AAPEX 2023 has announced the recipients of the annual Service and Repair Awards that recognize and elevate the essential services provided by shop owners, service advisors, and technicians to keep the public on the road.
Shop Owner of the Year was awarded to Roy Foster of Roy Foster's Automotive in Reno, Nevada. Founded by Foster's father 75 years ago, Foster has led the business since 1994 and continues to build his father's legacy. An advocate for apprentice programs, Foster judges SkillsUSA competitions, and speaks on Autovitals Digital Shop Talk Radio and Remarkable Results Radio Podcast.
"Being AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year is extremely humbling," Foster said. "Having grown up in my father’s auto repair shop, I have been committed to the automotive aftermarket all my life, and I’m grateful for the amazing opportunities it continues to provide to grow and give back. One of the best ways I’ve been able to do that is through the NAPA Apprentice Program, which benefits the newly trained technicians, the shop owners and the entire industry. It’s an honor to further serve the automotive aftermarket as an ambassador for AAPEX and the remarkable support it provides to all of us throughout the industry."
AAPEX awarded Service Advisor of the Year to Greg Damon, general manager at Sparks Tire and Auto in St. Charles, Missouri. Damon has been in a service advisor role for 25 years and holds nine ASE certifications, plus the ASE C1 Service Consultant certification. Within the shop, he excels at building relationships and communicating with customers. In the community, he is a youth football coach, assists in organizations at the local schools and hosts the KMOX Auto Show, a national radio show with millions of listeners.
"With so many talented service writers and advisors across the country, it is truly an honor to win this award and represent all others," said Damon. "However, I don't do this alone and am incredible grateful and proud of the team I work with daily and support from our owners."
AAPEX awarded Technician of the Year to Michael Miller, master technician at CarMax West Sahara in Las Vegas, Nevada. Miller’s interest in auto repair started at the age of eight while hanging around his father’s shop after school. He has 30 years of experience and is an ASE Master Automotive Technician with L1. Throughout his career, he has held more than 50 ASE certifications.
"This is a very surreal moment. To be awarded the AAPEX Technician of the Year is extremely humbling since so many of its members have been the ones who have continually inspired and motivated my career,” Miller said. "Each year at the AAPEX trade show, I am amazed and influenced by the vast amount of knowledge and talent of both the individuals who attend and the ones who represent the exhibitors at the show. To receive an award from this preeminent organization is a tremendous honor for which I am immensely grateful.”
Nominees for the AAPEX Service and Repair Awards were judged by an independent panel of shop owners and industry leaders. Nominees were evaluated based on their commitment to training and ASE certification, as well as community/industry involvement, and personal/professional qualities.
