they don’t always know is what happens to that person when a car accident totals their vehicle, a house fire displaces their family, or routine back surgery leaves them unable to walk.

The automotive aftermarket has a safety net built specifically for those moments. It isn’t workers’ comp. It isn’t a GoFundMe. It’s a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a 29-person volunteer board, a mid-90s approval rate, and a five-day window from application to ACH deposit. The people it helps aren’t just technicians and counter staff; they’re marketing managers, warehouse drivers, and executives. Anyone employed in the aftermarket qualifies, whether the hardship is work-related or not.

John Kairys runs that organization. He’s spent two and a half years as Executive Director making sure shop owners and their employees know it exists because awareness is still the AACF’s biggest obstacle.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[01:01] Meet John Kairys, Executive Director of the AACF

[02:15] Who qualifies and what hardships the AACF covers

[06:01] The annual Classic Car Sweepstakes: How to donate and enter

[07:54] Stories of hope: A routine surgery that changed everything

[12:42] Stories of hope: A totaled vehicle, then a house fire two weeks later

[15:39] Corporate giving, sponsorships, and the annual SEMA fundraiser

[19:28] Two paid staff, a 29-member board, and how to connect

[22:14] The Aftermarket Hearts Giving Circle: Recurring giving for industry insiders

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

“We like to say we take care of our own.”
“Our biggest challenge is awareness, and that is getting people to know who we are and what we do.”
“The AACF is the on-ramp to the freeway of recovery.”
“After losing so much so quickly, the AACF gave me hope and a way to start over.” — AACF recipient, shared by John Kairys
“God forbid, if ever you need that help, the AACF will be there for you.”

Action Steps:

Share the AACF with your team this week. Send an internal message or post a one-pager in your break room with the link to aftermarketcharity.org.
Make a corporate donation or explore sponsorship. The automotive aftermarket charitable foundation is a 501(c)3, meaning contributions are tax-deductible.
Sign up for the Aftermarket Hearts Giving Circle. Recurring donations start at $5 a month.
Add AACF to your employee onboarding materials. The application is at aftermarketcharity.org, reviewed within 24 hours, and results in a direct ACH deposit within five days.
Attend the SEMA events if you’re in Las Vegas. Reach out to John Kairys directly through the leadership page at aftermarketcharity.org to get involved.

Transcript

00:00
It is our second annual classic car sweepstakes. Last year we gave away a 65 Mustang convertible and I had the gentleman on the phone and told him that he had won and he got so emotional with me and that in itself is just a great story.

00:17
Welcome to the Gain Traction Podcast, the official podcast for tire business. I am Mike Edge, your host and I have the privilege of interviewing the tire dealers, shop owners, counter sales reps, technicians, industry executives and other thought leaders of our industry. This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. Tread Partners is the leading digital marketing agency that specializes in digital marketing for multi location tire and auto repair shops. Tread Partners works with clients that have hundreds of locations, down to five locations. Get a professional, unbiased opinion and let Tread Partners review what you’re doing. It starts with a simple conversation. To contact Tread Partners, visit treadpartners.com so let’s get started. Welcome to the Gain Traction Podcast, the official special podcast Retired business. My guest today is John Karras, Executive director for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable foundation, also known as AACF.

01:09
John, I’m excited to have you. Welcome to the Gain Traction Podcast.

01:12
Hey Mike, good morning and certainly glad to be here and great to see you once again.

01:16
You too. We were joking about the fact that we had seen each other a couple months ago, but it feels longer because I think both of us have been on the road a lot.

01:25
Yeah, we’ve been on the convention annual meeting and show tour, I think.

01:29
Yes.

01:30
So it’s been busy. Been busy.

01:32
Is it going to slow down for you this summer?

01:34
You know, a little bit. We’ve got a couple more events coming up. I head off to AutoCare Connect here next week, which is a big event for the industry. And then following that, another meeting towards the end of the month which is the apsg, which is the Automotive Parts Supply Group, which features some brands like Pronto Federated, Bumper to Bumper Parts plus Auto Value. So again, those two events are the two big ones left on my calendar before I actually do get some rest for the summer. Good, good.

