LAS VEGAS — AAPEX 2021 has announced the recipients of its second annual Service and Repair Awards to honor vehicle repair shop owners, technicians and service advisors.
The award-winners will be recognized during the AAPEX Keynote Session on Nov. 2 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.
The recipients are:
- AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year: Jamie and Eric Carlson, co-owners of Ervine's Auto Repair & Grand Rapids Hybrid and EV in Grand Rapids, Mich.
- AAPEX Technician of the Year: Matt Fanslow, lead diagnostician and shop manager at Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, Minn.; and
- AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year: Brittany Schindler, service manager at Rod's Japanese Auto Care, Bellingham, Wash.
Nominees were judged by an independent panel of shop owners and industry leaders and were evaluated based on their commitment to training and ASE certification; local, community, charitable and industry involvement; diagnostic, teamwork and mentoring skills; and personal and professional qualities.
Mr. Carlson is an ASE Certified Master Technician (A1-A8) and has L1 Automobile Advanced Engine Performance, L3 Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle certification.
Ms. Carlson "has two primary goals that drive her efforts in advertising, customer service, recruiting and HR. One is to ensure all motorists, knowledgeable or not about their vehicle, can rest assured they have professionals who are looking out for their best interest. Simultaneously, she aims to elevate the status of the professionals who choose a career in this industry," according to the award presenters.
"Eric and Jamie work daily to create an environment that is enjoyable, rewarding and lets employees know their talent, skill and work ethic are valued; also that employee success and sense of fulfillment in this industry is a priority."
Mr. Fanslow has a 27-year background in the automotive industry and is an ASE Master Certified Technician (A1-A8) and an L1 Automobile Advanced Engine Performance Specialist. He invests 80-plus hours a year in training and hundreds of hours of additional reading and research of SAE documents and journals, according to the award presenters.
He also has his own podcast, "Matt Fanslow Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z."
Ms. Schindler has been in the industry for 11 years and has earned the ASE C1 Service Consultant Certification. She annually completes 100 hours of training, has trained multiple service advisors and teaches at the Automotive Training Institute (ATI).
