At the California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers' Association (CAWA) June Leadership & Educational Forum, David Simms, a NAPA multi store owner, was elected the 2024 secretary to the board of directors.
Other officers for the 2024 year will be:
- Chair: Tom Ogaz, of the Parts Authority
- Vice-Chair: Wayne Schaack, of the Pronto Network
- Treasurer: Dan Hanson, Jr., of Hanson Distributing Company
- Immediate Past Chair: Young Suhr, Jr., of APW-Knox Seeman Warehouse
Simms joined CAWA 12 years ago, shortly after purchasing a small auto parts store. Four years ago, he was appointed to the board of directors. “It’s been interesting to see the industry changes in that time and certainly informative to participate with CAWA as we’ve all navigated our businesses through legislation, the growth in electrification, COVID, supply chain challenges, and inflation," Simms said after his election. "As a two-store owner of parts stores, I’m proud to provide whatever perspective I can bring to CAWA that’s most likely as close to the end user as we get. On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoy the “bigger picture” education I get from many of our members.”
His earliest days in automotive began in the '60s in his family’s service station. Following high school, he was in the Air Force, then on to college. In the many years since, he managed hardware and farm hardware stores and spent several years doing outside sales in the agricultural field, and ultimately purchased an auto parts store. He now operates stores in Lodi and Galt, California.
He has twin daughters and five grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoys taking his bike to San Clemente to visit them and cycle while still enjoying scuba diving and hiking in his spare time.
The 2024 officers will be formally installed at CAWA’s annual dinner gala, to be held in conjunction with AAPEX and exclusively sponsored by Motorcar Parts of America, on Oct. 29 at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas. For more information, contact [email protected].
