Tune-In FY20 Q4

Tune-In A PUBLICATION FOR AUTOZONERS ABOUT AUTOZONERS

FY20 Q4

NOV EMB ER 2 02 0

AutoZoners in Action Page 06

Checkout Challenge Sales Tips Page 10

Page 21

2021 Benefits

Enrollment Coming Soon: What to Think About Now Photo credit: Under the Milky Way Sara Boles Regional Administrative Assistant, Portland AutoZone Store #3757 Happy Valley, Oregon

Tune-In is available on the AutoZoners App and AutoZoners.com!

PLEDGE PLEDGE &VALUES &VALUES AutoZoners always put customers AutoZoners always put customers first!first!

We know our parts and products.

We know our parts and products.

Our stores great!

Our stores look look great!

We’ve gotbest the best merchandise the right We’ve got the merchandise at theatright price.price.

An AutoZoner Always...

An AutoZoner Always...

CUSTOMERS PUTS PUTS CUSTOMERS FIRSTFIRST

your customers’ expectations by providing Exceed Exceed your customers’ expectations by providing WOW! WOW! Customer andthe going Extra Mile. Understand Customer ServiceService and going ExtratheMile.

Understand your your customers’ needs andtheir solve their problems.

Treat each customers’ needs and solve problems.

Treat each customer your only customer. customer as your as only customer.

PEOPLE CARESCARES ABOUTABOUT PEOPLE

Treat with people with and dignity and respect.

Recognize great work Treat people dignity respect.

Recognize great work and provide feedback.

Demonstrate for and provide frequentfrequent feedback.

Demonstrate concernconcern for others and your community. a safe environment. others and your community.

Create aCreate safe environment.

Own your development and help develop Own your development and help develop others. others.

STRIVES FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE STRIVES FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE

Be accountable andyour honor your commitments. in a manner Be accountable and honor commitments.

Act in a Act manner of the highest legal and standards. ethical standards.

Use resources of the highest legal and ethical Use resources wisely and promote culture thrift.

Takeinitiative, strong initiative, wisely and promote a culturea of thrift.ofTake strong act and quickly andjob do right the job first time. act quickly do the theright firstthe time.

ENERGIZES OTHERS ENERGIZES OTHERS

Share your passion for the business.

Generate enthusiasm, Share your passion for the business.

Generate enthusiasm, others and promote innovation.

Listen and assume motivatemotivate others and promote innovation.

Listen and assume in others. positivepositive intent inintent others.

EMBRACES DIVERSITY EMBRACES DIVERSITY

Welcome each individual’s differences and unique Welcome each individual’s heritage,heritage, differences and unique Buildwith teams with diverse thoughts, skills, knowledge qualities.qualities.

Build teams diverse thoughts, skills, knowledge and backgrounds.

Value ideas and opinions of others. and backgrounds.

Value the ideastheand opinions of others.

TEAMS SUCCEED HELPSHELPS TEAMS SUCCEED

contribute teamand goals and seek opportunities to ActivelyActively contribute to teamtogoals seek opportunities to Be a reliable and supportive team member.

Strive for lead. Belead. a reliable and supportive team member.

Strive for andcommunication. clear communication.

Placegoals teamover goals over accurateaccurate and clear Place team personalpersonal goals. goals. ©2020 Inc. All rights reserved.

AutoZone, AutoZone & Design, ALLDATAmarks are registered marks of AutoZone or one of its affiliates. ©2020 AutoZone, Inc. AllAutoZone, rights reserved.

AutoZone, AutoZone & Design, and ALLDATA areand registered of AutoZone IP LLC or one of IPitsLLC affiliates.

AutoZone by the Numbers: (as of Saturday, August 29, 2020)

6,549

12

(5,885 in the U.S., 621 in Mexico and 43 stores in Brazil)

(10 in the U.S. and 2 in Mexico)

STORES

DISTRIBUTION CENTERS

All AutoZoner titles include “Customer Satisfaction,” which reflects our commitment to customer service. That specific distinction is not noted in each of the titles reference in this publication.

5,007 DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL PROGRAMS

100k+

AUTOZONERS

Photos in this publication were taken at various times and in various locations. Social distancing and PPE requirements may not have been in place in a specific location at the time the individual photo was taken.

©2020 AutoZone, Inc. All Rights Reserved. AutoZone, AutoZone & Design, AutoZone Connect, AutoZone Rewards, AutoZone.com, BatteryZone, Get In The Zone, MyZone Health Report, OilZone, PartsZone, ProCarCareZone, The Best Parts in Auto Parts, and Zone are registered trademarks of AutoZone IP LLC. Duralast, Duralast Flex Blade, Duralast Gold, Duralast Gold CMax & Design, Duralast GT, Duralast Max, Duralast Platinum, Duralast Professional, Duralast ProPower, Duralast ProPower AGM, Duralast ProPower Ultra, Duralast ProPower Plus, Duratest, Duralast Aero Blade, Econocraft, Loan-A-Tool, ProElite, ProElite & Design, ProPartner, ProPerks, ProPoints, ProRev, ProVantage, Surebilt, Surebilt & Design, Trugrade, V & Design, Valucraft, WITTDTJR, Z-net, and Z-net & Design are registered marks of AutoZone Parts, Inc. AD Mobile & Design, ALLDATA, ALLDATA Collision, ALLDATA Manage, ALLDATA Market, ALLDATA Mobile, ALLDATA Repair, ALLDATA Tech-Assist, and OBD3 Solutions are registered marks of ALLDATA LLC. NASCAR is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. The STP trademark and logo are registered trademarks of the Armor AII/STP Products Company and are used under license. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

10 14 17 23

Contents 05 Are You In Yet?

06 AutoZoners In Action

08

AutoZoners Helping AutoZoners

09 Roadside Radiance – AutoZoners Shine

10

16

The Experts Weighin with Checkout Challenge Sales Tips

New Battery Scale Process Equals Easier Returns for DCs

12

17

Customers Say WOW! About the Service AutoZoners Provide

14

Foundations Training Gets a Virtual Makeover

A Special “Thank You” from the Memphis Fulfillment Center

18 AZ ¡HOLA! Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

19

23

Caring for Your Personal Vehicles and Sharing Trustworthy Advice

It’s Business ‘Unusual’ in the AutoZone Shanghai Office

20 Health Plan Coverage Is Available to All AutoZoners

24 2020 Vendor Summit Celebrates Contributions of Top Suppliers

25

21

Milestone Anniversaries

2021 Annual Benefits Enrollment Coming Soon: What to Think About Now

28

22 ALLDATA® Launches ALLDATA Shop ManagerSM

Industry News

32 Virtual National Sales Meeeting 2020

From the Desk of Bill Rhodes

Dear AutoZoners, Fiscal year 2020 (FY20) was indeed a unique, challenging and remarkable period in history. As AutoZoners and in our personal lives, we faced COVID-19, civil unrest, and for some, catastrophic natural disasters.

But, through it all, your response has been incredible and your ability to ensure that our customers can safely and responsibly operate their vehicles continues to be inspiring. Our AutoZoners, especially in our stores and Distribution Centers, have been on the front lines since day one of the global pandemic and your efforts have been nothing short of heroic. Thank you!

BILL RHODES, Chairman, President and CEO, Customer Satisfaction, joined AutoZone in 1994 as Manager, Inventory and has held a variety of roles over the course of his AutoZone career.

In addition, Bill serves on several industry and community boards including: Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), Dollar General, Memphis Tomorrow, Youth Programs, Inc. and the National Civil Rights Museum.

EDITORIAL TEAM: Sheryl Jackson Manager, Store Communications, Customer Satisfaction

Sarah Pospisil Manager, Intranet Communications, Customer Satisfaction

Cindy Wessel Manager, Benefits Communications, Customer Satisfaction

PRODUCTION MANAGER Kenele Spell Communications Specialist, Customer Satisfaction

EDITOR Tracy Houston Manager, Enterprise Communications, Customer Satisfaction

To submit an article for publication in Tune-In, please email TuneIn@AutoZone.com.

Because of your sacrifice and tireless efforts, even amid COVID-19, our performance in FY20 Q4 was one for the record books. For the quarter, we grew same store sales by an incredible 21.8%! This growth represents our largest comparable growth since we, as a company, went public in 1991. We experienced record-setting growth in both customer traffic and market share. And, thanks to the AutoZoners in our Distribution Centers, we achieved a record-breaking year for safety. Our success continues to be a tremendous 1TEAM effort. Congratulations!

During Q4, we grew our Commercial business by an impressive16.8% and proudly celebrated a milestone, 25 years of WOW! Customer Service in Commercial! We also achieved a record high in our average weekly Commercial sales. On average, our weekly Commercial sales per program we’re over 12,200 in the fourth quarter. Now, over 85% of our domestic stores have a Commercial program. Commercial still represents our single largest growth opportunity and we must not take our foot off the pedal.

In the fourth quarter, we also announced our plan to hire 20,000 new AutoZoners for the Fall. But, as we move to get you more help and hire more AutoZoners —remember, this is an exceptional team and any new AutoZoner must have the same phenomenal traits and character that you have. And, don’t forget, “AutoZone isn’t for everybody and everybody isn’t for AutoZone.” We only want the best, so be selective!

Moving into our new fiscal year, FY21, the health, safety and well-being of our AutoZoners and customers remains our most important concern. So, I encourage you all to wear facemasks, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer and practice social distancing.

These simple yet effective habits make a positive difference. We also need you to stay connected to the customer in FY21.

So, how do you stay connected to the customer?

Staying connected means treating every customer like they’re the only customer and treating every store like it’s the only store. I’m also reminded of a quote by J.R. Hyde Sr., the grandfather of our founder, Pitt Hyde, where he said, “when a customer likes you and is friendly toward you, he can find more reasons to give you business than you can ever find for him yourself.”

His sentiment truly embodies our tried and true commitment to the customer, like performing WITTDTJR® (What It Takes To Do The Job Right) nothing more, nothing less, greeting every single customer, making safe and on-time deliveries, answering the phone in three rings or less, and always providing Trustworthy Advice.

Your ability to every day provide WOW! Customer Service is why we are winning in a significant way and why I am so optimistic about our future!

