Strategic planning is a cornerstone of success in the automotive industry, as Aaron Rolfsrud illustrates in his comprehensive guide to business development. By combining market analysis, competitive positioning, and customer engagement, he demonstrates how businesses can craft adaptable strategies to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. Rolfsrud underscores the importance of cross-departmental collaboration, performance monitoring, and embracing innovation to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. With a focus on emerging technologies like electric vehicles and automation, the article provides a roadmap for automotive companies to maintain a competitive edge and drive sustainable growth in a dynamic landscape.

After 15 years of building high-impact organizations across digital marketing, SaaS, and the automotive industries, I’m excited to share a snapshot of my professional journey. From founding a seven-figure e-commerce brand to advising startups on strategy and execution, I’ve worn many hats—and I’m always looking for the next challenge.

I'm excited to share my professional journey and passion for quality excellence and sustainability. With over 18 years of experience leading strategic initiatives across multiple industries, my commitment remains focused on long-term value and responsible innovation—here is my biography.

Rick Sorrells is a transformational COO and proven value creator with a career defined by scaling high-growth, people-intensive companies across the service and automotive sectors. Known for his “Structured Flexibility” leadership style, Rick combines entrepreneurial vision with operational discipline to drive sustainable growth, leading organizations through complex turnarounds, digital transformations, and multi-million dollar acquisitions. From growing Xcite Automotive’s revenue tenfold to leading Towne Park through its most significant expansion, Rick has consistently delivered results by aligning cross-functional teams, optimizing performance, and developing future leaders. With deep expertise across operations, HR, IT, finance, and strategy, he brings a holistic and people-first approach to every challenge.

Rene-Philippe Degni-Segui is a dynamic product executive with over two decades of experience leading product strategy, innovation, and growth across global industrial sectors. As Director of Product Management at The Raymond Corporation, he manages a $1.5 billion portfolio and drives the development and launch of advanced automation, energy, and material handling solutions. Known for building high-performing teams and delivering customer-focused innovations, Rene-Philippe has a proven track record of aligning business objectives with market opportunities to generate sustainable revenue growth. His strategic mindset, financial expertise, and global leadership experience position him as a forward-thinking leader in today’s evolving product landscape.

Nick Van Roijs is a results-driven executive with extensive experience in manufacturing, automotive, and business development. As CEO and General Manager of Nooyen USA, he has led strategic growth initiatives, optimizing operations and strengthening the company’s market presence. With a Master’s in Management from Nyenrode Business University and a strong foundation in strategy and innovation, he excels in business development, operational efficiency, and leadership. His diverse experience in aftersales, product management, and customer service has shaped his ability to drive sustainable success. Fluent in Dutch and English, with international expertise, Nick is a dynamic leader committed to fostering growth and innovation in the manufacturing industry.

Scott Keys is a seasoned manufacturing executive with over 41 years of leadership experience in the automotive industry. Known for his expertise in lean manufacturing, six sigma, and operational excellence, he has successfully led large-scale production initiatives, optimized global manufacturing footprints, and navigated complex contract negotiations. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles at Cooper Standard, Nisco LLC, and NSK Corporation, where he drove efficiency, process improvement, and workforce development. With extensive international experience across Japan, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and India, Scott brings a global perspective to manufacturing strategy and operations. Now retired, he seeks to leverage his wealth of industry knowledge in board and advisory roles, offering strategic insights and leadership to organizations aiming for operational excellence and sustainable growth.

As a leader in the automotive, mobility, and sustainable energy sectors, my mission has always been to drive profitability, innovation, and operational excellence. With over 30 years of leadership experience, I have had the privilege of transforming organizations, optimizing financial performance, and leading sustainable business initiatives. I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my career journey, strategic insights, and leadership philosophy. Here is my biography.

Hans Dieltjens is a seasoned global executive with over 33 years of experience in the automotive, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. As the chief executive officer and president of TI Fluid Systems, he has led transformative initiatives, including the company’s strategic shift towards electrification, expansion in China, and a successful delisting at a 50% share price premium. With deep expertise in operational management, engineering, and sales, Hans has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, enhancing profitability, and optimizing global business operations. Fluent in Dutch, English, German, and French, he effectively navigates international markets, fosters high-performing teams, and cultivates strategic partnerships. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, Hans is now seeking board opportunities where he can leverage his extensive leadership experience to drive business transformation and long-term success.

