Carm Capriotto, founder and host, Remarkable Results Radio, presented the awards.
The recipient of the AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year is Brian Sump, president, Avalon Motorsports and Urban Auto Care, Denver, Colo. 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. "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,” said Sump.
The recipient of the AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year is Jason Sexton, Dynamic Automotive, Frederick, Md. Sexton is known for his love for knowledge and is described as a teacher, a true advisor who builds an unbelievable relationship with customers. “When I answered the phone call from Mark at AAPEX, I was speechless. I really had no words to express how I felt. 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 Advisors. 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,” said Sexton.
The AAPEX Technician of the Year recipient is Norm Schultz, Interstate Auto Care, Madison Heights, Mich. 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. Thank you for bestowing me with such an honor, and rest assured that I share it with all of you that have helped along the way,” said Schultz.
The Virtual AAPEX Experience, Nov. 3 - Nov. 5, serves as the hub of training, insights and connections for the more than $1 trillion global automotive aftermarket industry. It features instructor- and exhibitor-led training, product and equipment demos from industry suppliers, the New Product Showcase, and opportunities to connect one-on-one with exhibitors to talk products and conduct business. Training sessions and product and equipment demos will be available on demand on the virtual platform until Dec. 5. To register, visit Attendee registration.
AAPEX 2021 will return to the Sands Expo and Caesars Forum Conference Center in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 4. All inquiries should be directed to W.T. Glasgow Inc., (708) 226-1300, [email protected].
For additional information, visit the AAPEX 2020 FAQ page, https://www.aapexshow.com/faqs/.
Historically, AAPEX features approximately 2,500 exhibiting companies displaying their latest products, services and technologies that keep the world’s 1.3 billion vehicles on the road.
AAPEX buyers include automotive service and repair professionals, auto parts retailers, independent warehouse distributors, program groups, service chains, automotive dealers, fleet buyers and engine builders.
AAPEX is a trade-only event and is closed to the general public.
AAPEX is co-owned by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). For more information, visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: [email protected]. On social media, follow AAPEX at #VirtualAAPEX.