As we enter the Fall Selling Season, products like lighting, alternators, engine oil, Duralast Elite brakes and Duralast batteries will be in high demand. So, double down on performing GOTTChA (Going Out To The Customer’s Automobile) to perform free battery testing, installing windshield wipers and assisting with Fix Finder™. And, for our Commercial team, your new handhelds should be a great time saver for you and a considerable value-add to our customers this Fall and moving forward.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Tune-In as we recognize AutoZoners celebrating Milestone Anniversaries, highlight AutoZoners helping AutoZoners, and share many stories about your extraordinary efforts. You will also find special features on excelling at Checkout Challenge and what it means to be an AutoZoner.

AutoZoners, it is truly an honor to work alongside each and every one of you. And, as I love to say, every day is a great day to be an AutoZoner!

Take care, stay strong and be well.

Sincerely,

Bill Rhodes Chairman, President and CEO Customer Satisfaction

ARE YOU IN YET?

M

ore than 20,000 AutoZoners have opted to be in-the-know through text messaging or their personal emails. Opt-in to receive information that’s important to your AutoZone experience, including benefits, health, financial well-being, special announcements, acknowledgments, discounts, press releases and even when the newest issue of Tune-In becomes available! Participation is entirely voluntary, and AutoZoners can update their opt-in statuses at any time through their profiles on the AutoZoners app.

If you haven’t opted-in, do it today at AutoZoners.com or on the AutoZoners app!

TUNE-IN | 5

TRACY HOUSTON MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Connor’s Customers Consistently Say, WOW! AutoZoner, Connor Finley, at Store #6162 in Cypress, TX, is well known for always going above and beyond for our customers. He consistently shows initiative and is an excellent example of how to properly perform GOTTChA (Going Out To The Customer’s Automobile). On a sweltering July day, an older gentleman came into the store asking for a new battery. He described the problem he was experiencing, explaining this was the second time he had difficulty starting his vehicle and needed to replace the battery. After listening to the customer’s issues, Connor recommended testing the battery to ensure it was the problem.

While inspecting the customer’s battery, Connor noticed corrosion on one of the battery posts. When testing proved the battery was good, Connor explained that the “hard start” probably was due to the corrosion buildup on the battery post. He suggested cleaning off the corrosion as the least expensive option for solving the customer’s problem.

Ensuring the customer received What It Takes To Do The Job Right (WITTDTJR), Connor recommended that he purchase a battery installation kit, which includes grease, felt washers and some simple wire brushes. The customer told Connor that normally he cleans the battery posts himself, but he could no longer stand for long periods since he was on crutches. Connor gladly offered to help and, despite the heat, thoroughly cleaned both posts for the customer.

The customer’s truck started instantly, with no hesitation.

The customer heartily thanked Connor and went happily on his way. Thanks, Connor, for always showing initiative and putting our customers first.

6 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

Late Night Heroes When two customers came into Store #4227 in Keller, TX, with serious car trouble, AutoZoner, Jessica Caldwell and Parts Sales Manager (PSM), Alan Snow went to the parking lot to learn more about the issues they were having. Jessica and Alan discovered engine coolant covering the hood, a missing belt and a severely damaged power steering pump pulley detached from the power steering pump.

The AutoZoners called a well-known mobile mechanic to help and stayed with the customers while they waited.

When the mechanic arrived at 10 p.m., Jessica and Alan made sure the mechanic had all the parts needed for the repair. Unfortunately, the job was expected to take a considerable amount of time and the mechanic would not be able to finish until morning. So Jessica and Alan again waited with the customers until a tow truck arrived and then took them to the repair shop. Along the way, Jessica and Alan learned that the women didn’t live in the area but were visiting the neighborhood from a nearby town to look at houses. Although it was after 11:30 p.m., Jessica and Alan knew they could not leave the ladies stranded.

They drove the customers home 32 miles (one way) to ensure their safety.

Age is Only a Number

Staying Powered Up

Congratulations to AutoZoner, Harrison Coke! Mr. Coke, at Hub Store #3809, Lauderhill, FL, celebrated his 3-year anniversary and his 91st birthday with his Hub Store team and South Florida Regional Manager, Ben Esquivel and Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Rick Smith.

Maintenance Manager, Donald Tucker and Maintenance Technician, Lonnie Ashley went the Extra Mile to keep Hub Store #139 in Hattiesburg, MS, open following a planned electrical outage for repairs and maintenance by the local power company. Without power, the store would only have been able to operate for a few hours using its uninterruptible power source (UPS) boxes. Once the UPS power was depleted, Retail and Commercial would have limited operations with no access to incoming digital orders. The business would also have been limited to walk-in orders and to orders that were already printed. Even worse, the Hub Store would be limited in the forms of payment it could accept, putting its customers at a disadvantage.

The store team contacted Donald and Lonnie to discuss options to keep all parts of the store running during the power outage. Lonnie located and installed generators to keep the entire store working. As District Manager (DM), Darryl Cooley eloquently said, “We didn’t miss a beat.”

The team is grateful to Donald and Lonnie for their assistance in prioritizing the situation and keeping the store running at 100 percent to serve all of our customers.

TUNE-IN | 7

AutoZoners Helping AutoZoners Teamwork and a Smile You Can Hear

“Adelfo saw that we were slammed and jumped in to help us get caught up. It was his day off and he didn’t have to help out, but he did,” said Christian.

AutoZoners who work with Adelfo describe him as someone who provides outstanding customer service, makes himself available to help his fellow AutoZoners and always has a smile in his voice. “We are extremely lucky to have this wonderful man as an AutoZoner,” said Christian.

Going the Extra Miles

Being busy is a nice problem to have, but when your store is short-handed or the volume of customers is unexpectedly higher than normal, it can be stressful helping customers in the store, on the phone and in the parking lot. One June day, Parts Sales Manager, Christian Thromle at Store #1172 in Mt. Vernon, WA, was having a tough day when fellow AutoZoner, Adelfo Garcia came into the store to purchase items for his personal projects.

8 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

Like many businesses, AutoZone has experienced times being short-staffed due to COVID-19-related issues. When Store #450 in Dunn, NC, experienced this issue recently, the regional team had to scramble to find AutoZoners in different stores who were available to work. Often, this is not an easy task, which is why we are so appreciative of Reginald “Reggie” Burgess from Store #411 in Fayetteville, NC. Reginald was the first to raise his hand and call the regional office, saying he would cover the shifts. Reggie drove 25 miles (one way) to work at the store. He helped the district manager (DM) deepclean the store and get it ready to reopen, and then put on his “selling shoes” to provide WOW! Customer Service.

Reggie worked shifts from open to close, running double comp sales and positive WITTDTJR. More importantly, he kept his fellow AutoZoners’ morale high, allowing them to focus on taking care of customers.

We are grateful for Reggie’s leadership and commitment, especially for filling in for his fellow AutoZoners at Store #450. Reggie, you are an exemplary representation of what it means to LIVE the Pledge and Values. Thank you!

Dash Saves the Sale Commercial Sales Manager, Rachel Jaehn, at Store #4621 in Clarion, PA, found herself in a ‘pickle’ after she ordered a pair of Duralast rotors for a Commercial customer through Vendor Direct Parts (VDP), but only received one rotor. Her customer needed both rotors right away. Rachel quickly called the vendor, who then referred her to Multi-Channel Program Specialist, Jeff Heath. Jeff identified a few stores that had the rotor in stock, and suggested Rachel contact one of them to have the rotor shipped.

Rachel contacted Store #6263 in Houston, TX, and explained the urgent situation to Hub Specialist, Dashiell (Dash) Martin. Dash wasted no time locating the rotor, completing the store-to-store transfer request and preparing the part to be shipped. This all took place before he returned Rachel’s call to confirm he could assist with her request. He also promised to drop it off at a FedEx store on his way home if they missed the store’s daily pickup.

ROADSIDE RADIANCE – AUTOZONERS SHINE ASHLEY TAKES GOTTCHA ON THE ROAD

“Needless to say, Dash saved a sale with one of my best Commercial customers, and I want to recognize him for his efforts, “ said Rachel.

Store Manager, Ibrahim Nasser had this to say about Cody’s first eight days as an AutoZoner: “Cody is hungry to learn. He completed his training, including Product Knowledge, by the end of day two. He learned all the processes required to perform his job and is already exceeding expectations. He is loved by the whole team.”

Cody, welcome to the AutoZone family, and thank you for your teamwork and commitment to LIVE the Pledge!

AutoZoner, Tina Lopez of Store #1457 in Baytown, TX, gladly volunteered to go out of her way to make a delivery to a customer whose alternator failed and left him stranded on the roadside. But Tina didn’t just drop off the part. She knew the customer would be stranded until the alternator was installed, so she stayed to help with the installation.

It is Tina’s initiative, compassion and sense of urgency that makes her such “a valuable addition to our team and provides an example of what a good AutoZoner should be,” said Parts Sales Manager, Devonte Morris.

DEAN DEMONSTRATES OUR VALUES

Eight Days an AutoZoner

Just eight days into his AutoZone career at Store #3421 in Pflugerville, TX, AutoZoner, Cody Sample was wrapping up an eight-hour shift and planning to head to a family event when he learned that a fellow AutoZoner needed a shift covered. Without hesitation, Cody gladly filled in.

ROADSIDE EXCELLENCE

Commercial Driver, Ashley Garcia at Store #4215 in Corpus Christi, TX, was finishing up her shift when she answered a call from an out-of-town customer stranded in a shopping center parking lot. The customer needed a battery but had no way of getting to the store. Ashley took the initiative to find out the customer’s exact location and received payment over the phone. Not only did she offer to take the battery to the customer, she installed it for him as well.

The customer was very grateful that Ashley went the Extra Mile to help him. Ashley really takes WOW! Customer Service to the next level.

When customer Shawnette W. called Store #897 in Waverly, TN, after her car broke down on Interstate 40, Store Manager (SM), Dean Bullock answered the phone. As Shawnette explained her situation, Dean also learned that she had small children and pets in the vehicle.

