Philadelphia-based e-commerce giant Turn5 announced the acquisition of Ecklers, a leading provider of restoration parts and accessories for classic car enthusiasts. This move strengthens Turn5’s position in the automotive aftermarket space, particularly for enthusiasts of Chevrolet Corvettes, Camaros, and classic Chevy and Ford trucks.

Ecklers boasts a rich history dating back to 1961. Founder Ralph Eckler, fueled by a passion for Corvettes, started by crafting a one-piece hood for a damaged car. This act of ingenuity sparked the creation of a one-man body shop that later blossomed into a prominent industry player. Throughout the decades, Ecklers built a loyal following by offering high-quality parts and catering to the needs of classic car restoration enthusiasts.

“Turn5 hopes to bring their wealth of digital marketing knowledge to help take Eckler’s to the next level,” said Steve Voudouris, Turn5 CEO. This statement highlights Turn5’s intention to leverage their expertise in online sales and marketing to further strengthen Ecklers’ already established brand presence.

With this acquisition, Turn5 expands its portfolio, adding to their existing network of AmericanMuscle.com, ExtremeTerrain.com, and AmericanTrucks.com. The combined reach promises a wider audience and a more comprehensive selection of parts for car enthusiasts across various segments.

The below is a summary of the article where Steve Voudouris and his brother Andrew were featured in PhillyMag’s Business section, you can read the full article or the summary below:

Steve Voudouris, the CEO of Turn5 Inc., has made significant strides in revolutionizing the automotive aftermarket industry through innovative digital marketing strategies. His passion for cars and keen understanding of consumer behavior have propelled Turn5 to become a leading online retailer of performance parts and accessories.

Voudouris’ entrepreneurial journey began early, with his brother Andrew. At just 17 and 15 years old, they founded Turn5 in 2004, transforming the traditional automotive aftermarket industry through e-commerce. Their commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience, coupled with a focus on community building, has set Turn5 apart.

Voudouris’ leadership has been instrumental in driving Turn5’s growth. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights, he has created personalized shopping experiences for enthusiasts worldwide. The company’s website offers a wealth of information, including expert advice, product reviews, and how-to guides, fostering a strong sense of community among car enthusiasts.

Beyond business success, Voudouris is dedicated to giving back to the community. Turn5 actively supports initiatives like Coded by Kids, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech talent. By investing in education and mentorship, Voudouris aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in technology and innovation.

Voudouris’ story is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and hard work. His leadership has not only transformed Turn5 into a successful e-commerce company but has also contributed to the growth of the Philadelphia tech community. As Turn5 continues to evolve, Voudouris remains at the forefront, driving the company’s vision of empowering car enthusiasts and shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket industry.

Steve Voudouris: The Gearhead Who Took Car Parts Online

Below is a recap of the article about Steve Voudouris and Turn5 from the Philadelphia Inquirer 

From Basement to Booming Business:

Steve, along with his brother Andrew, started Turn5 in 2003, not in a corporate office, but in their parents’ basement. This wasn’t a random choice. Steve, a Mustang owner, recognized the outdated state of the aftermarket parts industry – catalogs, long delays, and a disconnect from the enthusiast community.

Visionary with a Hands-On Approach:

Steve and Andrew, saw the potential of the internet and its ability to revolutionize the customer experience. They skipped traditional college paths, opting for a “learn by doing” approach, networking with CEOs and immersing themselves in the industry.

Building a Customer-Centric Empire:

Steve’s vision wasn’t just about selling parts; it was about creating a community. They pioneered the use of high-quality videos and photos, showcasing parts on actual vehicles, a stark contrast to the static images of traditional catalogs.

Bootstrapped Success:

Despite impressive sales growth, Steve Voudouris faced initial rejections from banks. Undeterred, they bootstrapped the business, starting with computer parts and then shifting to car parts in 2004. This self-reliance instilled a strong sense of discipline and resourcefulness that fueled their growth.

Mustang Mastermind to Multi-Brand Mogul:

Initially focusing on Mustangs with AmericanMuscle.com, Steve’s success paved the way for expansion. They secured funding through their own efforts and eventually grew beyond Mustangs, launching ExtremeTerrain.com and AmericanTrucks.com, catering to a wider range of car enthusiasts.

Protecting the Culture:

Steve and Andrew are wary of outside investment, fearing it might compromise the company culture they’ve meticulously built. Their focus is on maintaining an environment that fosters passion for cars and exceptional customer service – a culture spearheaded by Steve’s vision and hands-on leadership.

This revised version emphasizes Steve Voudouris‘ role in the company’s founding, his vision for online car parts sales, his hands-on approach, and his leadership in building the company culture.

