AAPEX Names Service & Repair Award Winners Ahead of Conference
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo announced the winners of the AAPEX Service & Repair Awards this week in a press release.
Launched in 2020, the annual awards have candidates nominated by anyone in the industry for one of three award categories. A panel of volunteer industry experts then scores each nominee’s application, with the highest score winning in each category.
The announcement comes just before AAPEX is set to kick off on Nov 4 in Las Vegas. The following winners will be honored at the show during the Keynote Breakfast with Wayne Gretzky, with awards presented to winners during the Beers and Gears Reception.
Shop Owner of the Year
Tom Palermo of Preferred Automotive Specialists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The shop owner category recognized Palermo as an independent repair shop owner who has demonstrated leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to safety in providing quality repair work.
Service Advisor of the Year
Katlyn French of Hillside Auto Repair in O’Fallon, Missouri
The service advisor category selected French, citing exceptional performance in communicating with customers with integrity and effectively coordinating service.
Technician of the Year
Tony Martinez of Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers in Wisconsin
Silver Lake Auto & Tire Centers is a multi-store operation with locations surrounding Wisconsin. Martinez has been recognized as a technician with extraordinary diagnostic skills, technical proficiency, and stringent adherence to industry standards and safety requirements in his role with Silver Lake. Martinez holds several ASE certifications, including master auto technician.
“Recognition of a job well done is perhaps the most underutilized tool in a leader’s toolkit,” said Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey. “The AAPEX Service & Repair Awards are a recurring reminder of the power of recognition. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners.”
“Given the complexity of a modern vehicle, it’s a remarkable logistical and technical feat to be able to bring our vehicles to a repair facility and be back safely on the road in mere hours and often less,” said President of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Paul McCarthy. “Americans are dependent on our vehicles for transportation and in that sense, service and repair professionals like these are underrecognized neighborhood heroes.”