With temperatures that day over 90 degrees, Dean knew this was a recipe for disaster and that he had to help the family. Dean was just getting off from work, so he drove 30 miles to where the family was stranded. After inspecting the vehicle, he discovered a bad radiator. Dean helped facilitate the purchase of a new radiator and then installed it for her. Shawnette offered to pay Dean, but he refused.

“My family and I were in a very bad spot, and Dean went above and beyond to get us back on the road.

I am eternally grateful that I called AutoZone and received such amazing customer service,” said Shawnette.

TUNE-IN | 9

KENELE SPELL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

The Experts Weigh-in With Checkout Challenge Sales Tips It’s no secret that AutoZoners enjoy friendly competition, and Checkout Challenges (COCs) are the perfect opportunities and motivators to increase team engagement, drive sales and earn bragging rights!

What is COC? COC involves recommending small WITTDTJR and impulse products that typically are stocked near or on the sales counter. Most COC items range from $5 to $7.

Recommending COC items lets customers take advantage of some great deals and helps support average ticket. COC items change every period, so watch Hot News and the Management Action Plan (MAP) for the latest information.

If you are new to AutoZone or to retail, COC is a great way to learn how to recommend something most customers can use.

It also gives you a chance to connect with your customer in a different way. Since COC items change every period, there are 13 opportunities to learn what’s new or different about some of the products we sell.

Are you Checkout Challenged? We asked AutoZoners from the topperforming “Checkout Challenge” stores to share their best practices for success at the sales counter. These experts agree that the key is to ask every customer during every transaction!

10 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

SM, Daniel Martinez, Store #1680, Hyattsville, MD, Washington, D.C., Region

I tell my AutoZoners to get comfortable with the word, “no.”

Once you get more comfortable and allow customers to say “no,” it won’t prevent you from asking each customer if they want the products.

We also challenge ourselves and set goals to reach 1,000 Checkout Challenge transactions or exceed double-digit percentage sales each period.

SM, Bernie Matzke, Store #3567, Fargo, ND, Chicago Region We ask every customer who comes to the register and make sure the display is on the counter.

If an AutoZone Rewards® customer is close to reaching their points, we suggest that they purchase a COC item to help them reach their next Reward faster.

SM, Ken Morley, Store #5176, Old Town, ID, Salt Lake City Region When I speak with my AutoZoners, I tell them to ask every single customer.

We continuously talk about COC, and we have fun with it.

We create friendly competition amongst the store team where the prize is bragging rights.

Everyone just wants to beat me.

SM, Noemi Maldonado, Store #6422, Portsmouth, NH, New England Region I always tell my customers about the features and benefits of COC products.

On days when I am working outside the store, I set a sales goal for the store team and I check in during the day to see where they stand.

AutoZoner, Miriam Ceballos, Store #1680, Hyattsville, MD, Washington, D.C., Region

AutoZoner, Labraun Sutton, Store #2059, McKenzie, TN, Nashville Region (left) Be consistent at offering both options to the customer every time, not just one. Offering both products doubles the opportunity for the customer to say, Yes!

Always be polite and greet customers before anything else, then provide WOW! Customer Service.

PSM, Keith Qualls, Store #2059, McKenzie, TN, Nashville Region (right) It’s essential to have the products right at the check-out counter, in the customer’s line of sight.

Whenever possible, spend more time with the customer to build a rapport.

SM, Vu Tran, Store #1170, Lakewood, WA, Seattle Region There is no secret. Ask and offer it to each customer. Just be consistent.

DID YOU KNOW? Before it was officially named Checkout Challenge, this promotional activity was called Product of the Month in 2007. The first “Product of the Month” was STP Fuel Additive.

TUNE-IN | 11

CUSTOMERS SAY WOW! STORE #16 IN DECATUR, AL, NASHVILLE REGION

A big thank-you to Matt at Store #16. My son and I were two hours from home and needed straps to tie down a jet ski we purchased in Decatur. Matt helped tighten the hitch and was more than willing to help us. He stopped what he was doing and came outside into the heat to get us on the road and back home. Thank you, Matt, for showing kindness. That is true customer service!

STORE #1970 IN OSHKOSH, WI, MILWAUKEE REGION

Absolutely amazing customer service! A pop-up storm was approaching, I had a bum windshield wiper, and it was five minutes to closing time.

I called the store and told 12 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

the AutoZoner I was eight minutes away and asked if they would be able to stay open so I could purchase a new wiper. Not only did the store remain open, but the AutoZoner installed the new wiper for me. I couldn’t have asked for better service!

STORE #4429 IN CHICAGO, IL, CHICAGO REGION

Alissandra helped me find the headlight I needed for my Honda CR-V. She showed me how to put it on and did everything super quickly and efficiently. This was a fantastic experience and I would recommend coming here for all your auto needs.

ABOUT THE SERVICE AUTOZONERS PROVIDE

STORE #984 IN STATESBORO, GA, NORTH FLORIDA REGION

Amazing customer service here at AutoZone. Our van broke down on the way home from vacation and the team here helped charge our battery so we could drive to a mechanic shop and have the alternator replaced.

Thank you, AutoZone, for the unexpected hospitality.

You made a challenging experience as comfortable as possible for us. Thanks!

STORE #2406 IN ST. EUSTIS, FL, CENTRAL FLORIDA REGION

As a businessman and father, it is not often that I take the time to write reviews.

However, I must admit that this was a rare instance

when both the business and the employee created a phenomenal experience. My wife tried to start her car this morning, and it was dead.

Our plan was ruined for the day. I searched AutoZone. com, assuming it was a battery or an alternator. I quickly found and ordered an alternator from the closest store for easy pick-up. When I arrived, a gentleman named Tyler A. brought the part out while wearing a mask, which I appreciated because I have a 10-month old baby.

He also tested my battery, and to my surprise, it was the battery that was dead, not the alternator. Tyler A. swapped out my bad battery for a new one. Tyler made my day just a tiny bit less stressful.

STORE #6266 IN SOUTH NAMPA, ID, SALT LAKE CITY REGION

STORE #6297 IN CEDARS PARK, TX, AUSTIN REGION

STORE #6424 IN WESTCHESTER, PA

STORE #6189 IN BROOKLAWN, NJ

STORE #4509 IN NOBLESVILLE, IN, INDIANAPOLIS REGION

STORE #5337 IN BAKERSFIELD, CA

STORE #147 IN PANAMA CITY, FL

STORE #4963 IN TUSCALOOSA, AL

AutoZone has been the place to go to for all the equipment and parts for my vehicles. I appreciate everyone’s understanding, urgency, professionalism, kindness and the cleanliness of the store. Thank you. I will continue to visit this AutoZone in the future.

WOW! Just WOW! I received five-star service at this AutoZone. I was having some issues with my daughter’s used car. Alan, one of the managers, truly went over and above and exceeded my expectations, resolving my issue with the car. He listened to my problem, was professional, knowledgeable and friendly, and provided a solution. If I ever have car issues in the future, I know exactly where I’m going.

Thank you for your help, Alan! I sincerely appreciate it. You made a not so great situation, a fun experience.

STORE #3902 IN HUNTERSVILLE, NC, CHARLOTTE REGION

The Huntersville AutoZone has outstanding customer service. As a woman who is serious about restoring her 1984 CJ7 Jeep Wrangler, the store team always treats me with respect and dignity.

They don’t talk down to me, and they have a wealth of knowledge about purchasing the right parts. I have been to many AutoZone stores, but this location is consistent with excellent customer service.

Major shout-out to these guys at your Cedars Park store. I drove up at 5 p.m. needing to buy a battery for my truck.

Gary is a rock star! He tested my old battery, looked up the matching model, changed it out for me, and disposed of the old one! I was in and out in 45 minutes, and they were the absolute friendliest folks!

Your representative Zeke was so amazing and thoughtful. He made what I thought would be a stressful experience very easy and comfortable. He is very knowledgeable, and his customer service skills were amazing. I am very grateful to him. Please give him my best. I will surely return to this location if I ever need anything—even if it’s across town. The experience is worth the drive.

STORE #6161 IN AIRMONT/ SUFFERN, NY

My car’s A/C stopped working, so I researched things to check and called Store #6161 and spoke to Godfrey who told me to come in, and he’d check it out for me. After inspecting my car, he told me the compressor clutch was not working and gave me some suggestions to check the relay and fuse. Based on Godfrey taking the time to explain things to me, I was able to get my A/C working correctly while in the parking lot!

I was worried that I would have an expensive repair, but, as a result of the great customer service I received from Godfrey, I was able to fix the issue for less than $10.

It’s nice to see someone who genuinely takes pleasure in helping people, which is very much appreciated.

I visited the West Chester, PA, store on July 5 at approximately 7:30 p.m. and was helped by a young man who was incredibly polite and helpful. I neglected to get his name, but he did a great job. The young lady working with him was friendly as well.

Appreciate a store with polite personnel. Thanks!

I want to give a huge “kudos” to Victor at the Panama City location off US 98. Changing our battery in 95-degree weather in a mask is no easy task, and he did it so we could enjoy our vacation. Please acknowledge him for the great customer service he gave us.

STORE #2523 IN LAS CRUCES, NM

I visited the store on North Main today because I was having difficulty with a brake piston. The Manager, Daniel Garcia, was working at the desk and helped me right away. Without too much explanation, he knew exactly what I needed and helped me adjust my part and let me know the tools and their assistance are always available if I need them. I felt relieved and was impressed by the customer service. From now on, it will be my go-to store.

Thank you!

STORE #338 IN FENTON, MO A young man named Jonah brought me a radiator hose when I was broken down an hour from home. It sounds simple, but to me, it was like being thrown a life vest when you’re barely treading water.

Thank you for hiring such a fine young man and allowing him to come to the aid of a disabled old Veteran.

I just wanted to give a little praise to Stephen at Store #6189. Every time I go into the store, he’s always very attentive, asking how he can assist me, and hardly ever makes me wait. He’s an outstanding young man and deserves praise for his customer service. Thank you for your courtesy, Stephen.

I would like to commend Mr. Robertson, Assistant Store Manager. Anyone in retail can learn a lesson in customer service from this guy. He was courteous, helpful and knowledgeable. He tested my battery and found out that I needed a new one. In less than 15 minutes, a new battery was installed in my car. I was in the auto parts business for 12 years. I held the exact same position he has right now. I can tell it’s more than just a job to him.