02:06
I gotta tell you, I mean, after were introduced, Mary Ellen Ride out with Tuffy introduced us and I’m very grateful for the introduction, but I love your organization and I wanted to have you on here because your organization is a benefit to literally everybody in the industry and especially those that come on hard times of any fashion. But folks, this charity is actually set up strictly for the people of this industry when they come on any hard times. And John, give us an example of Somebody’s difficulty or when they may need.

02:41
Yeah, Mike, to your point, it’s, you know, the assistance is available to anyone that’s employed in the aftermarket community. Right. So it depends. It doesn’t matter what segment of the aftermarket. You know, it could be just the traditional automotive service, tire, but it could be, you know, in parts, accessories, high performance, commercial, heavy duty, and most recently, we’ve expanded our reach into auto body and collision. So anybody that’s employed in the aftermarket, regardless of capacity, job title, that help is available to you. Just a couple stories that kind of stick in my mind if you don’t.

03:20
Mind, just for the sake of the audience. So, you know, to the listeners. I know many of you guys are operators, owners, store managers, et cetera, in the tire and auto repair space. But this is for your employees as well, you know, and this is for these folks that anytime if you know of a devastating situation that somebody’s going through financially, you can contact the AACF and they will work with that person for charity. I mean, to provide them whatever needs they have at that particular time financially. Is that, is that the best way of describing it?

03:56
Yeah, that’s the best way to describe it. So again, the help that we provide is basically for victims, you know, individuals and families for that matter, that suffer from life’s hardships. So it could be an accident, could be an illness, could be a death in the family, could be someone who’s fallen on financial hard times for some reason, and then also natural disasters that may affect someone. So any of those cases, we provide assistance and help. And again, it’s for anybody that’s employed in the aftermarket. So to your point about the owner and operators, they’re associates, right? So a lot of people that we help are technicians. A lot of folks that we help are service writers, managers, assistant managers. When you talk about the auto parts community, it’s counter persons and warehouse workers and drivers.

04:46
I mean, a lot of hourly rate individuals we help, but we don’t limit it there. I mean, we have. I’ll share with you a story here in a little bit about an executive marketing manager that experienced an unbelievable setback in his life. But were able to help and he’s back on his feet and headed in the right direction. So feeling great about that.

05:09
Well, what’s so beautiful about it? Is it really, in a way, your organization tightens up the world. We live in this aftermarket space, but it just makes the world that Much smaller because it’s truly people of the same industry caring for other people, the same industry. And, and I like that because I think we’re all drawn to, want to give to kind of our own backyard, you know, to provide for the people that, hey, I, I love this industry and I hate to see somebody fall on hard times. But this is literally a mechanism, a channel in which you can contribute and support those people in your industry that you may not know personally, but that you would have liked to have helped if there was a channel to it. If that makes, does that make sense?

05:56
And this provides that opportunity for all of us that want to give to it. But you’re making me think of one thing. I want to mention everybody, because you guys are working on a campaign. Tell them about the Pontiac that you guys are giving away for the donation.

06:10
Yeah. Just real quick, a comment before that, though. Mike. You know, we like to say we take care of our own. And I think that the AACF is so passionate about our industry, about the aftermarket, but we’re also very passionate and care for the people within it. So that’s what makes us special. And again, this is a special industry. I think that, you know, the closeness and the family like environment that the aftermarket possesses is, in my opinion, is very unique to other industries and we should all be proud of being part of it. So, awesome thing, what you’re mentioning is a campaign that we’re running right now. It’s actually coming to a close.

06:50
It is our second annual Classic Car Sweepstakes and it is an opportunity for you to donate for as little as $25 to the AACF and get multiple chances at winning this gorgeous piece of automotive history. And we’re going to choose the winner on June 2nd. Your last chance to enter. This is coming up very quickly, May 25th. So, again, really excited about this, excited about making that phone call. We had a great time last year. We gave away a 65 Mustang convertible. And I had the gentleman on the phone and told him that he had won and he got so emotional with me. And that in itself is just a great story. I could tell you more, but it was fantastic. We’re looking to have the same type of result here. When we call somebody this year, I,.

