– June 25, 2025 – The Manufacturers’ Representatives Council, a community of the Auto Care Association, today announced Michael Vied of Repforce Inc., as this year’s Leadership 2.0 scholarship recipient. Vied will represent the Manufacturers’ Representatives community at the highly-acclaimed University of the Aftermarket’s 2025-2026 Leadership 2.0 Program. Leadership 2.0 is the premier post-graduate style leadership and business skills education program designed to promote the development of the next generation of auto care leaders. The Leadership 2.0 program will take place in Summer 2025 and Spring 2026. The Leadership 2.0 Scholarship is generously funded by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

Mike Vied is a partner at Repforce Inc., where he has spent over 20 years working in the automotive aftermarket and paint, body and equipment (PBE) segments. Throughout his career, Vied has focused on building strong partnerships, supporting manufacturers’ growth, and staying hands-on in the field educating end users and technicians. As a member of the Manufacturers’ Rep Council and a Leadership 2.0 scholarship recipient, Vied is committed to continued learning and development. He is passionate about the future of this industry and driven to make a meaningful contribution through leadership, innovation, and long-term industry impact.

“As the youngest partner at Repforce, I’m proud to honor our legacy while helping shape the future of the automotive aftermarket,” said Vied. “Through my work with the Auto Care Association, YANG and the Manufacturers' Representative Council, I stay committed to continuous learning and meaningful industry involvement. Leadership 2.0 is an incredible opportunity to grow as a leader, support emerging talent, and help evolve Repforce into a more adaptive, forward-thinking agency. I’m excited to contribute lasting value to both my organization and the broader Auto Care community.”

The Leadership 2.0 program is the automotive aftermarket industry's cornerstone educational program that fosters the development of a new generation of visionary auto care executives. The program is an intense and intellectually challenging two-week executive development and learning experience deeply rooted in the theoretical and practical application of auto care leadership principles. It features esteemed speakers and invaluable networking opportunities with top-level industry leaders.

Graduates of the program receive 7.0 CEUs toward their Automotive Aftermarket Profession (AAP) designations and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations. The scholarship is valued at $6,650 and covers the price of tuition, class materials and meals. 

Leadership 2.0 is comprised of two, five-day sessions. Session I will be held Aug. 10-14, 2025, at the Northwood University campus in Midland, Michigan, and Session II is held March 8-12, 2026, at a location to be announced. 

For more information about the Manufacturers’ Representatives Community or how to find a member-approved Manufacture Representative with our Rep Match Tool, visit the Manufacturers' Representatives webpage or contact Mary Ieng, manager, community engagement, Auto Care Association, at [email protected]