STORE #5000 IN WASILLA, AK

I stopped in your store in Wasilla, and the guy was super helpful with wiper blades for the RV I had just purchased. He went through all the trouble to try and find the right ones. He was very much a great help.

STORE #6707, IN CHARLOTTE, NC

I just had the best experience with Alicin Jacobs at your store! I was a bit panicked, it’s a million degrees, pandemic raging, my kids in the car, and my battery was dead! She was extra helpful in getting me all situated quickly. I am grateful for her help and kind “carside” manner!

TUNE-IN | 13

FOUNDATIONS TRAINING GETS A VIRTUAL MAKEOVER KENELE SPELL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

W

hile the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to the nation’s workforce, AutoZone has increased hiring to meet evolving business demands as an essential retailer. Each year, the 40,000 to 50,000 new AutoZoners hired to work in our stores are required to attend a Foundations Training workshop.

To keep AutoZoners safe and to reduce travel, the Store Operations and Training teams developed a proposal to refresh the Foundations Training workshop and make it “virtual.” Instead of attending an in-person, instructor-led workshop in a large group, all newly hired AutoZoners are now completing “eFoundations.”

The bilingual eFoundations program features self-paced training modules, interactive videos and graphics for a modern, effective and efficient onboarding process. All the training is done in the new AutoZoner’s home store. eFoundations helps new AutoZoners learn about their day-to-day job responsibilities and become familiar with cultural anchors, such as WITTDTJR, GOTTChA and Drop-Stop 30/30. AutoZoners also learn how to use unique AutoZone tools, including Z-net® and Fix FinderTM, through online and one-on-one training with their home store management team.

14 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

WHAT’S NEW? • Interactive online training modules contain fresh and relevant content such as virtual customer and Point of Sale (POS) scenarios.

• Self-paced learning allows new AutoZoners to engage with course materials at their own speed and to focus on challenging tasks.

• Shadow training and store manager (SM) checkpoints give new AutoZoners more time to observe, learn and ask questions to improve performance.

• New Hire Kits include comprehensive guides to lead new AutoZoners and SMs through the first day of the eFoundations program.

• A web-based platform gives the Training team more flexibility to update training materials as new services, systems or tasks are introduced.

WHAT ARE AUTOZONERS SAYING ABOUT THE PROGRAM? • “Wonderful learning tool.” —Commercial Driver • “The online training is great to prepare for the shadow training. It is a good foundation.” —Parts Sales Manager (PSM) • “This program will save payroll for facilitators, travel expenses for new hires and minimize potential COVID-19 exposure to large groups of new AutoZoners.” —Regional Human Resources Manager (RHRM)

Hub/Feeder Driver, Roberto Acevedo works through the online Foundations Training modules in his home Store #4252.

SM, Ibrahim Nasser, Store #6457, checks in with new AutoZoner Jacob Florence as he begins the Foundations Training program.

Commercial Driver, Catlin Gorbey from Store #1044 proudly holds his certificate after completing the online Foundations Training.

TUNE-IN | 15

NIA HUGHES COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

AutoZoner, Saul Torres verifies the weight information using the new Battery Scale app.

NEW BATTERY SCALE PROCESS EQUALS EASIER RETURNS FOR DCs

BOL information is right at AutoZoner’s fingertips with the Battery Scale app.

I

n July, a new process for battery returns rolled out to Distribution Centers (DC) to help streamline the process of weighing returned batteries.

According to DC Project Manager, Kerry Laputka, the previous process could often be time-consuming. “The previous process used a similar scale that sent the information to the vendor, and the vendor then sent AutoZone the Bill of Lading (BOL),” said Laputka. “Unfortunately, the scale only worked with one vendor, so when we sent loads to a different vendor, AutoZoners had to write the weights on paper and then turn the paper into the clerk to create the BOL.” With the new process, an electronic scale is secured to the forklift. The forklift weighs the pallet as it is picked up, and the information is stored in the scale and then is sent by spreadsheet to the Returns Clerk via email. Each pallet can easily weigh as much as 2,500 pounds, with the possibility of 20 to 24 pallets on one truck.

Once the clerk receives the spreadsheet, they can use the load information to create the BOL and ship each load.

AutoZone partnered with a third-party vendor, RAVAS, to bring this innovative solution in-house.

16 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

AutoZoners in the Fulfillment Center (FC) hold up signs to show their appreciation to those who volunteered.

A SPECIAL “THANK YOU” FROM THE MEMPHIS FULFILLMENT CENTER

A

s we all know, in early March, the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact AutoZoners in our stores and DCs. While the first several weeks temporarily affected in-store sales, AutoZone’s e-commerce business accelerated. With more Americans working from home, our online business began to increase.

Before the onset of COVID-19, the Fulfillment Center received a hefty amount of E-Commerce orders per week on average. When the government stimulus checks were released, E-Commerce orders in the FC skyrocketed—almost tripled.

Operations simply was not staffed to handle the sudden order demand.

The FC issued a “Call to Action” to Store Support Center (SSC) AutoZoners, seeking volunteers to help pack orders, put away products and complete inventory management. AutoZoners did not hesitate to answer the call!

We want to recognize some AutoZoners who went above and beyond and did what AutoZoners always do. They jump in to help! Some came out at least four times to assist us, often on the weekends.

“Thank you” to the Facility and Services team led by David Perry, Director, Facility Services. They did an outstanding job.

These AutoZoners worked overnight to install sneeze protection in-between the work stations. They also installed thermal temperature screenings and touchless faucets in the restrooms.

“Thank you” to the Maintenance Department at the Lexington Distribution Center. These AutoZoners installed additional racking to help store additional merchandise safely in the FC. Members of the Loss Prevention team completed inventory management and created job aides to help keep better track of product as we increased hiring. Some team members also conducted an overnight inventory check to get an accurate count of our Quantity on Hand (QOH).

We appreciate all the support we received to ensure that we could continue to service our online customers. Thank you to every AutoZoner who donated their time. All these AutoZoners exemplify 1TEAM in action!

Special acknowledgment to the following AutoZoners who volunteered at the FC multiple times: • Joseph Bell, Manager, DC Information Systems • Jacqueline Biddle, Senior Clerk, Maintenance • Joe Buehrle, Manager, Supply Chain Support • Calvin Capers, Manager, Accounting

JOSEPH BRASWELL MANAGER, FULFILLMENT CENTER, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

• Jason Falconer, UI Designer II, Marketing • William Gillon, Manager, Creative Marketing Program • Bill Gulledge, Manager, Human Resources Tech and Analysis • Kevin Julian, Project Manager II, Loss Prevention • Kerry Laputka, Project Manager, DC • Elizabeth Lee, Project Manager, Marketing • Barbara Long, Manager, SSC Human Resources • Bryan Marino, Director, Digital and Marketing Analytics • Sean Mattheisen, SEO Specialist, eCommerce • Evelyn Morgan, Specialist, Benefits • Carol Mosley, Manager, Information Technology • Justin Pappenfort, Project Manager II, Loss Prevention • DeMone Payne, Director, Supply Chain Human Resources • Jordan Peterson, Attorney, Real Estate • Melissa Petrucelli, Manager, Loss Prevention Process Improvement • Maya Plunkett, Senior Customer Relations Specialist, Commercial Credit • Danielle Robinson, Alarm Coordinator • Noah Skaggs, Field Recruiter, Talent Acquisition • Carolyn Spalding, Senior Manager, CRM Marketing • Rich Wheeler, Setup Crew Team Member • Kelly Wilson, SEO Specialist, eCommerce • Yueqian Zhang, Systems Engineer, Information Technology

TUNE-IN | 17

JACQUELINE O’BRYANT DIRECTOR, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

AZ ¡HOLA! CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH SPOTLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS IN MEXICO AND BRAZIL

AZ ¡HOLA!, AutoZone’s Hispanic Organization for Leadership, recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, which began September 15 and ended October 15. Hispanic Heritage Month also coincides with Global Diversity Awareness Month.

At AutoZone, An AutoZoner Always…Embraces Diversity is one of our core Values that we live each day. In recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of AutoZoners across the business with roots in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Spain.

Whether in the U.S., Canada, Mexico or Brazil, our Hispanic and Latinx AutoZoners and customers play a vital role in AutoZone’s success and our communities, and we are committed to building diverse teams, creating an inclusive environment for our AutoZoners and our customers and investing in the communities we serve.

“Two things that make our company great are our Values and our many diverse AutoZoners working together as 1TEAM to provide WOW! Customer Service,” says 31-year AutoZoner, Ed Beltran, Divisional Vice President, Stores, “I’m extremely proud to work for an organization that values diversity and strives for change.”

“As a Latina first-generation Mexican American Marketing professional working for an organization that proudly embraces diversity, I carry that commitment into the work my team delivers,” says Alejandra Barron, Director, Marketing. “Our efforts are informed through insights gathered from research, our customers and our AutoZoners. This, paired with our focus to reflect our customers and many diverse AutoZoners, helps us connect with authenticity in the stories we tell, the imagery we present, and the way we reach our customers.”

18 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

AZ ¡HOLA! demonstrates AutoZone’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a Business Resource Group (BRG), AZ ¡HOLA! helps engage, develop and inspire AutoZoners to build relationships and drive business by providing AutoZoners with opportunities to connect, learn about the business, reach our customers and grow their careers.

In September, AZ ¡HOLA! hosted its first virtual CEO Team Leadership Lunch & Learn Series focusing on cultural awareness and our international businesses in Mexico and Brazil. Ashley Prieto, Director, Merchandising, and AZ ¡HOLA! Core Team member raised cultural awareness by sharing the origin of Hispanic Heritage Month and highlighting the diversity within the Hispanic and Latinx population, which reflects multiple races. She also highlighted the impact of Hispanics and Latinx people in the U.S. and at AutoZone.

DID YOU KNOW? Hispanic and Latinx people represent 60 million Americans and over one-quarter of our AutoZone U.S. population.

