RWMC Joel Ayres: Supporting People in Need in the Automotive Aftermarket

Sept. 25, 2023

Executive Director at Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation talks to conference attendees about the charitable work of the organization and how to get involved.

Chris Jones

Joel Ayres, executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), presented at the Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference on Saturday, September 23.

Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, the only nonprofit geared toward helping people in the automotive industry, provides assistance to employees, suppliers and immediate family members in the aftermarket. Ayres said 69% of people don’t have resources for their families when an emergency arises. That’s where AACF steps in. The nonprofit can pay medical bills, mortgages, rent, provide aid dogs and help create accessibility in the homes of those who have physical handicaps. The average recipient received $2,500 of aid money.

Ayres said when a need arises, AACF can step in and approve applications within 48 hours and overnight relief checks.

He offered three ways for shop owners to give: donate, join AACF as an awareness partner and share their information (aftermarketcharity.org).

“You're providing a benefit to your employees that doesn’t cost anything,” he said.

About the Author

Chris Jones | Editor

Chris Jones is Group Editorial Director for the Vehicle Repair Group at Endeavor Business Media. He’s a multiple-award-winning editor and journalist and a certified project manager now providing editorial leadership and brand strategy for the auto care industry's most trusted automotive repair publications—Ratchet+Wrench, Modern Tire Dealer, National Oil & Lube News, FenderBender, ABRN, Professional Distributor, PTEN, Motor Age, and Aftermarket Business World.