The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) received the 2019 Pursuit of Excellence Award: Recognizing Special Achievement, during the Nov. 3 opening general session of AWDA’s 72st Annual Business and Education Conference in Las Vegas.
The award is given exclusively to AWDA member companies or employees of those member companies in the auto care industry, in recognition of excellence in business performance and the setting of high standards as an example for others to follow.
YANG, an Auto Care Association community, “is the home for the auto care industry’s dynamic and vibrant community of under-40 professionals,” according to the association’s website.
Dave Shapiro of SRS Marketing Co., the 2019-2020 chairman of YANG, accepted the award on behalf of the YANG Council. He noted that YANG currently has more than 1,500 members and “a robust network of more than 70 highly qualified mentors.” In addition, YANG has raised more money in 2019 than in any other year in its history, according to Shapiro.
“This money goes toward things like scholarships, regional events and our highly anticipated Leadership Conference that we put on at the end of Spring Leadership Days annually,” Shapiro said. “This conference takes place on Friday and Saturday and has become the staple that many of our members attend year in and year out.”
Ryan Samuels, vice president of Samuels Inc. and Buy Wise Auto Parts, presented the award.
“I probably would not be in the position I’m in today without YANG,” Samuels said. “It’s provided me and an entire next generation of professionals in our industry so much opportunity.”
