PLEASANTVILLE, NJ — NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) member Jeff Walker as the 2005 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Presented annually by NAPA and ASE, the award is given to a technician who exemplifies excellence and achievement in the industry. This winner is selected by a panel that includes former winners, automotive trade media and ASE headquarters.
Walker, owner of Walker’s Automotive Services in Pleasantville, NJ, has 32 years of automotive experience. He began pumping gas in 1972 at age 16 and then realized a lifelong dream of owning a repair business in 1994. Walker first leased two bays at a gas station before opening his own 6,000 square-foot, eight-bay facility less than two years later.
“This award is something I’ve aspired to during my career and winning it means I’ve begun reaching some of the goals I set for myself,” said Walker, who is a recertified Master ASE technician with L1 and L2 Certification.
Walker is certified in 28 ASE categories and is in the top 0.1 percent of all people with ASE credentials. His resume includes extensive training and continuing education that add to his credentials and build his body of knowledge. His commitment to training extends to the staff at Walker’s Automotive, which Walker is cultivating as the next generation of superior technicians.
“The Technician of the Year award is the benchmark of excellence to which all technicians aspire,” said Bob Susor, NAPA president. “Jeff is committed to the auto repair industry, to maintaining its professionalism and to superior customer service. We are proud to count Jeff among NAPA’s automotive repair professionals.”
Walker is the second AASP/NJ member to win this award in the last five years. Current AASP/NJ President Bob Everett won the award in 2000. “AASP/NJ is so proud and happy for Jeff,” said Everett. “He has dedicated most of his adult life to making this a better industry and in the past few years he has made the same type of effort to make AASP/NJ the best it can be.” Walker is currently the vice president of AASP/NJ’s Chapter 2.
Walker’s Automotive Services is known for its customer service and customer loyalty – a tone Walker set by following the simple axiom of treating others as he wishes to be treated. “I remind my technicians that customers are the reason for our work,” said Walker. “And my customers know that we are going to be here today, tomorrow and for the long term. That offers a sense of security and builds trust in the service we provide.” Walker has been Cherry Hill, NJ, ASE Technician of the Year winner six times prior to earning the national award.
To find out more about AASP/NJ, visit: www.aaspnj.org.
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