07:39
I, I hope I’m the one you call and they’ll get up like that.

07:43
You, you. And about the last hundred people I’ve talked to about it.

07:47
Oh, I know. I had to say it just in case. It happened so that we laughed about it. Right. But let’s go, let’s talk about like any stories that really got to you, that you got to witness how big an impact the funds that this organization gives to those in need within the industry. Any, any stories stand out to you?

08:11
Oh, for sure. I mean, there, and the thing is there’s so many, it’s hard to choose. There are a couple that I really do always, you know, share with others because they’re just, they’re so impactful. You know, the other thing I do want to mention, you know, since I became the executive director two and a half years ago, even when I was on the board, prior to that, we heard not necessarily the story. We knew how many people, families were able to help and how many dollars were provided to them, but we never truly heard about the stories. And that was one thing I was trying to change. So we created this thing called the Stories of Hope.

08:47
And it’s a collection of all those types of testimonials and stories of individuals and families that have been impacted by a life changing event where we’ve been able to help. And they usually provide us with a quote as well. So we’re fortunate that we can share that information with others. So I had mentioned one just a little bit ago about a manager for a manufacturer. This is a manufacturer, I believe, of turbochargers. And he’s a marketing manager and a young guy, late 30s, beautiful family, two beautiful daughters, one actually under the age of one. So still an infant and beautiful wife and this gentleman. Some sports activity, I think what caused a, that caused a back injury. It was a disc injury. And so, you know, routine surgery.

09:42
He was going in to have his back operated on and unfortunately he came out paralyzed from the waist down. And you know, this is a gentleman that again certainly has recourse. Right. There’s, there’s, you know, certainly there’s insurance. There’s also legal aspect to this. But all that takes time, Mike. And the beauty about the AACF is how quickly we respond and react. And again, just take you through that process real quick. An application can be filled out on our website. It’ll be reviewed by our recipient review committee within typically 24 hours. And when it’s approved, and we’re about 90, mid-90s percentile of approval rates, we then provide those funds to the individual or the family ach deposit into their bank within five days. So that’s how quick things happen.

10:39
That’s awesome. I mean that’s Amazing, because you and I both know, I mean, how many charities they work, but, man, it can be like molasses and there’s a lot of good organizations. But I love the fact that you guys had that speed factor in there, because, man, where they’re at, that family, there’s a lot of panic at that moment. That’s when they need it.

11:00
Yep, exactly. And in this case, what were able to do for this family was immediately as he returned home from the hospital, were able to provide funds that he ended up utilizing for accessibility needs. Had a ramp built for his home, had a wheelchair, a motorized wheelchair purchased, which we helped him right out of the gate with the cost of that and out of pocket, if you will, and just all those types of things. But this was a guy that, you know, if you can imagine just going through something like that, but he has now he’s got such a positive outlook on life and he even has a sense of humor in his quote that he provided us. He wanted to thank the AACF profusely for the help they provided him.

11:43
And he even said, I am so fortunate to have the AACF because if it wasn’t for you, I’m back on my wheels again. So, you know, that’s a lot. We hear a lot of that. That’s our intent, is get people back on their feet so they can help themselves. We had a board member that used this analogy that I love, and he said that the AACF is the on ramp to the freeway of recovery. And how. Well put. Because, you know, again, we have a tendency because we can help very quickly. We help in the most neediest of times, but our intent is to help them so that they can then help themselves and move on to recovery.

12:22
So one of the things that strike me about this story from the beginning was the fact that this wasn’t a work, was not a work related injury, but it affected an employee in our industry. And you guys still came to their aid because, I mean, it was devastating and they needed something.

12:42
Yeah. I’ll share with you another one that is almost on the border of extreme, should I say, in terms of what this gentleman experience. But this was a. A technician out of Minnesota and he had just this imaginable, you know, series of hardships. Right. So he was involved in a very serious car accident. And so it left his vehicle totally destroyed. He also, you know, incurred some injuries, so on and so forth. And he too, after he got back out of the hospital and back home again, it was probably, I guess, a Period of a couple weeks. And he was lying in bed still kind of on the mend, right from what he had experienced. And would you believe about two in the morning he starts to smell smoke and he lost his home in a fire.

