ASE honors 48 top techs at fall board meeting (updated)

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recognized 48 auto technicians — including eight employed in the retail tire/auto service sector — recently as the top scorers on the ASE certification tests.

The ASE recognized the top auto techs Nov. 18 at the group's Fall Board of Governors meeting at the Scottsdale Resort & Spa in Scottsdale.

Forty-one companies from both OEM and aftermarket segments sponsored individual technician recognition awards in the auto, truck, collision, bus, parts and service categories, along with awards for instructors, the ASE said.

In addition to top scores on the ASE tests, award sponsors look for on-the-job excellence and community service when selecting honorees.

"ASE has recognized the best of the best in our industry for more than 40 years, and this year we honored 48 outstanding individuals from across the nation," ASE President and CEO Tim Zilke said.

"We couldn't do this without the support of our award sponsors, who include some of the best-known names in the industry. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in the talented individuals receiving these awards. The enthusiasm and professionalism displayed by our award winners testifies to the high-quality of ASE Certified technicians and specialists. We are proud to have them as part of the ASE family."

Among the 48 are technicians employed by AutoFix L.L.C., Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO), Pep Boys and TBC Retail as well as by Big O Tires, Midas International and SpeeDee Oil Change franchisees:

• Robert DeAngelo Armstead, Master Automobile Technician, Pep Boys, Marietta, Ga.;
• Thomas Baldwin, Master Automobile Technician, Midas International, St. Peters, Mo.
• Nicholas Callahan, Master Automobile Technician, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, Modesto, Calif.
• Sam Campbell, Master Automobile Technician, Big O Tires, Salem, Mo.
• Christopher Funk, Technician of the Future, Holmes Transmission & Auto Repair, Monticello, Iowa, sponsored by Mitchell1;
• Scott Horst, Master Automobile Technician, NTB National Tire & Battery, Parkville, Md.
• Russell Rhodes, Master Automobile Technician, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Temple, Texas;
• Jeff Weller, Master Automobile Technician, AutoFix L.L.C., Henning, Minn., sponsored by Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper.

BSRO President Marko Ibrahim noted that Mr. Rhodes has amassed 28 ASE certifications during his five years with Bridgestone Retail. Earlier this year he earned ASE World Class Technician status, a recognition achieved by only 2,200 individuals worldwide since 1986.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Rhodes regularly provides guidance and support to his fellow teammates and volunteers to help his south Texas community.

"Russell has demonstrated a consistent commitment to growth, always with the goal of providing Firestone Complete Auto Care customers with the most trusted tire and automotive service," Mr. Ibrahim said.

Megan Filoon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at TBC, lauded the winners from its brands for their dedication to their communities, attention to continued education and commitment to excellence in their daily interactions with customers.

"These individuals are true leaders and their exemplary work has earned them one of the highest honors a technician can achieve."

Nick DiVerde, senior marketing director, Mitchell 1, congratulated Mr. Funk, saying: "His accomplishments thus far have demonstrated his commitment to excelling as an automotive technician and we know he will continue be successful as he journeys down his career path."

He has been an auto tech for the past two years following his graduation with an associate of applied sciences degree in automotive technology. He is ASE Master Certified and was the SkillsUSA national championship winner in 2021..

Established in 1972 as a non-profit, the ASE upholds and promotes high standards of service and repair through the assessment, certification and credentialing of current and future industry professionals. The ASE Blue Seal logo identifies professionals who possess the essential knowledge and skills to perform with excellence.

There are approximately 250,000 ASE-certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country.