LAS VEGAS — The Virtual AAPEX Experience bestowed the new AAPEX Service and Repair Awards during a live-streamed ceremony Nov. 5 to recognize the essential services that shop owners, service advisers and technicians provide the motoring public.
Brian Sump, president of Avalon Motorsports / Urban Auto Care L.L.C. in Denver, won the AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year; Jason Sexton of Dynamic Automotive in Frederick, Md., won the AAPEX Service Adviser of the Year; and Norm Schultz of Interstate Auto Care in Madison Heights, Mich., won the AAPEX Technician of the Year award.
AAPEX is co-owned by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association.
Mr. Sump has been in business 13 years, and during this time, has used his business acumen and a detailed, process-based management philosophy to grow into a multi-location shop operator, according to AAPEX organizers.
"A leader is only as strong as the family who supports them and the team in the trenches with them. I thank God for such blessings. Thank you as well to Dwayne Myers for the nomination, the amazing peers who challenge and sharpen me and AAPEX for the recognition. The magnitude of humility I feel to receive this award in an industry full of such amazing leaders and impactful owners is beyond words," Mr. Sump said.
Mr. Sexton is described as a teacher and a true adviser who builds a relationship with customers.
"I wasn't aware I was even in the running to win such an award. It was an overwhelmingly amazing feeling to be recognized by such a highly regarded organization and to be selected from such an esteemed group of service advisers," Mr. Sexton said. "It is very humbling because I feel as though I'm just doing my job and not really going above and beyond what my job duties are. It's all about taking care of people. I love being able to help and will continue to do so every day."
Mr. Schultz has 20 years of experience, is an ASE-certified master technician and is described as the epitome of professionalism and dedication.
"Winning this award is sweet acknowledgement that this industry appreciates the level of time and effort that I, along with the hundreds of thousands of skilled technicians, put into our profession. Through this recognition, I am humbled and honored to be considered the veteran that I am, in a profession so filled with enormously talented and hard-working people that I've come to learn from and respect," Mr. Schultz said.