LAS VEGAS – The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) presented the 2013 Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award to James A. Tennant, AAP, Piston Ring Service Supply Co., for his support for training and education within his market area and the auto care industry in general. The award was presented by Larry Pavey, Federated Auto Parts Distributors, on Nov. 3 at AWDA’s 2013 Annual Conference. 
The Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award is presented annually to an aftermarket company or individual who 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.
Tennant is CEO of Piston Ring Service Supply Co., a family owned warehouse distributor based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Over its 60-year history, the company’s goal has always been to create an organization of people who understand the constant need to adapt to an ever-changing market environment. Education and training are critical to achieving that goal, for internal WD and store employees, as well as Piston Ring’s repair shop customers.
To that end, Piston Ring maintains a stand-alone, state-of-the-art training facility where the company delivers in excess of 10,000 hours of hands-on training every year. The facility can host management-training classes for their 24 operations managers or perform equally well for hundreds of their service dealer customers. Piston Ring focuses on business, sales and customer service training, as well as technical training in conjunction with their supplier channel partners.
Jim Tennant leads what is truly a family enterprise, with the third generation of Tennants – Trevor and Melissa – now entering the company’s management team. Jim’s management philosophy, straightforward style and visionary thinking are evident throughout the company and especially where training and education are concerned.
Said AWDA Executive Director Larry Northup, “Jim Tennant is an AWDA star and Piston Ring Service Supply sets a standard for involvement in training and education that can serve as a model for the entire auto care industry.”
