Each year, Counterman magazine recognizes an outstanding parts professional. This year marks the 29th time Counterman has recognized the Counter Professional of the Year (CPOTY), sponsored by WIX Filters. As in year’s past, we treat the award recipient to an all-expenses-paid trip for two — including flight, hotel and food — to Las Vegas during AAPEX. They’ll be recognized at a special AWDA luncheon; a Northwood University luncheon; and a fantastic dinner with automotive aftermarket dignitaries on Monday, Nov. 3, 2014. But more than that, Counter Professionals of the Year receive recognition from their peers. I asked three recipients to tell us what being a CPOTY meant to them.

Bill Bryan
2010 Counter Professional of the Year
Bumper to Bumper/Auto-Wares
Elmhurst, Ill.
“Well it was a great honor, especially because I didn’t know about the nomination. I thought at first it was a prank. I got to meet a lot of important people in our industry, some of whom we have become friends. I got a lot of congratulatory phone calls from others in the industry and a lot of recognition within our company as well. It’s great to be recognized for all the hard work we do selling auto parts, gaining and retaining customers and trying to always give the best service possible. The trip was awesome, too!”

Tom Dayton
2009 Counter Professional of the Year
JS Auto Supply
Jamestown, NY
“Honestly, being CPOTY has opened a lot of doors for me, and allowed me to do things that I only dreamed of before. When I started out nearly 20 years ago, I just wanted to be good enough to get ASE certified. Once I did that, I wanted to be good enough to be a CPOTY. And then I wanted to be a part of ASE’s test writing group. Finally, I wanted to share my knowledge with others.

Through the CPOTY program and Counterman magazine, I was able to achieve all of those goals. This February, I went down to ASE headquarters (in Leesburg, Va.) to write questions for the P2. If not for Counterman and the CPOTY program, I would never have been able to reach these goals, and I have to thank you personally for all you have done for me as well.”

Tom Taylor
2012 Counter Professional of the Year
Motown Automotive
“The recognition has been unbelievable. I never realized how many people read your magazine. I had people from all over the country call and congratulate me, some I had not heard from in over 20 years.  Even competitors came into my office to tell me congratulations and to sign their copy of Counterman.  It was an honor meeting people from the ASE and many other industry leaders. To top it off, the trip to Las Vegas that my wife and I received was unbelievable. We were treated like royalty. It was an experience that will never be forgotten by myself or Motown Automotive. Truly an honor.”

Now is your chance. To apply or nominate someone else, click here.