Work hard, but have time to enjoy life is more my managerial style.

shipping and receiving parts, doing inventory, they have my blessing to make changes, and if they need any tools or equipment to do it they know I will pro- vide them with what they need,” Lewicki says. Employee involvement in developing marketing and sales ideas and on broadening revenue streams fur- ther reinforces morale and motivation. It’s admittedly an unorthodox approach in the industry, but so far so good, according to Lewicki’s metrics. Highway Auto Parts has low employee turnover and a low absentee rate, and the business is growing.

about being in trouble.” He also believes in letting employees work out their personal differences on their own whenever possible.

His management style extends to involving employ- ees in many decisions. “If they can think of a faster or more efficient way of processing, pulling parts,

The senior Lewicki remains somewhat skeptical about his son’s style and business plan, but the two have agreed to disagree. “Yes, my inventory numbers and broker numbers can get high,” Lewicki explains, “but when the receiv- ables come in, and I show my dad, there’s the proof that my way can work, too.” Lynn Novelli is a freelance writer based in Ohio.

September-October 2015 | Automotive Recycling 69