13:36
And so these two things, back to back again, fortunate that someone had heard his story, knew about the AACF and contacted him and said, hey, you’ve got to get a hold of them. They can help you. So were able to help him with some temporary housing, took care of, you know, some, certainly some financial obligations that he had, I believe, helped him out with some of the transportation need that he, you know, had because of the loss of his vehicle. So it’s just a crazy story to be able to understand that he endured that occurrence or that hardship. And the great news is that were able to step in and help him as well.

14:15
And I have, there is a quote and I’m going to have to read this one because it’s a little long, but I want to make sure I get it right. But he said, after losing so much so quickly, the AACF gave me hope and a way to start over. Thank you so much. The organization, it reminds me that I work for such a good company. So it was someone within his own company that, you know, referred him to us and that’s how he got in touch with us and were able to help. So great story.

14:43
It is. And I think that’s why I have, I mean, I had a big desire to want you on here just to get the word out of who the AACF is. And I really didn’t know myself, John, until we, you know, Mary Ellen told me and then we met and I thought, man, that’s what a great organization. But then meeting you and seeing your passion in this, it just fires me up. But I think the other thing I want to, I want to encourage is not just the people that, you know, out there. To my list now is that need some assistance that have come on a severe, you know, hard time. But it’s also all of the players in the market that can contribute to this and want to give charity. You already give charity.

15:24
You’re doing it to your local communities, but this can be considered local as well because it’s in, within the network of our industry. And I want companies and tire manufacturers, I want them to know, hey, we need to be given here.

15:39
Yeah, I mean, that’s a great message, Mike, and I thank you for sending that out to your listeners. I think that again, as we look at our two obstacles, it’s pretty basic, right? Our biggest challenge is awareness and that is getting people to know who we are and what we do. So we work really hard. Part of that is all these meetings and conventions and shows that I’ve been going to as of late. But the other side is the support that we desperately need to help those that do come us who come to us for assistance because they are now aware of us. And so from a corporation perspective, if you want to get involved, it’s very simple. Obviously general donations are always welcome. We are a 501c3 non taxable organization, nonprofit and we also have sponsorship opportunities.

16:35
We have a big event at APEC SEMA every single year. And this is now this will be our 34th annual event of this type. And what we do is if you’re familiar with the Apex SEMA schedule, usually starts on a Tuesday but always starts on a Tuesday. We have an event on Sunday evening which is an industry wide cocktail reception. This is held off the strip at a place called the Spanish Trail Country Club. Beautiful facility. We’ve been there for the last several years. That cocktail reception will bring in about 225 people and we get a lot of C suite individuals there that attend. And then the following day is at that same location a memorial golf tournament. It’s called the Bob Shabril.

17:23
Bob Shabril was a very well known person within our industry and a very huge supporter and extremely active with the AACF throughout the years. That golf tournament takes place on Monday. We’ll have. Last year we had 196 golfers and we’re looking to hit 200 this year. So just a crazy crowd, you know, big crowd but just a lot of outpouring of generosity and support through those two days. So it’s a big fundraiser for us. We’ll probably raise about 65% of our annual revenue there. So again, yeah, welcome anybody that is interested. If you are attending Apex SEMA and you would be available on Sunday evening or Monday, please reach out to me. You can find more information on our website. And by the way, that website is www.aftermarketcharity.org.

18:18
That’s great. I’ll ask you something right here online. If you want we can put a link on our website.

18:25
Oh we would love that.

18:26
Yeah, yeah. And then I don’t know how fast we’ll get it up but we’ll have a link put up and that way I’ll get on it at asap. But that way when people navigate to the website or whatever and they want to know more about you guys, it’ll link right back to you.

18:43
That’d be fantastic. Thanks, Mike.