AutoZoners from Mexico, Brazil and the SSC also heard from panelists Domingo Hurtado, Senior Vice President, International, Pat Webb, President, AutoZone de México, Mauricio Braz, President, AutoZone do Brasil, and Maria Leggett, Vice President, Legal, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, and learned about AutoZone’s growing international business in Mexico and Brazil.

DID YOU KNOW? As of August 29, 2020, AutoZone operates 621 Stores in Mexico and 43 Stores in Brazil.

Leaders on International Business, Diversity and Inclusion: In Their Own Words

CARING FOR YOUR PERSONAL VEHICLES AND SHARING TRUSTWORTHY ADVICE

“As we continue to grow in Mexico and expand in Brazil, we will serve even more Latin customers and continue to thrive as an international company,” said Mauricio Braz.

When asked about the importance of diversity and inclusion at AutoZone, Braz referenced the AZ ¡HOLA! event. “This event had a massive presence of our AutoZoners in Brazil. They felt proud and included in an organization that truly adopts diversity as one of its core Values! As a company, we continue to showcase that AutoZoners are AutoZoners independent of country of origin.”

When asked how AutoZone has adapted and thrived in Mexico, Pat Webb shared, “AutoZone was a pioneer in introducing a new store model that combined WOW! Customer Service and a selection of merchandise, which the Mexican motoring public couldn’t find anywhere else.”

Webb went on to say, “Although a U.S.-based company, AutoZone’s culture can resonate anywhere because it is founded on universal principles, like caring for others, which includes not only customers but fellow AutoZoners and the communities we serve. Embraces Diversity is part of AutoZone’s Values and it shows. We have thousands of AutoZoners who speak different languages, with diverse ages and backgrounds, who look and think differently. We find value in that. As AutoZoners, we create an environment of dignity, respect and acceptance of our many differences knowing that embracing diversity is what makes our teams strong!”

When asked about the importance of inclusive leadership, Domingo Hurtado shared, “Leadership is all about people; it’s about connecting with others. As leaders, we should listen, be authentically curious, and understand what motivates and frustrates people.”

Maria Leggett reflected on AZ ¡HOLA!’s first year anniversary and the importance of diversity of thought. “As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s also give a shout out to AZ ¡HOLA!’s inaugural year and recognize its very diverse and talented core team for creating relevant content and keeping the BRG going through COVID-19. AZ ¡HOLA! and each of our BRGs embody strength and are examples of the power of diversity of thought at AutoZone.”

To learn more about contact AZ.HOLA@AutoZone.com.

,

TRACY HOUSTON MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

AutoZoners have firsthand knowledge of the importance of proper vehicle maintenance. How often do you help customers who have allowed their fluids to run low or their brake pads to wear down too far, damaging their rotors?

Probably, too often.

Performing regular, basic maintenance helps everyone maintain the safety and dependability of their vehicles.

Below are a few tips from the Car Care Council to help you care for your vehicles and for you to share with your customers. Remember, the time you take to maintain your vehicle now can help avoid costly repairs later.

• Check all fluids (engine oil, power steering, brake, transmission, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant).

• Inspect hoses and belts (cracks, brittleness, frayed, loose or other signs of excessive wear are warning signs).

• Inspect the battery (are the connections clean, tight and corrosion-free?).

• Inspect the brake system (brake linings, rotors and drums).

• Inspect the exhaust system (leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers).

• Check the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system—proper heating and cooling performance are critical for interior comfort and safety reasons, such as defrosting.

• Inspect the steering and suspension system (shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components).

Download a free copy of the Council’s Car Care Guide in English or Spanish, and visit the Council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org. The nonprofit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign, which promotes the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

Source: CarCare.org TUNE-IN | 19

CINDY WESSEL MANAGER, BENEFITS AND WELLNESS COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

HEALTH PLAN COVERAGE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL AUTOZONERS AutoZoners looking for health-plan help can check out HealthSherpa, a resource to help AutoZoners find, enroll in and use high-quality, affordable Marketplace health plan coverage. HealthSherpa is available at no cost to support the following groups of AutoZoners and their families: • Part-time AutoZoners • Newly hired, full-time AutoZoners waiting for benefits to begin • Full-time AutoZoners Our partners at HealthSherpa focus on connecting individuals and their families with health coverage. Online tools and phone support are available at no cost to all AutoZoners.

Marketplace coverage refers to health insurance plans that are part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

20 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

With HealthSherpa you can: • See which plan will be most affordable for you.

• See which plan is most popular.

• Easily shop and compare all plans.

• Get enrolled quickly.

• Call the HealthSherpa Consumer Advocate team for expert advice and assistance year-round.

Are you newly hired? Want to learn more about your health care choices?

Select the HealthSherpa tile on AutoZoners.com or the AutoZoners app, or call a HealthSherpa Consumer Advocate at (855) 935-5622, Monday– Friday, 5 a.m.–7 p.m. PT. Support is available in Spanish, as well as 200 other languages.

AutoZoners can enroll when they are newly hired or during the HealthSherpa Annual Enrollment period. For most states, the next Annual Enrollment period is Sunday, November 1–Tuesday, December 15, 2020, with coverage beginning Friday, January 1, 2021. Some states will have extended deadlines. Look for any Annual Enrollment extended deadlines to be communicated at the end of September 2020.

HealthSherpa’s free assistance is optional for AutoZoners, who can also seek coverage on their own at www.healthcare.gov.

CINDY WESSEL MANAGER, BENEFITS AND WELLNESS COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

2021 ANNUAL BENEFITS ENROLLMENT COMING SOON: WHAT TO THINK ABOUT NOW Soon you’ll be choosing your benefits for 2021. This fall, you’ll be able to see your specific 2021 medical plan options and costs online in the Benefits Center at AutoZoners.com, the AutoZoners app, and the Benefits tab on DOC, DC Central or the SSC Intranet.

In the meantime, take a few minutes to learn more about one of the most important choices you’ll make during Annual Benefits Enrollment—your medical coverage.

Cost will likely be an important factor in your decision.

You can prepare to make your 2021 medical enrollment choice by estimating your health care costs to help you choose the plan that is right for you.

In 2021, AutoZone will continue to pay for most of your medical costs, including your coverage and any services you receive. Your total costs, the amount you pay for coverage and the amount you pay when you receive care throughout the year, will vary depending on the plan you choose. For example: • Do you want to pay less for your coverage, but have higher out-of-pocket costs if you receive more than preventive care?

• Or do you want to pay more for your coverage, but have lower out-of-pocket costs if you need more than preventive care?

There are a number of factors that add up to your total cost for medical. Out-of-pocket costs include things such as health services and prescription drugs before you meet your medical plan Annual Deductible. They also include co-insurance costs for any health services after you meet your medical plan Annual Deductible.

How to Estimate Your Total Yearly Costs of Care

When choosing a plan, it’s a good idea to consider your overall health care costs, not just the premium contribution that is deducted from your paycheck each pay period. Other amounts, sometimes called “outof-pocket” costs, can have a big impact on your total spending on health care, sometimes more than the payroll contribution itself.

In order to pick a plan based on your total costs of care, you’ll need to estimate the health services you’ll use for the year ahead. Of course, it’s impossible to predict the exact amount. So think about how much care you typically use or are likely to use. Consider what you spent

this year and last year. Do you expect to spend more next year, for example, because of an elective surgery or emerging medical condition?

Remember to include your medical plan payroll contributions with your estimated total cost of care to determine your household’s total expected costs of care.

Your actual expenses will vary, but the estimate is useful to understand the medical plan’s total impact on your household budget.

Quickly Determine Your Annual Cost for Each Plan YOUR EXPECTED TOTAL ANNUAL COST = YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS + YOUR EXPECTED OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS (Annual Deductibles, Co-insurance and Co-payments) The Benefitfocus Guided Shopping tool is a resource to help you decide which medical plan is the best fit for you and your family. You will find the tool online in the Benefits Center. AutoZone also provides several resources designed to help manage your health and drive health costs down. Learn more online in the Benefits Center at AutoZoners.com or the AutoZoners app.

TUNE-IN | 21

SHERYL BUSSARD SENIOR COPY EDITOR, ALLDATA, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

ALLDATA® Launches ALLDATA Shop ManagerSM, a Simple Management System for Day-to-Day Shop Essentials This past June, ALLDATA launched ALLDATA Shop Manager, the third addition to the company’s suite of shop management solutions.

According to ALLDATA President, Satwinder Mangat, ALLDATA Shop Manager was developed in response to customer feedback for a management solution that is easy to use, creates essential shop documents and integrates directly with ALLDATA Repair®.

The enhanced integration allows users to start estimates from the parts and labor information in ALLDATA Repair or send them from repair orders in ALLDATA Shop Manager to repair procedures in ALLDATA Repair. ALLDATA Shop Manager also stores customer/vehicle information, and generates basic sales and tax reports and more.

“This initiative was years in the making and will pay dividends in customer productivity and satisfaction for many years to come as we introduce even more functionality to our platform,” said Mangat. “I am extremely proud of all the teams that contributed to the development and launch of this key shop management solution.”

ALLDATA Executives Participate in the Company’s First Virtual Press Intro Given the increasing popularity of online meeting platforms to communicate during the pandemic, ALLDATA decided to host its first virtual press introduction, presenting ALLDATA Shop Manager to the media with a live demonstration.

Joining Satwinder Mangat, President, ALLDATA, for the online virtual press introduction were the following ALLDATA leadership team members: Robert McBride, Vice President, Product Management; George Verkamp, Vice President, Sales and Business Development; and Kevin Clawson, Director, Marketing and Sales Operations. The event was attended by trade journalists from PTEN, Motor Age, BodyShop Business, ABRN, AutoBody News and Repairer Driven News. The ALLDATA Shop Manager press release can also be found on the ALLDATA website.

Three Shop Management Solutions for Day-to-Day Workflow Needs With the addition of ALLDATA Shop Manager, ALLDATA now offers three distinct solutions to give owners and technicians the management tools they need to run their shops successfully: 1. Estimator – Ideal for shops looking for an easy way to create more professional and compliant estimates.

2. ALLDATA Shop Manager – Perfect for shops in need of enhanced shop management capabilities, including generating estimates, repair orders, invoices and more.

