Zar Wins Northwood Aftermarket Education Award

Schwartz Advisors' Keith Zar receives Northwood University's Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award for his industry leadership and commitment to education.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Auto Parts

Zar Wins Northwood Aftermarket Education Award

Schwartz Advisors Managing Partner Keith Zar has received Northwood University's Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award. The honor will be presented at an awards ceremony during AAPEX in Las Vegas on Nov. 3, 2026.

Why it matters

The award recognizes leaders who advance education within the automotive aftermarket, a sector serving vehicle owners nationwide. It also highlights the role of advisory professionals in strengthening the industry's knowledge base.

The award program dates to 1975 and is presented annually by Northwood University to honor aftermarket industry leaders. Schwartz Advisors previously produced six award recipients, and the 2026 honor is set for the AAPEX ceremony in Las Vegas.

The players

Keith Zar

Keith Zar is the Managing Partner of Schwartz Advisors and a lawyer by training who has advised on hundreds of automotive aftermarket transactions.

Northwood University

Northwood University is a Michigan-based university that has presented the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award since 1975.

Schwartz Advisors

Schwartz Advisors is an M&A advisory and strategic planning firm serving the mobility aftermarket.

The details

Keith Zar, a lawyer by training who oversees Schwartz Advisors' sell-side M&A practice, has taken part in hundreds of transactions as a legal, financial and strategic adviser. Schwartz Advisors, an M&A advisory and strategic planning firm serving the mobility aftermarket, announced the recognition.

Nov. 3, 2026: Northwood honors Zar at the AAPEX awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
1975: Northwood University established the award program.

Roadmap

The Northwood award has recognized aftermarket leaders since 1975, and this honor adds Keith Zar to a lineage that already includes multiple Schwartz Advisors recipients. It reflects the sector's ongoing emphasis on professional education as the mobility aftermarket continues to evolve.

The award is presented during AAPEX, the industry trade show in Las Vegas, so attendees and aftermarket professionals visiting the event may see the ceremony in person. The recognition does not change pricing, availability or service for vehicle owners.

The takeaway

Recognition programs like this one highlight that continuing education remains central to how the automotive aftermarket develops its leaders. Professionals tracking the industry can watch how advisory firms and trade events shape that development.