Joshua Coronado-Moses is a seasoned legal professional and business strategist with deep expertise in automotive law, federal regulations, and business development. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Moses Auto Law, he has built a reputation for advocating on behalf of clients facing complex insurance disputes and corporate injustices. With a background as a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Joshua combines legal acumen with strategic insight to help businesses navigate regulatory challenges, mitigate risks, and foster growth. His passion for justice, leadership, and mentorship drives his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the legal and corporate sectors. Actively seeking board opportunities, he aims to contribute his expertise in governance, compliance, and operational strategy to help organizations thrive. Guided by his principle, “When others won’t, we will,” Joshua remains dedicated to championing fairness and accountability in every endeavor.

Girish Iyer is a seasoned business executive with over 25 years of global experience across sectors such as automotive, industrial, energy, facilities maintenance, and home services. As a Partner at AR2 LLC, a Michigan-based investment and management firm, he has been pivotal in acquiring and managing U.S.-based manufacturing and business services companies, including the notable acquisition of Screen Works in January 2018. In addition to his role at AR2 LLC, Girish serves as Chief Growth Officer at Oorja Growth Partners, a Detroit-based firm dedicated to accelerating growth and enhancing equity value for small to mid-sized businesses. His extensive career also encompasses significant leadership positions at Cummins Inc., where he excelled in marketing, business development, regulatory affairs, and product planning. Girish's academic background includes an MBA in General Management from Oakland University and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Fluent in Hindi and possessing basic proficiency in Spanish and Mandarin, he brings a multicultural perspective to his professional endeavors, further enriched by his international experience in markets such as China, India, Brazil, and South Korea. Beyond his executive roles, Girish contributes strategic guidance as a board member at Screen Works and maintains personal interests in reading and golf, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and personal development.

Gregory G. Lee is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in the manufacturing, automotive, trucks/trailers, and aftermarket components industries. Known for his ability to drive revenue growth, optimize sales teams, and execute strategic market expansions, Greg has successfully led high-performing teams across private equity and corporate environments. His expertise spans sales management, business development, P&L oversight, and global dealer channel management. With a strong track record in organizational restructuring and customer engagement, Greg is now seeking board advisory roles where he can leverage his extensive experience to help companies scale, optimize operations, and achieve sustainable growth.

Brent Blum is an accomplished leader in innovation and technology, specializing in augmented and virtual reality, spatial computing, and emerging tech strategies. With over 20 years of professional experience, he has a proven track record of driving growth, fostering innovation, and building businesses across industries such as technology, telecom, automotive, and defense. As a globally recognized thought leader, Brent has delivered innovation-focused presentations in over 25 countries, inspiring organizations to embrace transformative solutions. Passionate about advancing technology and entrepreneurship, he brings a wealth of expertise and a forward-thinking mindset to any organization he partners with.

Christopher Barnes is a dynamic executive leader with 34 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, operations management, and lean systems implementation. A Six Sigma Black Belt and strategic business innovator, he has successfully led large-scale manufacturing plants, optimized operational efficiencies, and negotiated complex labor agreements. Throughout his career at Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd., he has overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, driven cultural transformation, and built high-performing teams. With international exposure across North America and Europe, Christopher is a results-driven leader who thrives on improving business models and fostering continuous growth. Now exploring board service opportunities, he seeks to leverage his expertise in strategic planning, operational excellence, and leadership development to contribute to forward-thinking organizations.

I am excited to share my professional journey and expertise in global product leadership, strategic growth, and brand transformation. With a track record of delivering award-winning vehicles, optimizing financial strategies, and leading cross-functional teams across North America, China, and Europe, I remain passionate about helping organizations navigate complex markets and achieve sustainable success. Here is my biography.

Tracy Slaughter Holmes is a seasoned Training and Development Manager with over 30 years of experience driving workforce transformation and fostering inclusive organizational cultures. Renowned for her expertise in strategic planning, DEI initiatives, and leadership development, Tracy has consistently delivered innovative solutions that align talent development with business goals. Through her impactful career across industries such as oil and gas, healthcare, and energy, Tracy has spearheaded global training programs, enhanced operational efficiency, and mentored teams to achieve sustainable growth. Her dedication to excellence and community engagement continues to inspire meaningful change in both professional and civic arenas.