LAS VEGAS – November 4, 2025 – Sports can teach many lessons about business.

That’s according to Wayne Gretzky, a legendary National Hockey League (NHL) player who is widely deemed to be the greatest hockey player of all time. The hockey Hall-of-Famer lit up the stage as the featured speaker at the AAPEX 2025 Keynote Breakfast.

For example, “Skate to where the puck is going,” a quote attributed to Gretzky, has become a recognized metaphor for business that is especially relevant in times of uncertainty, which the automotive aftermarket is facing now.

His advice came in the form of a discussion skillfully moderated by Northwood University President Dr. Kent MacDonald. Over the course of the hour-long discussion, Gretzky offered sage advice for automotive aftermarket professionals and leaders.

A few highlights follow below.

1. Check your ego at the door

Gretzky started playing professional hockey at the astonishingly young age of 17 for the Indianapolis Racers. He played right alongside his adolescent idol – Gordie Howe – who at that time was 50 years old and still lacing up the skates to play games.

Although the age disparity wasn’t quite as wide, most of the other players were older than Gretzky when he started. So, the question posed – one that is also prevalent in the workplace today – was how he managed to bridge the generational gap?

To paraphrase Gretzky, you’ve got to check your ego at the door and never stop learning. His advice was meant for both junior professionals just starting their careers and leaders managing younger staff. 

2. Respect for your team and your opponents

Respect was a common theme throughout the discussion. Gretzky used the word “respect” several times in many of his answers.

Competition is healthy and fundamental in both business and sports. It pushes individuals on the same team to challenge each other to advance their skills. Friendly competition improves the performance of the overall team.

He also emphasized that respect should also be extended to your opponent. Respect is a surefire way to avoid underestimating your rival and getting surprised by their performance.

3. Culture starts with leadership

There’s an old saying in business that “culture eats strategy for lunch.” Gretzky seems to subscribe to those ideas and noted that “culture and respect are a big part of success.”

Culture starts with leadership. A good leader never asks their team to do something they wouldn’t do, according to Gretzky. It starts with setting an example, and teams naturally follow their leader’s example. Importantly, the little things like showing up early or putting in extra effort don’t go unnoticed.

Passion is inherent

Everyone knows ‘practice makes perfect,’ and it takes a lot of hard work to play sports at a professional level. Parents of aspiring hockey players will often ask Gretzky to relate how many hours of practice he put in to become such a notable athlete. The lesson they hope to convey to their children is that good things are the result of hard work.

While that’s true, Gretzky has a different perspective: he doesn’t think parents should push their children to practice hard because that wasn’t his experience. His parents didn’t push him – he chose to do it on his own accord.

For example, he didn’t “miss going to the movies with his friends” to practice; he chose to practice because he loved the game. His passion for the sport and improving his skills trumped all other things. In other words, he was doing what he loved, which is commonly passed around in the business world as career advice.

There’s little doubt that automotive aftermarket professionals are passionate about their industry and chosen profession. In many ways, that’s why we all gather at tradeshows like AAPEX.

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Gretzky talks leadership, team building and, yes, hockey at AAPEX keynote