Jim Dykstra
Owner
Dykstra's Auto Service
Hudsonville, Mich.
Jim Dykstra is the owner of Dykstra’s Auto Service in Hudsonville, Mich., with a second location in Byron
Center, Mich., which opened in October 2008. Dykstra graduated in 1994 from Ferris State University and is a graduate of the University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2.0 program. He is a
past member of the National Service Center Advisory Board for the Aftermarket
Auto Parts Alliance and is a current board member of the Automotive Aftermarket
Industry Association’s (AAIA) Car Care Professionals Network and Education Committee, and also is involved in local service center groups. Dykstra’s
two shops employ 12 people with sales in excess of $2.5 million.
He was recently named one of the inaugural recipients of AAIA’s new
Aftermarket Impact Awards, which recognize four aftermarket
professionals, age 45 or younger, who have made remarkable contributions
within the aftermarket industry.
What was your first job in the industry?
I pumped gas at my dad’s service station.
What do you like best about your current position?
The planning and execution of growth opportunities for my companies.
Did you initially intend to pursue a career in the aftermarket? If not, what drew you to the industry and what keeps you here?
Yes, but my parents begged me to pursue something else. They wanted me to get into a more “professional” career. They didn’t want me to be a “greasy mechanic.”
What one word best sums up your personality?
Driven.
What are you currently reading?
“Linchpin” by Seth Godin.
What was your first car?
1967 Camaro
About the Author
Amy Antenora
Editor, aftermarketNews
aantenora@babcox.com
Amy Antenora has served as Editor of aftermarketNews.com since 2002. Prior to joining Babcox Media, she worked as a general assignment reporter and columnist for Sun Newspapers, and as a freelance Arts & Entertainment writer for AOL. Her professional communications experience also includes time spent handling public relations for two state universities in Ohio. A graduate of Kent State University, she earned her AAP designation from Northwood University's University of the Aftermarket in 2009.
