Growing up in the Aftermarket Industry: Spotlight on Brad Irving

June 8, 2021

Brad Irving was almost destined to join the automotive aftermarket, seeing how he grew up hanging around Irving Tire, his family’s auto repair shop. But Brad understands that not everyone grew up surrounded by stacks of tires. That’s why he joined the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) Committee, with an eye on helping the next generation find their destiny.

Brad Irving

Strategic Business Manager – Western Canada

Uni-Select

Years in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry: 12

Did you know you wanted to work in the automotive aftermarket?

Automotive is part of my family’s background! My Grandfather, Hector Irving, started an Auto Repair shop in Vancouver in 1958 (Irving Tire) and then my father, Tom Irving, took over and ran it for 40+ years. As a young kid, I would go into work with my dad to play around in tire stacks and hang around the shop watching the mechanics work on cars. Out of high school, while playing junior hockey in small towns in BC and Manitoba, I worked part-time in the industry as both a Tire Technician and an Auto Parts Delivery Driver. Once I came home for good, I started working full-time at our family shop and decided to get my Red Seal Certification and start this journey.

How long have you been a part of the YPA Committee?

This is my first year being part of the YPA Committee.

What does your participation in the YPA Committee mean to you?

I’ve dedicated my career to the automotive industry, and joining the YPA Committee is my way of being part of the future and help this industry continue to succeed. It’s also important for me to assist where I can to make sure we have the next generation behind us looking at the Automotive Aftermarket as a career choice.

Have you had an industry mentor? If so, who and why?

At Uni-Select, I’ve be fortunate to have a great mentor in Tim Bruschetto. He has provided me with the knowledge of the automotive aftermarket, and the tools to be successful in my role and provide the best service to our customers. He has let me be creative on the analytical side of our business to offer a different perspective to our customers that hadn’t been done before.

What advice would you give someone either starting in the industry or transitioning into the industry?

If you are an Automotive Technician that may be looking for something new, know that your knowledge of parts on the vehicle and how they function is a valuable asset in many different roles in the automotive aftermarket.

About Uni-Select

Uni-Select is a leader in the distribution of automotive refinish and industrial paint and related products in North America, as well as a leader in the automotive aftermarket parts business in Canada and the United Kingdom.

In Canada, Uni-Select supports over 16,000 automotive repair and collision repair shops and more than 4,000 shops through its automotive repair/installer shop banners and automotive refinish banners. Its national network includes over 1,000 independent customer locations and more than 75 company-owned stores, many of which operate under the Uni-Select BUMPER TO BUMPER®, AUTO PARTS PLUS® and FINISHMASTER® store banner programs.

Find out more about careers at Uni-Select.

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About the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket

Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) is an Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) committee comprising of young executives, of 45 years or younger, in the Canadian auto care sector. The Committee’s mandate is to ensure the future growth and prosperity of the aftermarket industry.