The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) posthumously presented the 2010 Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award to John N. Castle in recognition of his work creating and building the automotive aftermarket department of Northwood University. The award was presented on Oct. 31 at AWDA’s 2010 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
The Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award is presented annually to an aftermarket company or individual that demonstrates outstanding commitment to education and training, either within their own organization or throughout the industry. Given in memory of former AWDA chairman Art Fisher, the award grants substantial scholarships in the name of the award winner to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University.
From shortly after its founding in 1972 to his retirement in 1992, John Castle led the aftermarket management program at Northwood. He helped author the first textbooks and was instrumental in guiding the department during its early, formative years. He laid the groundwork for the positive reputation his institution enjoys today within the aftermarket industry.
Aside from being a highly effective administrator, John Castle was first and foremost a teacher. He not only played a role in establishing the aftermarket curricula at Northwood, he also taught the classes.
In his role as a professor, John touched countless lives and through his students, helped shape the present-day aftermarket.
"John Castle ‘made’ the Automotive Aftermarket Program at Northwood University," said John Washbish, president and CEO of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, who had Castle as a professor.
Jeff Stauffer, senior vice president marketing for Affinia Global Brake & Chassis, knew Castle for more than 35 years. "John took the aftermarket program to the next level," Stauffer said. "He was a great man and loved by all. He had a big impact on the industry.”
Sadly, John Castle passed away this summer at the age of 85, completing a full and rewarding life. Jim John, former head of Northwood’s Aftermarket Program and John Castle’s successor and protégé accepted this award on John’s behalf.