In a move to connect with truck enthusiasts and establish their brand, AmericanTrucks.com, a leader in aftermarket truck parts, joined forces with its sister store AmericanMuscle.com to host a massive giveaway in March 2018. The “American Build Giveaway” offered a grand prize package valued at a patriotic $17,760, along with 76 runner-up prizes.

Steve Voudouris, co-founder of AmericanTrucks.com, expressed his pride in hosting the giveaway. He highlighted the company’s recent expansion into the truck market, following the success of AmericanMuscle.com in the Mustang community. The giveaway served as a way to build brand awareness for AmericanTrucks.com and connect with more truck owners.

A Truck Enthusiast’s Dream Prize:

The grand prize winner received a truck parts package worth a staggering $17,760. To sweeten the deal, AmericanTrucks.com even threw in an additional $5,000 to cover installation costs.  

Social Media Buzz with #AmericanBuildGiveaway:

Truck fans who didn’t win the grand prize still had a chance to score. By using the hashtag #americanbuildgiveaway on social media, they entered for a shot at one of 76 limited edition American Build Prize Packs. These packs included a $25 gift card to AmericanTrucks.com, perfect for further truck customization.

A Wide Selection for Every Truck:

Whether you drive a Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram, or Ford F-150, AmericanTrucks.com has everything you need to personalize your ride. AmericanTrucks website boasts a vast selection of aftermarket parts and accessories, including:

• Brake kits
• Exhausts
• Lift kits
• Lights
• Wheels
• Tires
• Suspensions

Turn5, has officially opened its doors in Lenexa, Kansas, marking a significant milestone for the company’s nationwide expansion strategy. Steve Voudouris, Turn5’s CEO, played a key role in selecting Lenexa as the company’s new Midwest hub.

“Lenexa is the missing piece to the puzzle,” said Voudouris. This strategic addition brings Turn5’s total fulfillment centers to four, strategically located across the country. Voudouris emphasized the impact this will have on customer service, stating, “With four centers up and running across the country, 85 percent of customers will be in a two-day delivery zone.”

The new Lenexa facility boasts an impressive 365,000 square feet, making it the company’s largest fulfillment center to date. This expansion is expected to create roughly 100 jobs over the next three years, further solidifying Turn5’s commitment to growth and job creation.  

Voudouris sees the move to Lenexa as more than just a geographical expansion. He highlights the “Midwest charm” experienced by his team during their location scouting, which they believe will contribute to a positive work environment.

Looking ahead, Voudouris expresses his excitement about the future of Turn5 in Lenexa. “We’re really excited to hire a team out in Kansas and make it a part of the Turn5 culture,” he said. This new location will play a vital role in Turn5’s mission to provide exceptional customer service to car enthusiasts nationwide.

The Lenexa expansion comes on the heels of Turn5’s successful west coast & digital marketing expansion in 2017, solidifying the company’s position as a major player in the aftermarket auto parts industry.

Turn5 CEO Steve Voudouris spearheaded a heartwarming project at the company’s recent block party, transforming the life of 18-year-old Earl Offenback.

Offenback, a Bucks County resident and Make-A-Wish recipient battling Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), received the keys to his dream ride – a completely overhauled 2002 Jeep Wrangler.

Voudouris, passionate about giving back to the community, led Turn5’s ExtremeTerrain.com brand, specializing in Jeep customization, to take on this special project.

The transformation was incredible. Offenback’s once ordinary Jeep became a showstopper with lifted suspension, custom wheels and tires, a sleek matte black paint job, and more. But Voudouris and his team went above and beyond the aesthetics.

During the customization process, a rusted frame was discovered and replaced. Additionally, the engine and transmission received a complete rebuild, ensuring Offenback’s dream Jeep wouldn’t just look amazing, but perform flawlessly as well.

The reveal at Turn5’s block party was an emotional occasion. “This year was extra special,” said Voudouris. “It allowed us to showcase our new headquarters and commitment to the community, while fulfilling a deserving teenager’s dream.” Voudouris further praised Offenback’s positive attitude, calling it “inspiring.”

This story highlights Steve Voudouris‘ leadership and Turn5’s dedication to charitable endeavors. Their combined efforts brought joy to a young car enthusiast facing significant challenges.

Steve Voudouris, CEO of Turn5, a leading e-commerce retailer for aftermarket automotive parts, celebrated a major milestone with the grand opening of the company’s new, expansive headquarters in Paoli, Pennsylvania. This move signifies Turn5’s impressive growth trajectory under Voudouris’s leadership.  

Turn5, known for its popular websites AmericanMuscle.com, ExtremeTerrain.com, and AmericanTrucks.com, caters to passionate car enthusiasts. 

