Albany Manager Named NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year

Mike Mrozinski with his NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year award.

Mike Mrozinski, a manager at Capitaland Auto National Truck Service in Albany, N.Y., has been named the 2004 NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year. Capitaland Auto has been an ASA member since 1994.

Now in its fifth year, this national recognition is awarded to a parts professional within the NAPA organization who demonstrates superior parts knowledge and business practices, a commitment to customer service and training, involvement in the community, and outstanding service to the automotive parts, repair and maintenance industry. Judges include representatives from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), trade press, universities and aftermarket industry associations. Mrozinski was unanimously selected by the judges.

Mike is very deserving of this award, and he truly exemplifies the spirit and ideals of NAPA Auto Parts, ASE and the industry," said Bob Susor, NAPA president. "It is our absolute pleasure to recognize Mike as the best-of-the-best."

Ron Weiner, ASE president, said, "Superior customer service, quality standards and continuing education are integral to success in the automotive service business. Mike has demonstrated his commitment to these benchmarks on all levels. We congratulate and thank him for setting an example for others in the industry."

Mrozinski began his career with NAPA in 1985 as a part-time delivery driver and has held many positions within the company since, including store manager. He currently is certified in the P2 Automotive Parts Specialist category, and consistently attends manufacturer clinics as well as NAPA and industry training courses. Within his community, he is active in Cub Scouts, Little League, charitable organizations, and church and school events. He and his wife, Kristin, have three children.

Mrozinski will be recognized at the NAPA annual meeting in Atlanta, April 3. He will receive a plaque and ring, $2,000 cash or stock, and a trip to the NASCAR race of his choice.

ASA Appoints Scully Executive Vice President

John Scully

ASA has appointed John Scully, AAM, as executive vice president. Scully has served as ASA's vice president of member services and operations since 1998.

In announcing the promotion, Ron Pyle, ASA's president and chief staff executive, said: "John has proven himself as a strong leader who considers the needs of our members as his top priority. Elevating his position to executive vice president equips John with the resources and authority needed to efficiently and effectively serve our members and this industry. Under his leadership, the member services, communications and operational functions of ASA can be streamlined to better meet collective goals."

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Scully is an Air Force veteran and a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington. He and his wife, Glenda, have two sons, a daughter and three grandchildren.

"The chance to continue the process of renewing ASA is an opportunity I cherish and look forward to," said Scully. "This is a tremendous honor and I want to thank Ron Pyle, the ASA national board of directors and the ASA staff for having confidence in my ability to continue to move ASA forward and increase the value of ASA membership."

ASA Affiliate Leaders Retire

Cherie and Pete Hunt , AAMs

Pete Hunt, AAM, ASA-Washington executive director, retired from the association Feb. 1, 2004, after serving 22 years in the position. His wife, Cherie, also worked for ASA-Washington, handling accounting and office duties.

Hunt was born in England, traveled to America in 1948 and settled in Washington at the age of 9. After finishing high school and serving in the U. S. Navy, Hunt married Cherie. They celebrated their 42nd anniversary this year.

His first experience with the automotive repair industry came while working in outside sales for a paint and wallpaper retail business that also sold auto body equipment. After working for the company for six years, the Hunts had the opportunity to open their own auto body supply business, Pete's Auto Body Supply, in 1968. For the next 12 years, the two built a 6,500-square-foot building and purchased two more facilities. During this time, they became very involved in what has been known as IGO, ASC and eventually, ASA.

Hunt served in numerous association leadership roles and in 1976 served as president of what was then known as ASC-Washington, and was awarded the Outstanding Member of the Year award.

In 1980, the Hunts sold the business and were honored by ASC-Washington with an honorary membership to the association. Two years later, the couple was approached by the ASC-Washington board and asked to assist in building the association. "Cherie and I worked out of our extra bedroom and before long the volunteer factor became more than a full-time position for both of us," said Hunt.

Over the years, the affiliate has advanced far beyond its one-bedroom operation. Today, the ASA-Washington affiliate owns its facility in Lakewood, Wash., and has a strong membership base of approximately 900.

The Hunts have been honored for their numerous contributions and dedication to the association, at all levels, and the automotive repair industry. These honors include being recognized by the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1998, receiving the ASA national Humanitarian Award, earning the ASA-Washington Outstanding Member of the Millennium Award, and receiving the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) Annual Recognition Award.

ASA-Washington honored the Hunts at a tribute held during the affiliate's retreat Jan. 22-25 in Leavenworth, Wash. More than 250 attended this special event, including the ASA national executive committee, president and executive vice president.

"The first ASA affiliate event I attended was in Washington state. I wasn't in on any of the "short" jokes until Pete and I stood back to back. There wasn't a lot of difference, but I had him by at least 3/4 of an inch. I may have been taller in height but not in stature. Pete has been a great example for me personally and I owe part of my personal success in ASA to Pete and Cherie. What they shared with me cannot be replaced and I will always be grateful," said John Scully, AAM, ASA executive vice president.

"Pete and Cherie are perfect examples for us all to emulate. Their commitment to ASA-Washington is inspiring to me and many others who are in leadership roles. But even more impressive are the personal relationships they have with each member and associate. They didn't just manage the association, they lived and breathed it," said Ron Pyle, ASA president.

ASA and the industry have benefited from Pete and Cherie's commitment and dedication to the members, the association and the industry as a whole. The two will be missed, but never forgotten. ASA thanks these two wonderful individuals for their insight, professionalism and humor.

NATIONAL NEWS

ASA Prepares to Honor ASA Members

ASA is finalizing plans for its first "Celebration of Excellence" event - a special evening function dedicated to honoring the achievements of ASA members and other industry leaders. The event will be held Friday, Nov. 5, at the Flamingo Las Vegas during Industry Week. See page 27 of this issue for more information, and also visit www.ASAcelebration.com for the latest details.

Promote Your ASA Membership

The ASA logo and signage are available to members to promote association membership to the motoring public. The ASA logos and logo guidelines may be accessed through the Members Only section of the ASA Web site, www.ASAshop.org. In addition, members may contact the ASA office at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295, and request a hard copy of the logos and logo guidelines. ASA signage is also available to members through the Web site and the national office.

Promoting association membership assists in advancing the professionalism of the automotive repair and service industry.