Submitted
STAUNTON, VA – After an extraordinary 40-year career with Hays, Kansas-based Warehouse Inc., Bryan Huser, vice president of market development, is set to retire in early 2025, leaving behind an indelible legacy as an expert salesman, mentor and team player.
Huser’s journey with Warehouse Inc. began in February 1984 when he joined as an outside sales representative, having previously honed his skills selling Schlitz beer. The team quipped, "If he can sell Schlitz beer, he can sell anything!" and Huser quickly proved them right. By the late '80s, he convinced a Greenlight jobber to join Federated, marking the company’s first independent Federated jobber and setting the stage for future growth.
Known as a salesman who “never met a stranger,” Huser’s infectious enthusiasm and unparalleled ability to connect with people turned cold calls into warm relationships. His efforts led to the creation of Warehouse Inc.’s largest and most profitable sales territory. As one colleague noted, “Bryan could sell ice cream to the Eskimos!”
Huser’s career trajectory soared as he took on greater leadership roles, becoming sales manager in 2001 and vice president of market development in 2008.
Over his tenure, Huser helped Warehouse Inc. expand its reach, putting up signs in more than 30 independent jobber stores and overseeing the company’s first Carquest jobber changeover. His deep industry relationships mean he now sees second-generation store managers—kids he once saw playing in the aisles—leading their family businesses.
As Huser prepares for retirement, he looks forward to traveling the country in his restored VW camper van, spending time with his beloved grandkids, indulging in his passion for cooking (inspired by Grandpa Gable’s mantra: “If you don’t eat, you die!”), and cheering for his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Whether on the road in his VW or cruising on his prized Harley Davidson, Huser plans to embrace the open road and life’s adventures.
True to his commitment, Huser extended his retirement timeline to complete a final Carquest jobber changeover, ensuring a seamless transition for the company. His legacy will continue to influence the team, and the company hopes to involve him in special projects post-retirement to tap into his unique expertise.
“I cannot say enough good things about Bryan Huser,” said Sue Godschalk, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “I have known Bryan since December of 1985 when Warehouse Inc. became a Federated member. At our first conversation, I could tell that Bryan was very passionate about the success of Warehouse Inc. Bryan’s magnetic personality and his drive are two of the things that you can pick up immediately during a conversation. I will certainly miss Bryan, but I could not be happier for him as he enters this new and well-deserved chapter. The entire team at Federated joins me in wishing Bryan only the best.”
“Bryan’s contributions to Warehouse Inc. are immeasurable,” said Don Bickle Jr, president of Warehouse Inc. “He is not just a phenomenal salesman but a mentor and a cornerstone of our success. We are excited to see him enjoy this next chapter, and we are grateful for everything he has done for our company. We congratulate Bryan on a well-deserved retirement and thank him for an unforgettable career.”
About Federated
Federated Auto Parts, headquartered in Staunton, Virginia, is one of the largest auto parts distribution and marketing organizations in North America. Federated is dedicated to supporting its customers with quality name brand parts, programs designed to grow their businesses, and experienced people who are knowledgeable in today’s evolving automotive technology. For more information, visit FederatedAutoParts.com.