Custom Automotive Network (CAN), formerly known as Performance Warehouse Association, honored 2018 Pioneer Award recipients, Rick Kovalick and Trent Lowe, at CAN’s General Membership Meeting on Oct. 31st in Las Vegas. Plaques were presented by the 2017 Pioneer Award Winner, Ken Woomer of Competition Specialties. Kovalick and Lowe join the 52 other individuals who have been honored by CAN since 1981.
The CAN Pioneer award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the custom automotive distribution system and in appreciation of conscientious dedication to the industry. Award recipients are nominated by the CAN membership and voted on by a committee comprised of former Pioneer Award winners.
Kovalick is the current CRO and vice president at National Performance Warehouse (NPW). His career began in retail and installer sales in 1971 and he rapidly moved up the ranks to establish and lead a professional purchasing and marketing team for over 25 years. During his career Kovalick has been involved in numerous industry organizations and events. He has served on various panels and committees for CAN and the SEMA board of directors.
Lowe is the former president of Time Automotive Distributors located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boise, Idaho. He was introduced to Time Distributors, a mid-60’s spin-off of the family Pontiac-Cadillac dealership, during spring break. He completed his degree, landed a job buying for them, and then in 1990, Lowe bought other family members’ shares and became president at Time Automotive Distributors. In August of 2015, Time was acquired by National Performance Warehouse and retired from NPW in June of 2016. Lowe has been a dedicated supporter of the association and spent 17 years serving as a director and as treasurer on the PWA/CAN board of directors.