3. ALLDATA Manage® Online – An excellent tool for shops, especially growing and multi-shop operators, with the ability to perform extensive business reporting, built-in customer relationship manager (CRM) and more.

See the features and functionality of ALLDATA’s three shop management solutions in this comparison chart.

22 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

The Asia Global Sourcing team, located in Shanghai, China, supports our Pledge to offer the Best Merchandise at the Right Price with a “buyfrom-who-makes-it” sourcing approach.

The Asia team is composed of 50 AutoZoners in Shanghai and two in Taiwan.

Working closely with the U.S. Global Sourcing team located at the Store Support Center, these AutoZoners have three primary responsibilities: sourcing, quality and compliance, and supply chain management. The Sourcing Merchandisers build relationships with factories and serve as the point-of-contact for suppliers and U.S. AutoZone teams. The Quality and Compliance team ensures the factories and parts/ products we purchase meet AutoZone’s highquality standards. The Supply Chain team orders the products from the factories direct to AutoZone’s shelves.

During the five and a half years since the office opened, AutoZone’s Global Sourcing team has established relationships with more than 200 factories throughout Asia, including in mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Turkey and India.

The onset of the COVID-19 outbreak caused the Shanghai office to temporarily shut its doors and forced all AutoZoners to work from home. Despite the disruption, the team maintained contact with our suppliers in the region to keep parts and products flowing from the factories to the U.S. In late March, the office reopened, and the team began traveling in-country in April. While China’s borders remain closed to outside visitors, residents are able to travel freely. AutoZoners have resumed visiting factories, completing inspections and conducting on-site meetings.

“There is no substitution for an in-person meeting and tour, but I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth it went,” said Stephen Wade, Category Manager (CM), Engine Cooling.

“I was able to ask questions as Ray Hong, AutoZone’s Sourcing Merchandiser, walked through the factory.

Another benefit was that the Assistant Category Manager (ACM) and the Commercial Category Manager (CCM) were both able to participate in the virtual tour from their home offices in the U.S.”

One thing that has changed is the facilitation of factory tours. Before COVID-19, the Asia team hosted monthly visits with the U.S. Merchandising Category teams to tour factories, meet with people within the organizations and learn about the facilities’ overall technical capabilities.

Each element of the factory tour is important and helps the Category teams decide which products to buy.

Because of the travel restrictions for our U.S.-based Category teams, the Asia team developed a technology solution that lets them conduct virtual factory visits using a laptop or mobile device. When the Asia Sourcing and Quality teams are on-site using the device, they also connect virtually with their U.S. counterparts to introduce factory owners, conduct virtual tours of the locations and view plant processes.

The first virtual factory tour was held at a radiator fan factory in Taiwan.

The increased use of virtual meetings has given the Asia team the ability to “attend” company events and meetings.

This sometimes poses challenges due to technology constraints and the 13-hour time zone difference. Recently, they gathered in a conference room at midnight, Shanghai, China, time to participate in the virtual Director’s Outlook Meeting, which brings together the Merchandising teams and leaders from all functional areas to focus on sales strategy for the upcoming fiscal year.

“I am proud of the work the Global Sourcing team is doing. They are developing strategies to ensure AutoZone leads the way with new processes such as virtual factory visits,” said Jason McNeil, Vice President, Global Sourcing. “The team in Asia has always been a competitive advantage for AutoZone, and this continues to be the case during this time. The team stands ready to support the category teams with all their needs in FY21 and beyond. We know our customers count on AutoZone to keep their cars on the road, and we are committed to sourcing the parts and products they need to ensure that happens.”

TUNE-IN | 23

2020 VENDOR SUMMIT CELEBRATES CONTRIBUTIONS OF TOP SUPPLIERS The event is designed to strengthen the relationship with the vendor partners, discuss opportunities to improve and recognize suppliers who provided WOW! Customer Service throughout the year.

Suppliers are recognized in three categories: • The AutoZone WITTDTJR Award® (“What It Takes To Do The Job Right”) is awarded to vendors who consistently ensure that AutoZone’s Do-It-Yourself (“DIY”) customers and professional customers have the parts and products necessary to best repair vehicles and keep them running smoothly.

• Our 2020 award winners are Autolite, Bosch, Gold, PowerStop, Valvoline, White Knight and Winhere Brake Parts.

• The AutoZone Extra Miler Award honors those vendors who are “unfazed by obstacles, go above and beyond the call of duty, exceed expectations and consistently do more than expected.”

• Our 2020 award winners are APPEX Tool Group, Baofeng, Exxon Mobil, Meguiar’s, Old World Industries, Prestone and Standard Motor Products.

• AutoZone’s top recognition, the Vendor of the Year Award, was given to Dorman Products for its commitment to say, “Yes, we can!” in supporting AutoZone’s customers and business.

24 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

“These suppliers collaborate, innovate and most importantly, help us meet our customers’ needs. We celebrate their accomplishments and thank all of our suppliers for their support of and commitment to our customers and AutoZone,” said Bill Hackney, Senior Vice President, Merchandising, Customer Satisfaction.

A special thank you to all the vendor partners whose collective contribution to the AutoZoner Assistance Fund (AAF) raised an historic amount, which will assist many AutoZoners in need.

MILESTONES PROVIDED BY HUMAN RESOURCES INFORMATION SYSTEMS (HRIS) TEAM

Milestone Anniversaries Congratulations to these AutoZoners who celebrated 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of service between Sunday, May 10, and Saturday, August 29, 2020.

20

YEARS

Carmen Aguirre, HR Clerk, DC #9733, Danville, IL Kimberly Aiken, SM, Store #175, Greenwood, SC Barita Allen, ASM, Store #411, Fayetteville, NC Cynthia Arango, PSM, Store #3064, Harker Heights, TX Balente Arroyo, PSM, Store #4147, Lynwood, CA Carlos Aviles, ASM, Store #5450, Montebello, CA Michele Badenhop, PSM, Store #2463, Kernersville, NC Jorge Baez, CS, Store #5033, Manchester, CT Randy Bandara, SM, Store #5026, East Providence, RI Harvey Beaty, Custodian/Maintenance, DC #9711, Lavonia, GA Howard, Bienstock, Sales, Store #1252, Delray Beach, FL Charles Blank, VP, Stores, SSC, Memphis, TN Sebrena Boston, PSM, Store #294, Dothan, AL Stephen Bradley, Technician/Maintenance, DC #9799, Zanesville, OH Michael Branum, Senior Merchandising Analyst, SSC, Memphis, TN Frederick Brautigan, PSM, Store #1512, Fort Worth, TX Daniel Browne, PSM, Store #636, Columbus, IN Christopher Bryson, Order Puller, DC #9799, Zanesville, OH Jesus Calderon, Commercial Driver, Store #4165, Dalworthington Gardens, TX Robert Cates, CSM, Store #240, Alton, IL Tomas Cervantes, Sales, Store #804, Greeley, CO Paul Chavarria, Sales, Store #1417, San Antonio, TX Nels Clemetsen, SM, Store #3297, Clifton Heights, PA Eric Clemons, Sales, Store #110, Memphis, TN Alvin Cornwell, Hub/Feeder Driver, Store #1704, Austintown, OH Angela Crose, Return/Recall Agent, DC #9733, Danville, IL Kevin Culmo, GVP/GM ALLDATA, Elk Grove, CA Josh Danner, SM, Store #1570, Denison, TX Robert Dierking, TSM, Region #8448, Orlando, FL Dianna Disabatino, Senior Financial Analyst, SSC, Memphis, TN Francis Douglas, ASM, Store #1832, La Plata, MD

Gloria Durst, Custodian/Maintenance, DC #9799, Zanesville, OH Debra Edward, Commercial Driver, Store #958, Monroe, GA Christopher Ellis, Divisional LP Investigator, Region #8233, Memphis, TN Ronald Elswick, Sales, Store #343, Newport, TN Bruce Faber, Commercial Driver, Store #1203, Sebring, FL Nari Farnham, PSM, Store #1791, Elyria, OH Mark Fedolak, SM, Store #2168, Utica, MI Jose Figueroa, SM, Store #424, Palm Bay, FL Patrick Foraker, Tractor-Trailer Driver, DC #9799, Zanesville, OH April Foxhuber, Hub Specialist, Store #1756, Toledo, OH Robert Franklin, Return/Recall Agent, DC #9733, Danville, IL Richard Ganoung, Hub Specialist, Store #497, Belleview, FL Jimmy Gardner, SM, Store #119, Laurel, MS Dereje Gessese, SM, Store #3142, Garland, TX Charles Giles, PSM, Store #2389, Belton, MO Andrew Gillespie, PSM, Store #2613, Du Quoin, IL William Gray, PSM, Store #1276, Riverview, FL Robert Greene, Tractor-Trailer Driver, DC #9722, Lexington, TN Mariela Greenwell, TSM, Region #8453, Las Vegas, NV Aaron Hall, Sales, Store #2605, Belleville, IL Chad Hammond, Advisor, DC #9799, Zanesville, OH Lawrence Harris, PSM, Store #2033, Rocky Mount, VA Christopher Hartman, Order Puller, DC #9799, Zanesville, OH Billy Helton, SM, Store #708, Newport, KY Aristides Hernandez, CS, Store #3478, Bridgeport, CT Roger Hogue, Inventory Control Agent, DC #9799, Zanesville, OH Paul Holeczy, Sales, Store #1805, Allison Park, PA Stanley House, PSM, Store #1505, Athens, TX Melissa Humphrey, CSM, Store #2327, Lebanon, MO Marco Jacobo, Sales, Store #2817, Chula Vista, CA Michael Jacobs, DM, Region #8048, El Paso, TX Marcus Johns, Commercial Driver, Store #2345, Warrensburg, MO TUNE-IN | 25

