A long and winding road to the aftermarket: Spotlight on Devin TerMarsch

April 13, 2021

Devin TerMarsch’s journey to the automotive aftermarket wasn’t exactly a straight line. But a passion for old cars lead friends and mentors to suggest that the aftermarket industry might just be the place for him. Ten years later, Devin is happy to call the aftermarket home. With his participation with the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) Committee, he’s hoping to guide the next generation along their own winding roads to an aftermarket career.

Devin TerMarsch

Strategic Account Manager

Tenneco/DRiV

Years in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry: 10

Where did you attend school? And what is the highest level of education?

Sir Sandford Fleming College – 3 Year Business Admin Accounting Diploma
Georgian College – 3 Year Business Admin Automotive Marketing Diploma
Georgian College – 4 Year Bachelors of Applied Business Automotive Management

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

It was never my plan, it found me. I come from a family of accountants, that’s why I went to Fleming College originally. After that and knowing I wasn’t interested in accounting, I started working towards doing an electrical apprenticeship, and ultimately ended up in Fort McMurray in the Oil Sands as a pipeline laborer in my early 20s. A friend of the family suggested I take this course at Georgian college due my interest in old cars (my grandfather has a passion for antique cars). During my time at Georgian, I never really grasped the opportunities in the Automotive Aftermarket, until a coop advisor had me sit down with Dean Clarke, who was working for Tenneco at the time, his passion for the Automotive Aftermarket drew me in… and here we are 10 years later.

What does your participation in the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee mean to you?

I am new to the YPA Committee and I am excited to explore the impact the committee has on the industry, I think it is so important that we educate the next generation, coming through post-secondary education, on the opportunities in our industry.

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

I never planned on working in the Automotive Aftermarket, it kind of found me so to speak, but hands down the best decision I have ever made. The people and comradery between suppliers and customers is second to none. Anyone coming through a business program with an interest in automotive, should be looking at this industry and understanding the huge opportunities.

About DRiV Industries

DRiV is a unique $6+ billion dollar global start-up company built from the combined strengths of Tenneco, Federal-Mogul and Öhlins. Our foundation reaches from the Model T to the Model E, and includes 31 of the best known and respected aftermarket brands, including 14 brands 100 years or older. Our global scale and longtime partnerships with the world’s leading manufacturers give DRiV a unique competitive advantage. We are driven to elevate the ride experience through technology and high performance solutions, delivering innovation, quality and unparalleled service to our Aftermarket and OE customers. Our 31,000 team members throughout 25 countries around the world work as one team, driving advancements that help our customers get the most from every vehicle, every ride, every race and every journey.

Find out more about careers at DRiV Industries.

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About the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee

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.