Robert (Bob) Greenwood

Bob Greenwood was born in Burlington, Ontario November 26, 1949. He completed his post secondary education at Ryerson University, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University, majoring in Business Administration and Finance.

His first “real” job was with EK Williams based in Ottawa, an accounting, auditing and book keeping company. It was at EK Williams working with aftermarket companies that intrigued him to become involved in our industry.

In 1981, Bob started his own firm with a focus upon small businesses, many of which were automotive repair shops. Recognizing the needs of shop owners to be successful, he became

immersed in the repair industry providing on site training. Coinciding, Bob also became

heavily involved with Industry Associations (Regional and Local) and became a spokesperson

to all levels to assist the Independent Repair level to succeed through not just technical, but

also business acumen training.

Recognizing the power of the internet, in 1997 Bob established the Automotive Aftermarket

E-Learning Centre (AAEC), providing business management resources for the development of the Independent Repair sector of the Automotive Aftermarket. Through Vancouver Island

University, Bob attained Accredited Master Automotive Manager.

AAEC content on Business Management and Technology is recognized today as part of the

curriculum of the fixed operations diploma program and aftermarket degree courses at both

the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College, and the Automotive

Management Institute at Colleyville, Texas. Parts of Bob’s syllabus is used at the Northwood

Institute in Midland, Michigan, which earned him Honorary Degree status as an educator.

By 2021, over 225,000 students had taken one or more of Bob’s courses, and are still taught

to this day.

While managing his E-Learning centre, Bob never lost focus working with shops. He has

worked individually or in group format with hundreds of Automotive shops in North America; and late in his career branched out and worked with numerous Heavy-Duty Networks and Associations.

Bob also wrote regular articles for numerous trade magazines on a monthly basis; created

Business Development programs for repair industry specific Associations; created a video

series “Greenwood Garage” and launched his own podcast, “Second Thoughts”.

Bob was a passionate advocate of the Automotive Aftermarket, serving on the Board of AIA

Canada from 2016-2018. He was also a Board Member of the Automotive Service

Association; and an adviser to AARO; HDA Truck Pride and a number of trade Associations.

Bob’s commitment to industry was recognized in receiving the following awards and

recognition:

•  0-1 USA VISA Status issued by Homeland Security recognizing extraordinary skills at the top of their field, necessary for the betterment of Industry.
• Queen Elizebeth Diamond Jubilee Medalion recipient (2014)
• Training Provider of the Year from the Automotive Management Institute (Northwood) 2015
• Founding Member of the Coalition of Aftermarket Professionals (2016)

His last recognition was posthumously awarded in 2022 with the Canadian Industry’s highest recognition, the Distinguished Service Award, months after his untimely passing.

Bob’s passion for Industry was only surpassed by his love of Family.

Bob left behind is partner Patti.

His real pride were his two sons Sean (wife Katie) and Jason (wife Michaela) and later in life, so special to him were his grand children Mason, Hannah and Kaydon.

Our Industry was blessed to have Bob Greenwood as part of our history.

1949-2021