Writing his own future in the aftermarket: Spotlight on Peter Bulmer
The automotive aftermarket industry is so big and diverse, what do you do if you cannot figure out what part of it you want to work in? Why not all of them? For Peter Bulmer, working on publications directed towards aftermarket professionals puts him in contact with people from across the entire industry. This connection to the broader aftermarket community is something Peter thinks the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) Committee offers anyone.
Peter Bulmer
Partner and Head of Sales
Turnkey Media Solutions
Years in the Automotive Aftermarket Industry: 3
Did you know you wanted to work in the automotive aftermarket?
I had never considered the aftermarket is where I would end up in my journey. For a such a large and impactful industry, it isn’t well-communicated as a viable option to our younger generations. I fell into it myself, coming from an upstream and midstream Oil & Gas publishing background before being recruited to work for my current titles.
Have you had an industry mentor? If so, who and why?
There have been a number of people that have made an impact on me, but I can’t pin down one specifically. My job offers a unique position to have constant contact with people from a huge range of aftermarket jobs and appointments, and I’m fortunate to draw something from each of them.
What does your participation in the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee mean to you? What would you like to see us, as a committee, achieve in the years to come?
I’ve always been a huge proponent and champion of avenues being available to the younger cohort of any industry to participate and come together. Part of what makes work enjoyable is having a sense of comradery not only among your own company, but also in the industry as a whole. I’d like to see continued events (once the world allows), and the sense of community among the younger among us being fostered.
What advice would you give someone either starting in the industry or looking to transition into the industry?
Immerse yourself into the industry. Find events to attend and friends in the industry in similar positions to you to help each other grow. A network helps more than you realize when you’re starting off.
A few last fun questions to get to know you better.
Make and model of your first car?
The first car I bought was a 1999 Chevy Cavalier for $500 with my bartending tips. I then quicky spent $3,000 to make it road-worthy.
What are you terrible at, but love to do anyway?
I love most things I’m bad at. I love the opportunity to grow and to be humbled in the process. Seeing progress as you improve is the main motivator for me. The latest example of something I’m awful at that I’m pursuing is running.
What is the best professional development book you’ve ever read?
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell is an all-time favorite of mine! Definitely worth a read for anyone who hasn’t.
About Turnkey Media Solutions
Turnkey Media, through their magazines CARS magazine and Jobber News cover all aspects of the Canadian automotive aftermarket, from independent auto repair shops to supply chain issues and product news.
Find out more about careers at Turnkey Media Solutions.
____________________________
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.
____________________________