Northwood University plans to recognize William “Bill” Grote III, chairman & CEO of Grote Industries, as one of six nationally known business men and women at its 30th Annual Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) Awards ceremony to be held Jan. 23, 2010.
Grote began his career at Grote Industries – founded 108 years and still a family owned business today – as a district manager, then worked his way through several sales and marketing positions. In 1972, he became director of OEM sales and in 1979 was promoted to vp-sales and marketing. Bill Grote became CEO in 1989 and since 2004 served as the company’s chairman and CEO.
In 2007, Grote was the recipient of the prestigious Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Leader of the Year Award, honoring aftermarket professionals who have contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way.
