Parts ASAP

Brian Leavens

Construction Growth Authority

Brian Leavens is Executive Vice President, Construction at Parts ASAP, the aftermarket parts supplier formerly known as All States Ag Parts. He built the first half of his career in automotive, including time at Advance Auto Parts, before moving into construction equipment and parts four and a half years ago. Much of what shaped him in automotive still shows up in how he leads today, in his focus on strong teams, real data over gut instinct, and staying adaptable as the industry around him keeps shifting.

Many of the lessons I learned over decades in the automotive industry continue to guide me in the construction equipment and aftermarket parts business. None has been more important than trusting people and processes over personal heroics. Strong organizations do not depend on one individual to solve every problem, but focus on developing capable leaders, equipping them with robust systems and arming them with timely, accurate information to make confident decisions. When those elements align, success becomes repeatable rather than dependent on one individual.

That mindset shapes how I lead Parts ASAP. I make operational decisions based on facts, not instinct. Every day and every week, we review sales and performance across our platforms to understand what is actually happening instead of relying on assumptions. In a business where conditions change quickly, that clarity matters. Good data provides a clear picture of the business and keeps short-term actions grounded and responsive to immediate challenges.

Balancing those day-to-day demands with long-term strategy requires discipline. Short-term opportunities can be attractive, but they are not worth pursuing if they weaken the broader strategy. We have deliberately walked away from opportunities that promised immediate returns because they would have taken us in the wrong direction over time. For me, leadership often means exercising the discipline to say no, staying aligned with a clear vision even when the path of least resistance looks tempting.

Keeping Pace with a Changing Market

The construction equipment industry is evolving in ways that are reshaping both demand and customer expectations. One of the most noticeable changes is that massive infrastructure projects and data center build-outs are fueling construction activity in regions that historically experienced little of it.

At the same time, companies like Amazon have fundamentally reset standards for speed and reliability. Today, parts buyers compare every experience against the fastest and most dependable service available. Delivering the right part within one or two days has become an expectation rather than a differentiator, which is why we have continued investing in a supply chain capable of meeting that standard.

The third major shift is the rising importance of data. While construction will always be a relationship-driven business, today those relationships must be informed by real-time insights. The leaders who thrive are those who master both. They blend intelligent data with trusted connections to make smarter calls, deliver dependable service and consistently deliver superior service.

Creating a Culture of Ownership

I build teams around adaptability and ownership ahead of credentials, because the pace of change demands people who can think independently and make sound decisions. That means pushing decision-making authority down through the organization and expecting team members to operate like business owners within their areas of responsibility. Empowerment, however, succeeds only when it is paired with accountability. I believe, when people own their outcomes, they become more engaged, decisive and driven to produce above-average results.

My responsibility as a leader is not to micromanage, but to provide clear systems, a thorough understanding of what needs to be accomplished and to remove obstacles in their way. Once that foundation is set, the best thing is to allow capable people to perform. I am the antithesis of micromanagement. That philosophy has remained constant throughout my transition from automotive to construction. Although the products are different, both industries ultimately solve the same problem. Customers depend on their equipment to earn a living, and every hour of downtime carries a cost. The objective is always to get the right part to the customer without delay.

“Speed matters. Quality matters. Relationships matter.”

In construction, the financial impact of downtime can be steeper, so we over-index on speed and accuracy. Delivering the right part the first time through reliable fitment data and efficient execution is essential. None of that happens without strong people who are trusted, equipped, and empowered to deliver on the company’s promises.

The Wrench and the Spreadsheet

When people ask what it takes to build a successful career in this industry, I advise them to learn the product deeply and build genuine relationships. Construction is still a reputation business, and there are no shortcuts to earning credibility with customers or with the people you lead. Be willing to tackle the unglamorous work and gather enough detail to ensure your product, processes and people are all delivering for the customer.

The speed of change in this industry also demands that leaders embrace technology. At Parts ASAP, we have begun integrating AI over the past 6-12 months to enhance reporting, sharpen analytics, generate better product and fitment insights, manage inventory smarter, and track shipments more accurately. It helps us anticipate market trends and future demand so we can make faster, more informed decisions instead of simply reacting.

Technology does not replace leadership. It strengthens it by giving people better information and enabling quicker, more confident decisions.

At the end of the day, the professionals who thrive are those who master both the wrench and the spreadsheet. They are comfortable diving deep into the details while using data to make high-level calls. That balance of smart technology and fundamentals is exactly what I would recommend to anyone entering this fast-evolving industry.