President George W Bush 5dc31353072e2

President George W. Bush spoke at AAPEX's grand opening session

Nov. 6, 2019
The president shared his thoughts on eight years in the Oval Office, the challenges facing the nation in the 21st century, and the power of freedom.

George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States and Founder of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, joined AAPEX 2019 on Nov. 5, offering his thoughts on eight years in the Oval Office, the challenges facing the nation in the 21st century, and the power of freedom.

Bill Rhodes, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Customer Satisfaction, AutoZone, had the honor of joining the president in his conversation with the AAPEX audience. Throughout their discussion, President Bush emphasized the importance of the principles that defined his presidency: freedom, opportunity, responsibility, and compassion. 

President Bush was sworn into office on January 20, 2001, and served as Commander in Chief for two consecutive terms. Before his presidency, he served for six years as Governor of the State of Texas.

As Commander in Chief, he worked to expand freedom, opportunity, and security at home and abroad. His Administration reformed America’s education system with the No Child Left Behind Act, restored robust private-sector economic growth and job creation, protected the environment, and pursued a comprehensive strategy to keep America safe after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Since leaving office, President Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush have focused their attention on developing the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The Bush Center is home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a nonpartisan public policy and leadership development.

President Bush is the author of three bestselling books: Decision Points (2010), 41: A Portrait of My Father (2014), and Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors (2017).  

The AAPEX keynote address was preceded by the annual Automotive Aftermarket State of the Industry presentation by Bill Hanvey, president and chief executive officer of the Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).

Sponsored Recommendations

Going Mobile: Guide To Starting A Heavy-Duty Repair Shop

Discover if starting a heavy-duty mobile repair business is right for you. Learn the ins and outs of licensing, building, and marketing your mobile repair shop.

Career Minded

The Peterbilt Technician Institute teaches you the skills needed for a lucrative and fulfilling career, transforming students into certified diesel technicians. Maximize your ...

Proactive Fuel Risk Management Guide

Download this informative guide to explore innovative techniques to prevent fuel fraud and misuse before it happens. Understand how to save 11% or more in fuel-related costs while...

Why fleets and independent truckers use quality remanufactured cooling components.

The not-so-secret way to save time and money on truck maintenance? Remans.