Spotlight on Curtis Elliott: Leading through relationships
For Curtis Elliott, regional sales director at Bumper to Bumper, the auto care sector has been a career built on continuous learning, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
Although this is his first year as a member of AIA Canada’s Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) Community, Curtis has been involved with AIA Canada for many years through industry events. Joining the YPA Community was a natural next step and an opportunity to support the industry’s future.
A career shaped by continuous learning
Curtis’ interest in the automotive industry began with a personal appreciation for vehicles and an opportunity to work in a family-operated business. From the beginning, he was intrigued by the aftermarket because of its pace of change and the opportunity to keep learning.
“I was drawn to the auto care industry because it was constantly evolving with new technologies, products, and innovations,” he says. “The industry offers opportunities to learn, grow professionally, and build strong relationships.”
As his career has progressed, those opportunities have extended far beyond technical knowledge.
“I have been blessed with a very rewarding career supported by awesome people.”
Giving back to an industry that gives so much
For Curtis, joining the YPA Community is about contributing to an industry that has had a lasting impact on his career.
“It provides an opportunity to get involved and give back to an industry that has provided me a lot,” he says. “The aftermarket automotive industry is a unique community with strong relationships and amazing opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.”
Through his involvement, Curtis hopes to help create opportunities for others to connect, develop professionally, and build rewarding careers of their own.
Advice for the next generation
When asked what advice he would offer someone entering the auto care sector, Curtis emphasizes the importance of staying curious and making meaningful connections.
“Be willing to learn, get involved, be curious, and build relationships,” he says.
He acknowledges that the industry can appear intimidating to newcomers but believes that first impression quickly changes.
“We are a close, loyal industry that may seem intimidating at first, but in reality, it is a very welcoming community,” he says. “We take pride in what we do every day to progress the industry and always want to provide opportunities to new people with a fresh outlook.”
For Curtis, the people are what make the auto care sector truly stand out. By sharing knowledge, building relationships, and investing in future leaders through the YPA Community, he hopes to help ensure the industry continues to thrive for years to come.
About Bumper to Bumper
Bumper to Bumper is a Canadian automotive aftermarket network that distributes replacement parts, tools, equipment, and related products through a network of stores and service providers across the country. It serves professional repair facilities, automotive businesses, and vehicle owners with a broad range of automotive solutions.
About the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector Community
Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) Community is an Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) community comprising of young executives, of 45 years or younger, in the Canadian auto care sector. They support the career growth of young professionals by expanding their network and assisting them in becoming a thought leader in Canada’s auto care industry.