Auto Care Assn., ASE recognize world-class techs

BETHESDA, Md. (May 2, 2014) — Of the more than 812,000 automotive technicians working in the U.S., 22 have qualified for the 2014 World Class Technician Award presented by the Auto Care Association (ACA) and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

The two trade groups came up with a list of the top techs who have tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2013 test administrated by the ASE.

The following have been named 2014 World Class Technicians by the associations, which did not provide the companies/shops where the techs work:

• Nicholas C. Atherton, Council Bluffs, Ind.;

• Jared M. Avent, Lincoln, Calif.;

• George E. Ayers, II, Mount Laurel, N.J.;

• Freddie L. Castillo, Grapevine, Texas;

• Mark W. Couvrette, Sacramento, Calif.;

• Arnold E. Demann, Martin, Mich.;

• James B. Fields, Winchester, Va.;

• John S. Furtek, Mount Laurel, N.J.;

• Franklin W. Harris, Nashville, Tenn.;

• John R. Hubbard, Mount Laurel, N.J.;

• Alberto L. Lopez, Lancaster, Calif.;

• Andrew S. Meyer, West Chester, Ohio;

• Joe R. Mitchell, Grapevine, Texas;

• Troy A. Nolan, Houston;

• Robert J. Palczewski, Bloomingdale, Ill.;

• Gary L. Perttula, Sun City West, Ariz.;

• Kenneth J. Placzek, Westmont, Ill.;

• Kristopher L. Stevens, Haltom City, Texas;

• James W. Trusley, Jr., Dallas, Ga.;

• Chad E. Wade, Iowa City, Iowa;

• Michael Whalen, Dixon, Calif.; and

• Matthew Z. Younger, Irving, Texas.

“Recipients of the World Class Technician Award are truly the best of the best and the Auto Care Association is proud to recognize these professionals with ASE,” said Kathleen Schmatz, the ACA's president and CEO. “Passing 22 ASE tests is a monumental achievement requiring exceptional knowledge and skills.”

(The ACA recently rebranded, changing its name from the former Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). The group has a new website www.autocare.org to explain its rebranding.)

“This recognition partnership between the Auto Care Association and ASE represents one of the most significant achievement awards available to our ASE-certified professionals,” said Tim Zilke, the ASE's president and CEO.

“ASE is grateful for the support the Auto Care Association provides to our service professionals in recognizing these outstanding individuals each year and we celebrate over a quarter century of this commitment to excellence with the Auto Care Association.”

Since the World Class Technician recognition was established 28 years ago, the ACA and ASE said only 1,885 techs have been honored. Recipients receive a special certificate signed by the presidents of ASE and the ACA, a logo medallion and embroidered shoulder insignia. Additionally, each tech's name is perpetually inscribed in an honor book located in the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Mich.

This year, Cengage Learning, an educational content, software and services company for the academic, professional and library markets — and home to Chilton automotive repair information and the Delmar ASE Test Preparation series — will award each technician with a gift card and one year access to ChiltonPRO, an electronic automotive repair information system.

The ASE was incorporated on June 12, 1972, as a non-profit organization to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists. Today, according to the ASE, there are more than 370,000 ASE-certified professionals working in dealerships, independent shops, service stations, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country.

More information about the ASE is available on its website.