The new 90,000-square-foot facility officially opened its doors on January 8th 2018. The guest list reflected the significance of the event, including stakeholders, local officials, and even Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a self-proclaimed Jeep enthusiast.

Voudouris’ Vision for a Collaborative and Fun Work Environment

Voudouris, along with co-founder Andrew Voudouris, addressed the crowd during the opening ceremony. They expressed their gratitude for the dedicated team and their excitement about the new headquarters. Notably, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was replaced by a symbolic act – a truck and a Jeep pulling apart a ribbon attached to their front ends, a reflection of Turn5’s unique style.

The new headquarters embodies Voudouris’ vision for a collaborative and fun work environment. The space features state-of-the-art video production facilities, a “Turn5 Timeline Wall” showcasing the company’s journey, and a mural depicting the company’s core values. The building also boasts amenities like coffee bars made from recycled shipping containers, a bowling alley, a digital golf simulator, and outdoor recreation areas.

Voudouris and the Brothers’ Entrepreneurial Spirit

Voudouris and his brother Andrew, who started Turn5 in their basement in 2003, were lauded for their entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. They credited the company’s success to its dedicated team of 450 employees.  

“The Turn5 team cares about every project we work on,” emphasized Steve Voudouris. “We care about making ourselves better each and every day. We care about the people we work with, the company as a whole, and the community that we live and work in.”

Voudouris continued, highlighting the unique company culture: “We don’t have the most years of experience. Most of us did not go to prestigious colleges. But we care greatly about what we do. We’re persistent and incredibly determined, and that’s what’s special about Turn5.”

Turn5’s Impact on Chester County

Governor Wolf, impressed by Turn5’s growth and commitment to job creation, offered his support and recognized the company’s contribution to the state. Local officials echoed the sentiment, with Michelle Kichline, Chairwoman of the Chester County Commissioners, praising Turn5’s innovative spirit and the company’s decision to expand in Chester County.

Turn5’s new headquarters marks a significant chapter in the company’s success story. Under Steve Voudouris’ leadership and the dedication of its team, Turn5 is poised for continued growth, fostering a passionate car enthusiast community and driving positive change in the region.

Stay in the Loop

To stay informed about Steve Voudouris and the latest happenings at Turn5, be sure to follow him on social media. Connect with him on Twitter for quick updates, engaging discussions, and insights into the automotive aftermarket industry. Check out his Facebook page for company announcements, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and community interactions. You can even search for Steve on TikTok!. By following Steve across these platforms, you’ll gain valuable insights into the world of e-commerce, automotive parts, and the inspiring journey of Turn5.

Turn5 has further solidified its position in the all-terrain vehicle market with the recent acquisition of All Things Jeep.

All Things Jeep, a Massachusetts-based e-commerce retailer, has been providing Jeep enthusiasts with a wide range of merchandise, from apparel and accessories to unique collectibles. Founded in 2003 by the Wnuk family, the company began humbly in a basement and has since grown into a successful online business.

“We’re excited to welcome the All Things Jeep team to the Turn5 family,” said Steve Voudouris, CEO of Turn5. “Their passion for the Jeep brand aligns perfectly with our mission to provide enthusiasts with top-quality products and exceptional customer service.”

The acquisition of All Things Jeep will allow Turn5 to expand its product offerings under its ExtremeTerrain brand, catering to the growing demand for Jeep-related merchandise. By combining the strengths of both companies, Turn5 aims to enhance its market position and deliver even greater value to its customers.

“We believe that this acquisition will strengthen our position as a leading online retailer in the all-terrain vehicle market,” Voudouris added. “We’re committed to providing our customers with the best possible shopping experience, and we’re confident that this acquisition will help us achieve that goal.”

As part of the acquisition, the All Things Jeep product line will be integrated into the ExtremeTerrain and AmericanTrucks platform, offering a wider selection of Jeep-branded merchandise to customers. The transaction also adds seven talented individuals to Turn5’s team of approximately 400 employees, further bolstering the company’s expertise and capabilities.

While the specific financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed, it is clear that this strategic move will have a significant impact on Turn5’s future growth and market dominance.

To stay up-to-date on the latest news and insights from Steve Voudouris and Turn5, be sure to follow him on various social media platforms. Connect with him on LinkedIn for professional updates and industry trends. Stay tuned to his Facebook page for company announcements and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Follow him on Twitter for quick news bites and engaging discussions. And for even more you can search for Steve on TikTok! By following Steve across these platforms, you’ll gain valuable insights into the world of e-commerce, automotive aftermarket parts, and the inspiring journey of Turn5.