Jerry Lee Johnson, PSM, Store #268, Albany, GA Robert Jordan, Commercial Driver, Store #2004, Plainfield, IN Darlin Jovel, SM, Store #5391, North Hollywood, CA Suresh Kagoo, Senior Systems Engineer, SSC, Memphis, TN George Keil, Hub/Feeder Driver, Store #6708, Kirkwood, MO Kelly Kirby, QA-DC Agent, DC #9733, Danville, IL Richard Klauber, PSM, Store #90, Lilburn, GA Ronald Kyles, CSM, Store #5259, Hamtramck, MI Scott Lancaster, Associate Systems Engineer, SSC, Memphis, TN Timothy Lee, DM, Region #8151, Aiken, SC Perry Lewis, Copy Center Operator, SSC, Memphis, TN Susanne Lewis, Security Guard, DC #9711, Lavonia, GA Wendy Lewis, CS, Store #2457, Lumberton, NC Shalynn Littlefair, CSM, Store #860, Ogden, UT Bruce Loflin, DC Manager, DC #9788, Pasco, WA Irwin Lurie, PSM, Store #5041, Stoughton, MA Edinson Manjarres, SM, Store #1877, Palmer, PA Arturo Manzanares, Sales, Store #1432, Rosenberg, TX Marcos Martinez, PSM, Store #5787, Dallas, TX Kenneth Mays, Senior Systems Engineer, SSC, Memphis, TN Mary McCullough, Merchandising Director, SSC, Memphis, TN Geoff Mihalick, SM, Store #4680, Johnstown, PA John Miller, Sales, Store #2114, Roseville, MI Lance Miller, Tractor-Trailer Driver, DC #9711, Lavonia, GA Phil Mims, DC LP Manager, DC #9711, Memphis, TN Theresa Nolte, PSM, Store #1732, Milford, OH Juan Orellana, Sales, Store #1553, Houston, TX Gil Pacheco, DM, Region #8045, Richardson, TX Todd Park, Systems Engineer, SSC, Memphis, TN Mike Paulson, Tractor-Trailer Driver, DC #9777, Tolleson, AZ David Payne, Hub Specialist, Store #605, Evansville, IN Richard Perry, PSM, Store #2916, Arcade, NY Cameron Pierce, AutoZoner on Call, ALLDATA, Elk Grove, CA John Powell, Sales, Store #545, Norman, OK Lisa Pulliam, Return/Recall Processor, DC #9722, Lexington, TN Dominic Quartochi, SM, Store #5114, Weymouth, MA

25

YEARS

Melvin Anderson, PSM, Store #1599, Garland, TX Winston Armstead, Jr., PSM, Store #355, Grenada, MS Ignacio Arzate, Order Puller, DC #9777, Tolleson, AZ David Bentley, Pre-Construction Project Manager, SSC, Memphis, TN Byron Bergman, PSM, Store #4410, Marshfield, MO Leslie Blankenship, Hub Specialist, Store #1445, Houston, TX Gary Bohannon, Return/Recall Processor, DC #9711, Lavonia, GA Charles Bolt, CSM, Store #1105, Bluefield, WV Sherry Boyter, Computer Operator, DC #9711, Lavonia, GA George Brandenstein, SM, Store #1708, Youngstown, OH Terry Brookbank, PSM, Store #744, Cincinnati, OH Kimberly Brymer, SM, Store #2416, Gastonia, NC Alfred Carter, Jr., PSM, Store #3070, Leander, TX Patrick Colleen, Stocker, DC #9733, Danville, IL Richard Dalton, Tractor-Trailer Driver, DC #9799, Zanesville, OH Porfirio Diaz, Sales, Store #4393, Houston, TX Martha Dieckman, Sales, Store #358, Mountain Home, AR John Donlon, ASM, Store #3596, Louisville, KY Johnny Duran, SM, Store #2528, Los Alamos, NM

26 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

Roy Quintero, SM, Store #4255, Pharr, TX Michael Rhodes, CSM, Store #1034, Fort Mill, SC Karen Roberts, Manager, Commercial Marketing, SSC, Memphis, TN Debbie Robinson, Commercial Driver, Store #1390, Austin, TX Jose Rodriguez, PSM, Store #5552, Coachella, CA Larry Rosemond, PSM, Store #5322, Clovis, CA Peter Rudolph, Store #1704, Austintown, OH Larry Sanford, SM, Store #4972, Tallahassee, FL Shawn Seitz, Maintenance Manager, Region #8351, Memphis, TN Daquita Serrata, Sales, Store #1561, Garland, TX Susie Shackelford, CSM, Store #1272, Niceville, FL Joseph Sharpe, SM, Store #768, Columbus, OH Dennis Shortino, Diagnostic Consultant, ALLDATA, Elk Grove, CA Steven Shotts, Operations Specialist, SSC, Memphis, TN Tina Spence, Sales, Store #1487, Houston, TX Jeff Spillman, RSM, ALLDATA, Elk Grove, CA Robin Starks, PSM, Store #227, Midfield, AL Anton Strauss, Sales, Store #1979, Rhinelander, WI Reginald Stringer, PSM, Store #756, Dayton, OH Scott Tanner, PSM, Store #2688, Anna, IL Dean Taylor, Sales, Store #4008, Fontana, CA R. Scott Taylor, Director, Commercial Support and Fleet, SSC, Memphis, TN Carolyn Thaemert, Pre-Construction Project Manager, SSC, Memphis, TN David Thomerson, PSM, Store #486, Glasgow, KY Cestmir Tresl, PSM, Store #735, Zanesville, OH Johnny Trujillo, Sales, Store #2514, Clovis, NM Adam Uncapher, TSM, Region #8472, Pittsburg, PA Anthony Underwood, Sales, Store #5258, Detroit, MI Marco Versalles, PSM, Store #5880, Austin, TX James Wheeler, Tractor-Trailer Driver, DC #9733, Danville, IL Lillie Whigham, Order Puller, DC #9711, Lavonia, GA Timothy White, Receiver, DC #9710, Ontario, CA Stephanie Williams, Commercial Driver, Store #428, Raleigh, NC Adam Willis, Director, IT, SSC, Memphis, TN Ramon Zamudio, SM, Store #5502, Los Angeles, CA

Sam Eager, DM, Region #8051, Houston, TX Gregory England, PSM, Store #486, Glasgow, KY Robert Evans, Sales, Store #707, Erlanger, KY Scott Fader, Architect, ALLDATA, Elk Grove, CA Santiago Faz, PSM, Store #1386, San Antonio, TX John Francis, SM, Store #1233, Grayson, KY Scott Frechette, Tractor-Trailer Driver, DC #9777, Tolleson, AZ Neal Gabriel, CSM, Store #3015, New Orleans, LA Margil Garza, Setup Crew Supervisor, SSC, Memphis, TN Rafael Garza, Sales, Store #1446, Houston, TX John Gibson, DC Operations Manager, DC #9766, Ocala, FL Al Graham, PSM, Store #304, Tallahassee, FL Jacqueline Hall, PSM, Store #3022, Eunice, LA Dian Harris, PSM, Store #4024, Antelope, CA Elizabet Hatcher, PSM, Store #2694, Mt. Carmel, IL Johnny Haynes, PSM, Store #361, Louisville, MS Paulette Hill, PSM, Store #3008, Donaldsonville, LA Eugene Holloman, SM, Store #5726, Las Vegas, NV Kerry Isbell, Inventory Control Agent, DC #9711, Lavonia, GA

Steven Jackson, Sr., PSM, Store #208, Baton Rouge LA Calvin Jarvis, DM, Region #8044, Gahanna, OH Richard Jones, SM, Store #2574, Chicago, IL Daniel Kapuschinsky, SM, Store #6221, Boise, ID Sammie King, Sales, Store #209, Greenwood, MS Rolla Kirby, CSM, Store #2319, Bolivar, MO Louise Kirkpatrick, Lease Auditor, SSC, Memphis, TN Tyrone Lacour, SM, Store #3021, Pineville, LA Dennis LeRiche, VP, Stores, SSC, Memphis, TN Ronald Lewis, Jr., Sales, Store #4555, Pataskala, OH Alma Lopez, SM, Store #2898, Fullerton, CA Randal Louallen, CSM, Store #79, Hermitage, TN Gerald Loy, TSM, Region #8427, Gahanna, OH Danny Lunceford, DM, Region #8140, Spring Lake, NC Jeremy Lunsford, Inventory Manager, DC #9722, Lexington, TN Yingming Luo, Senior Systems Engineer, SSC, Memphis, TN Milton Mauntel, Sales, Store #658, Jasper, IN Frank Merritt, PSM, Store #4875, Statesville, NC Michael Mock, PSM, Store #2472, Winston-Salem, NC Enrique Montelongo, SM, Store #4220, Wylie, TX Bobby Moore, Commercial Driver, Store #443, Forest City, NC Willese Moton, Sales, Store #2316, Pine Bluff, AR

30

YEARS

Martin Aguilar, SM, Store #1374, San Antonio, TX Monique Amezquita, PSM, Store #2765, Peoria, AZ Jose Arce, RM, Region #8164, Ontario, CA Joseph Bass, CS, Store #4411, Fredericktown, MO Dawn Brandenburg, RHRM, Region #8066, Louisville, KY Jimmy Broome, Sales, Store #9801, Memphis, TN Joe Buehrle, Manager, Supply Chain Support, SSC, Memphis, TN George Callow, Pre-Construction Specialist, SSC, Memphis, TN Frank Flores, Sales, Store #6274, Redlands, CA Christopher Frazee, SM, Store #4630, Pittsburgh, PA Wendy Hinchey, Sales, Store #2082, Atoka, TN Jaime Jimenez, Sales, Store #1262, Orlando, FL Schoene King, Commercial Driver, Store #33, Conway, AR Donald Morgan, DM, Region #8245, Chattanooga, TN Jonathan Mullis, DCSM, Region #8410, San Bernardino, CA Jose Perez, Maintenance Technician, DC #9710, Ontario, CA Raquel Quintero, SM, Store #5503, Wilmington, CA Blanca Rivera, Hub Specialist, Store #2823, San Bernardino, CA James Russell, DM, Region #8159, Houston, TX Antonio Smith, SM, Store #9801, Memphis, TN Jerry Street, Maintenance Manager, SSC, Memphis, TN Sidney Taylor, ASM, Store #3014, Gretna, LA Rich Thomson, HR Director, SSC Memphis, TN Alton Tullis, SM, Store #142, Monroe, LA Adolfo Valencia, SM, Store #2735, Nogales, AZ Gustavo Valles, ASM, Store #2780, Glendale, AZ Mark Vasquez, CSM, Store #2717, Tucson, AZ Debora Wilkins, Store #2089, Little Rock, AR Joe Williams, Jr., Sales, Store #299, New Bern, NC

