Auto-Wares Group of Companies announced that Joe Stewart is its 2022 Technician of the Year.
Stewart is the shop foreman at The Brighton Garage in Brighton, Michigan, an Auto Value Certified Service Center since April 2021.
Every year, Auto-Wares chooses one technician from its Certified Service Center Network to represent the company at an all-expenses paid trip to the National Alliance Technician of the Year competition. This year, the competition will be held July 11-14 in Detroit.
In 2021, the competition brought together 12 individuals from across North America, and 2022 is expected to bring together a similar number. Stewart and the other finalists will take a live custom ASE Technician of the Year exam, in which a winner will be determined based on the highest final test score. The trip also includes visits to the Henry Ford Museum and the Ford Rouge factory tour, and an opportunity to drive on the M1 Concourse track.
Finalists were judged based on a combination of training hours attended, variety of education received, volunteer/extracurricular activity participation and passion for the industry, along with reference letters and letters of recommendations.
“Tech of the Year brings out the best in our network each year,” said Dan Hosler, Certified Service Center program manager for Auto-Wares. “This year was no exception, and it didn’t take long to realize that Joe’s level of training, experience and professionalism is exactly what we are looking for.”
The Brighton Garage is part of The Detroit Garage Auto Family, a group of industry-leading automotive repair shops, world-class technicians and a sales and support staff second to none, according to its website.
“Joe is constantly growing and training as a technician and has been throughout his career,” said Daniel Groen, regional manager for The Detroit Garage. “He actively trains our new team members, pushing them to obtain professional success and pride with ASE certifications. This persistent pursuit of auto repair knowledge and growth is some of what sets Joe apart from his peers. Hybrid, electrical and diesel vehicles do not deter Joe from the industry but inspire him to gain the expertise to lead his facility – and someday multiple facilities – to the success this challenging industry can achieve.”
Auto-Wares Group of Companies is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based aftermarket automotive distribution company serving the Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin markets. Auto-Wares Group of
Companies is a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance and does business under the Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Part Stores name.
Auto-Wares currently has more than 200 corporate-owned and nearly 100 independently owned part stores, and a network of more than 675 Certified Service Centers.