18:45
Absolutely. Well, that’s exciting stuff and I want to encourage all my listeners. Please go to AftermarketCharity.org, read more about it, donate, and then if you know anybody seriously in need, that said a tragedy, contact the AACF and let them know the challenge of your employee or whoever it is in the industry that you know that I guess the easiest way to describe it fell on hard times or something bad happened that they need, you know, assistance now and not have to wait for, you know, whatever the cycle is to receive money from insurance or you know, lawsuit or whatever case may be.

19:28
Yeah. You know, for those again representing corporations, you could reach out to any one of our board members as well. If you go on our website, there is a leadership page and I did want to mention that the structure of our organization is very lean, Mike. We, we have myself and one other person that are employees of the foundation. The other person is my operations manager. Her name is Misty Walker. She does just an incredible job. She’s my right hand person, my Swiss army knife. I mean you know, Jan, I call her Jan of all trades and just a fantastic person. But however, we’re backed by a board that is 29 members strong and we have a committee based organization. So through our committees, these individuals all have a role within a specific committee and they support us immensely.

20:18
We’re so, you know, so appreciative of what they do and their volunteerism to the AACF and what they contribute. It’s fantastic. But chances are, if you’re in the business, take a look at our leadership page. I bet you know at least one or two or three or more people on our board.

20:34
I’m glad you said that because that’s true. I mean, I did the same thing. I was like, oh, okay, I know them, I’ve met them, et cetera. So perfect point to make. And, and I think it shows the depth at which you guys are already out there, you know, and the organizations involved in it. You know, everybody wants to feel good about who they’re contributing to. As my daughter going, me as my dollar going to a, you know, is it going directly into the need factor or is it getting wasted in administrative stuff, et cetera. And your point is well taken there, that it’s just you and your assistant as on the staff and then the rest are volunteer board members that help run this organization. I think that’s a major point to make in this charity.

21:16
Yeah, you know, typically, I think a Nonprofit, usually about 70% is the number. And for the last 10 years, we’ve been running just about that. This year, maybe closer to 80 in terms of the dollars that contribute that go back to those who need it. You know, this is our big goal is to achieve an amount of $1 million this year to be put back in the hands of those that need it. And you know, with that, our, you know, our revenue revenue budget number is right around 1.3. So that’s about 79, 80%. So to your point, there are administrative costs. You can’t, you know, can’t get away from those things as you operate. Yeah, as you operate the entity. But the bottom line is, you know, your dollars will definitely go in the hands of those that need it.

22:08
But more importantly, they stay in the industry that if you know, I tell the story. We also have a program, we have a campaign called the Aftermarket Hearts Giving Circle. And what that is a recurring donation program. It’s really designed for individuals within our industry. It’s a way that you can give as little as $5 a month for as long as you want to until such time you no longer want to donate. But it’s credit card base, you enter your credit card and your credit card gets charged the amount that you determine every single one of those months. So this program, as I tell the story, is just incredible in terms of not only what it provides in terms of help to those within our industry, but also the gratification it gives someone when they become a member.

22:56
We’ll provide you with a lapel pin that you can use if you go to industry events. You can proudly wear it, letting them know that you’re a member. But the story I tell is that if you’re like me that spent 40 plus years in the aftermarket, it’s an opportunity to help those in our industry. And you gotta look back on all the support and all the help that yourself got over all those years. I mean, you know, for being in this industry, how it provided for me and my family, just tremendous gratitude there. But the other thing is, if you’re, you know, if you’re new to our industry, it’s a way to help those brothers and sisters, if you will, in our business and take care of some of those folks that are really in great need.

23:42
But you know, God forbid, if ever you need that help, The AACF will be there for you, so. Yeah.

23:50
Well said, John. So as we wrap this up, I always like to let people know a little bit more about our guests by asking them particular questions. But everybody always seems to like this one. But what’s your favorite movie or. One of. Everybody always has.

24:07
That’s a tough one. Right? I mean, I’m old enough. I’ve experienced a lot of movie viewing over the years, and there’s just a lot of great ones, but there’s a couple that really stick in my mind. And one of those would be Master and Commander. Master and Commander, Far side of the World. And that is Russell Crowe.