Debra Murrhee, Sales, Store #3192, Moultrie, GA Lonnie Nicholson, RM, Region #8053, Memphis, TN Ricardo Nunez, SM, Store #1542, Fort Worth, TX Christopher Odom, PSM, Store #6854, Oklahoma City, OK Robert Perez, Sales, Store #2763, Douglas, AZ Steven Powell, Return/Recall Agent, DC #9733, Danville, IL Jose Reyes, SM, Store #3136, Canutillo, TX Edgar Rowe, SM, Store #1938, Delaware, OH David Sapp, Maintenance Technician, Region #8351, Memphis, TN William Sargent, Commercial Driver, Store #1104, Parkersburg, WV Martin Saucedo, PSM, Store #1377, San Antonio, TX David Seals, Sales, Store #2312, Winona, MS Archie Smuck, Training Project Manager, DC #9799, Zanesville, OH Don Spangler, PSM, Store #3709, Chowchilla, CA Rusty Starr, ASM, Store #4630, Pittsburgh, PA Clayte Teasley, Tractor-Trailer Driver, DC #9711, Lavonia, GA Stephen Tidwell, SM, Store #2470, Longwood, FL Ramon Villarreal, PSM, Store #3073, Brownsville, TX Edgar Watson, PSM, Store #750, Tallmadge, OH Douglas Yates, CSM, Store #1103, Parkersburg, WV Todd Yuhas, Manager, IT, SSC, Memphis, TN

35

YEARS

40

YEARS

Justin Barker, Sales, Store #115, Brookhaven, MS Leora Bell, Waste Management Specialist, SSC, Memphis, TN Duiel Campbell, PSM, Store #146, Nashville, TN Alejandro Deguzman, Receiver, DC #9710, Ontario, CA Michael Flick, SM, Store #112, Oak Ridge, TN Dan Franks, SM, Store #3798, Millersburg, OH Shandra Harris, ASM, Store #335, Cordova, TN Deborah Livington, Order Puller, DC #9755, Terrell, TX Timothy May, SM, Store #125, Edwardsville, IL John Morgan, RM, Region #8065, Medina, OH Pedro Perez, Setup Crew Team Member, SSC, Memphis, TN Joe Sellers, VP, Commercial, SSC, Memphis, TN Justin Sisko, SM, Store #3064, Harker Heights, TX Rick Smith, SVP, Human Resources, SSC, Memphis, TN Robert Taylor, DM, Region #8052, Metairie, LA Charles Wilder, CSM, Store #2337, Eureka, MO

Wally Rust, DCSM, Region #8415, Richmond, TX

TUNE-IN | 27

INDUSTRY NEWS CONSUMERS TO AUTOMAKERS: WE WANT THE RIGHT TO REPAIR OUR VEHICLES POSTED BY AUTO CARE NEWS ON NOVEMBER 03, 2020 Massachusetts Residents Vote ‘Yes’ on Direct Access to In-Vehicle Data BETHESDA, Md. – November 3, 2020 – Election Day in the United States proved to be a moment of victory for the auto care industry. Today, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly voiced their support at the ballot box for Ballot Question 1, which will preserve their right as vehicle owners to have access to and control of their vehicle’s mechanical data necessary for service and repair at the shops of their choice.

“The Auto Care Association is extremely pleased that Massachusetts voters have overwhelmingly supported passage of Question 1 on this year’s ballot,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Approval of Question 1 ensures that car owners can control the mechanical data that is being transmitted by their vehicle through telematics. This referendum also means that despite advances in technology, owners will be able to have their repair data shared directly with their trusted independent shops. Not only is this a clear win for the Right to Repair Coalition that is comprised of thousands of shops throughout the state, it is also a victory for the car owners of the commonwealth who saw through the scare tactics from the manufacturers. The people of Massachusetts have decidedly favored competition in auto repair. Furthermore, we are greatly appreciative of each and every aftermarket company around the country that stepped up in support of this important campaign.”

“While this was a hard fought campaign over many months, it is now our hope that the manufacturers will receive the strong message from consumers for control of their mechanical data and that they will now work toward implementation of Question 1,” said Aaron Lowe, senior vice president, government and regulatory affairs, Auto Care Association. “The Auto Care Association has worked with cyber security experts to ensure that in-vehicle data can be securely made available to car owners and independent shops. We stand ready to provide the manufacturers with any technical assistance necessary for effective and timely implementation of this referendum.”

For more information visit massrighttorepair.org.

28 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

AUTOZONER ASSISTANCE FUND EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR COUNTS GIVE

GIVE

GIVE

GIVE

$1

$2

$5

$10

PER PAY PERIOD

PER PAY PERIOD

PER PAY PERIOD

PER PAY PERIOD

HELP AUTOZONERS WHEN LIFE HAPPENS If every AutoZoner committed to a small gift each pay period, we would be able to help more AutoZoners in need.

UNEXPECTED FUNERAL

NATURAL DISASTER

HOUSE FIRE

Consider giving up the amount of an everyday item to help make a difference in an AutoZoner’s life. Example: For the price of a slice of pizza ($1), a soda ($2), a cup of coffee ($5), or a movie ticket ($10), you could help a fellow AutoZoner in need. You can truly make a difference. It’s easy.

CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TODAY THROUGH E-CHARITABLE USING AZPEOPLE OR THE E-CHARITABLE TILE VIA AUTOZONE.COM OR THE AUTOZONERS APP. Reach the AutoZoner Assistance Fund by phone, fax, and email: Phone: (901) 495-6198 / Fax: (901) 495-8300 / Email: Assistance.Fund@AutoZone.com

AUTOZONER SNAPSHOTS

30 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

AUTOZONER SNAPSHOTS

TUNE-IN | 31

VIRTUAL NATIONAL SALES MEETING 2020 In many ways, this year’s National Sales Meeting (NSM) was not much different, except for one very significant way; we had our first ever virtual NSM. While we missed the opportunity to come together, we remained safe and celebrated the successes of FY20, listened to inspiring messages from our leadership and recognized all of our outstanding FY20 award winners. Plus, one lucky AutoZoner was the winner of a brand-new truck courtesy of Valvoline.

Take a look at some of the excitement of the day and see how we remain AutoZone Strong!

A photo is worth 1,000 words, but a video is worth a million.

Bill Rhodes thanks AutoZoners and their families

RECOGNITION AWARDS

Kristin Wright shares her thoughts on AutoZone’s diversity

SALES LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (SLC)

• Maintenance Manager of the Year • ShrinkBuster of the Year • Store Safety Award • Safest Region • Most Improved Region for Safety • ALLDATA SLC Winners

• Distribution Center (DC) of the Year • Safest DC • Field Extra Miler of the Year • Store Support Center (SSC) Extra Miler of the Year • Field Ray of Hope • SSC Ray of Hope

PRESIDENT’S CLUB TRUCK GIVEAWAY Congratulations, Jeff Bowser, Store Manager, Store #1949 in Wadsworth, OH, the winner of the Chevy Z71 Trail Boss, 5.3 Liter V8, 10 Speed Automatic Transmission truck customized

by Jimmie Johnson and Valvoline.

Visit the AutoZone Intranet - NSM homepage to watch cool videos of Jimmie and team getting the truck ready!

32 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

Jeff Bowser

A special message from Jimmie Johnson

FY20 STARTERS CLUB This year, two groups of AutoZoners were inducted into the Starters Club.

Store Manager Sales Call Initiative Our first group of AutoZoners were recognized for their work on one of the largest drivers of sales in recent years, the Store Manager Sales Call Initiative.

This group of AutoZoners includes Regional Manager, Curtis Allen; Manager, Customer Analytics, Mayela Bautista; Regional Manager, Tony Blackmer; Process Improvement Project Manager, David Fischer; Manager, Process Improvement, Robert Davies; and Director, Commercial Support and Fleet, R. Scott Taylor.

This Starters’ Club project has contributed 2% to commercial sales comp, so far, and it is still maturing. The process the team developed has Store Managers work 10 hours per week in Commercial and conduct scheduled, targeted Commercial sales calls. The work drove additional engagement by District Managers, resulting in an incremental 4.5% sales comp for the Commercial pins visited. Together, this team helped AutoZone accelerate our progress towards a true 1TEAM operating model.

Duralast Ride Control Program Our second group of AutoZoners is a crossfunctional team, which includes: Senior Global Sourcing Merchandiser, Jack Agnew; Director, Merchandising, Alan Eaves; Director, Planning and Analysis, Mark Henniger; Director, Inventory, Annie Hook; Vice President, Merchandising, John Lammers; Category Manager, Nick Southern; Replenishment Manager, Sophia Su; Director, International Operations and Sourcing, Michael Treacy; Manager, Sourcing, Jin Xiaozhen; and Commercial Category Manager, Michael Young.

This team rebuilt the Duralast ride control program and improved the quality and selection of the entire product line. Today, AutoZone’s ride control category significantly outperforms the rest of the market.

The program rolled out in phases over two years and included: removing millions of dollars’ worth of discontinued inventory, creating a new part numbering system, and a new box design that increases the amount of product stocked in each store. The team added 700 shipping containers of loaded struts and 250 containers of shocks into the DCs without disrupting normal operations and developed new solutions for cataloging and category management.

Well Done, Teams! Congratulations!

FY20 PRESIDENT’S CLUB WINNERS This year there are 295 Store Managers who received the President’s Club award. This group of AutoZoners represent the top 5% of Store Managers in our company, and many have received this award three or more times. Congratulations, AutoZoners!

A complete list of all award winners is available on the AutoZone Intranet (DOC, DC Central, and SSC Intranet). Coming soon, a recap video of NSM 2020 will be published for everyone to enjoy.

TUNE-IN | 33

VIRTUAL NATIONAL SALES MEETING 2020 SNAPSHOTS

34 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020

TUNE-IN | 35

36 | TUNE-IN | NOVEMBER 2020