Board of Director: Ed “Blake” Burgy

A car enthusiast and 30+ year veteran of the automotive aftermarket; and since 2016, the Director of Merchandising for Moss Motors, Ltd., a company with more than 75 years specializing in classic British marques.

Born and raised in Akron, OH, surrounded by the headquarters and manufacturing of the major auto tire companies including Goodyear, BF Goodrich, Firestone, Continental and General; as well as major stamping and engine plants for both GM and Ford, it is no wonder he was drawn into the automotive aftermarket industry as both an enthusiast and profession. Blake is a graduate of The University of Akron with a BA in Secondary Education with studies in Language, History and Business. From working with his grandfather on cars and tractors, to working on his own cars or helping friends build street and race cars, he is a long-time Gearhead and aficionado of automobiles.

Blake’s automotive aftermarket experience includes work for some well-known and well-respected companies in the industry. His positions have included:

Sales and then Merchandising at Summit Racing Equipment; reporting to the Marketing Manager, with direct input on projects to the President and sole Owner. Blake contributed to their stellar growth between 1990 and 2004; Including expansion of both the Ford Mustang and MOPAR product offerings, as well as, helping in the business plan development, launch and spearheading of the company into the Sport Compact market and title sponsorship of the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series.

Product and Marketing Management at CORSA Performance Exhaust, reporting to the CBO and the President/Owner. Blake directed their expansion into Ford and Chrysler exhaust applications, including Tier 2 supplier status for MOPAR Performance. He also advised and helped negotiate CORSA’s expansion into industry wide wholesale distribution with key partners like Keystone Automotive, Arrow Speed Warehouse, Reliable, Jeg’s, American Muscle and others.

Product Management at the Mr. Gasket Company, reporting to the VP of Marketing with biannual reports to the PE BoD. Here he oversaw multiple product categories including Performance and Chrome/Dress Accessories and aided in the planning and execution of major line changeovers at O’Reilly Auto Parts and Autozone stores, encompassing Plan-O-Gram development, stock-ins, stock lifts and EAO liquidations.

VP of Sales and Marketing at Fidanza Performance, reporting to the Owner and President. Initially consulting here and then recruited after the 2008 Recession, Blake led efforts to re-engage major distribution partners, gain back brand awareness and loyalty and then expand international distribution and the product line offering to broaden their market.

Director of Merchandising at Moss Motors, Ltd. since 2016, reporting to the President and working directly with ownership on key projects and operations. Blake directs new product development and sourcing efforts working closely with sister company, Moss Europe, Ltd. and key departmental stakeholders including Purchasing, Marketing, Sales, Accounting, Warehouse/Distribution and Business Development to maintain and expand product availability and increase sales. Although his main focus at Moss is new products, he also oversees the R&D, Engineering, Quality Assurance and Returns departments.

Blake has also served on the Select Committees of multiple SEMA industry councils over the years including the Young Executives Network, Sport Compact Council, Street Performance Council, Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council and Automotive Restoration Market Organization.

Working with these great companies and great people, Blake has seen the automotive aftermarket industry from both sides of the desk and has enjoyed selling, buying and manufacturing a wide variety of automotive parts and accessories for car enthusiasts everywhere. His career has also given him the opportunity to deal with a myriad of customers, suppliers, manufacturers, builders, media and enthusiasts around the world.

Blake’s personal collection of over 400 of the world’s greatest automobiles including Aston Martins, Jaguars, Ferraris, BMWs, Datsuns, Ford Mustangs and other eclectic cars is currently housed in the prestigious Santa Barbara, CA, Blake’s Garage facility and his office shelves at Moss Motors. Sorry, no test drives allowed!