24:28
Yeah.

24:29
And if you’ve seen that movie that.

24:31
Came out, what, like 20 years ago or so.

24:32
Oh, yeah, it’s an old one. It’s an older one, but it’s, you know. Know, it’s. It’s the fact that it portrays a. A period of time.

24:40
Yeah.

24:40
It. It’s. Doesn’t age. Right. It’s one of those things that you can watch at any point. Right.

24:45
Well, and it reminds me. It almost reminds me of one of those. Like, I’ll use these two as an example. Braveheart and Gladiator. You know, it’s about two virtuous guys that are living beyond, doing something beyond themselves, you know, and sacrificing themselves, and it draws you to just, you know, want to better yourself in so many ways. And I think Master and Commander does that in some ways as well. It’s. It’s about a virtue. And. Yeah. You’re inspired by the time the movie gets over with. And so that’s what you mean by timeless.

25:15
Yeah, I think that. And again, because it portrays a certain error. Right. This was, I think, the Napoleonic War time when they were out on the, you know, out in the sea with this boat, and the perseverance that they had to, you know, that they had to display was incredible through that entire journey. And. And, you know, not only this, it is a great story of perseverance, but it’s a great story about relationships and how important relationships are. And there were many, you know, a couple different of those relationships that surfaced throughout the movie that were so pivotal in terms of determining someone’s fate or destiny. And just a. Just a great story. And again.

25:59
Yeah, I’m gonna. I’m gonna rewatch it. I’ve. I’ve forgotten. I think, you know, there’s a lot of movies you re. You’ve seen some several times, but I don’t know that I’ve seen that one again. And I remember really liking the movie, so I’m. I’m going back to watch that one. I’m glad you brought that up. And it is interesting about some of the things I can recall about the. The movie, but relationships and. And I think adversity and how you learn about people through adversity and who’s there with you. Right. Yeah. Yeah.

26:28
And I love the boat. So that was. It was a natural one for me as well. But if you watch that movie, if you have a bucket list, if you haven’t been, you’ll probably want to go to the Galapagos Islands is what I’ll warn you about when you’re all done with the movie. So enjoy it.

26:44
That’s fantastic. Well, John, I am very glad that you joined us on the Gain Traction Podcast. Thank you for doing this, Mike.

26:51
Again, I can’t thank you enough for having me. This has been very, you know, very invaluable in terms of what it represents for the organization, the acf, to get the word out about who we are and what we do and how we can help folks within our industry. So thank you so very much. It’s a pleasure.

27:08
Absolutely. I hope to see you out in Vegas, too, by the way.

27:11
Yes, very much so. So again, I want you to come that Sunday, the November 1st, and maybe if you’re a golfer, November 2nd. So please join us if you’re out there. Okay.

27:21
All right, Mike.

27:22
Thank you.

27:23
Hey, folks, Mike Edge here with the Gain Traction Podcast. Real quick, we get a lot of people ask us, they know Gain Traction, but who. Who’s Tread Partners? Well, Tread Partners is our parent company and they’re a marketing agency dedicated strictly to tire and automotive repair shops. Anywhere from five locations all the way up to hundreds of locations in primarily one field that is always a pain for most people is paid search or PPC or Google Ads. We see enormous amount of waste in it and we see inefficient spend in it. You want to know if you’re doing well or not, give us a call. We’ll help you. We’ll audit your account. We’ll look under the hood and tell you if you’re doing things the right way or the wrong way and help you optimize that spend.

28:04
You can reach me and I’ll direct you in the right [email protected] or feel free to go to treadpartners.com the website. To all our listeners, thank you for being part of the Gain Traction Podcast. We are grateful for you. If you’d like to find more podcasts like this, please visit gaintraction podcast.com if you’d like to make a guest recommendation, please email [email protected] this episode has been powered by Tread Partners, the leader in digital marketing for multi location tire and auto repair shops. To Learn more about Tread Partners, visit treadpartners.com.

Contents hide

1 In this episode…

2 Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

3 Resources mentioned in this episode:

4 Quotable Moments:

5 Action Steps: