BETHESDA, Md. – The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) announced that Paula Lombard, president of WEXCO Industries, and founder of AutoTex Pink, has been chosen as the 10th annual Aftermarket Woman of the Year. Diane Larson, owner and manager of Larson’s Service Inc., has been named the Female Service Shop Owner of the Year. The announcement was made at the 2013 Women’s Board reception, which took place Nov. 5 during the AAPEX Show in Las Vegas.
The Women of the Year awards are administered by the WB Career Leadership Committee. The Woman of the Year is chosen based on her longevity in the aftermarket, her career accomplishments, her leadership capabilities and dedication to the automotive aftermarket industry. Female Service Shop Owner of the Year is given to an outstanding woman who has a proven record of excellence in the automotive service industry.
Aftermarket Woman of the Year
Lombard has been active in the industry for more than 20 years. From humble beginnings selling windshield wipers out of the trunk of her car, Lombard has grown WEXCO Industries into being one of the nation’s leading suppliers of windshield wiper blades and HD components.
In 2009, she created AutoTex Pink windshield wipers, donating 10 percent of sales to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NCBF) and the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. Due to its many contributions, AutoTex Pink is projected to become a gold sponsor of the NBCF.
Lombard’s company was awarded a 2013 Automotive Communications Award as well, and she has been an active WB associate since 2009.
Female Service Shop Owner of the Year
Larson has been in the industry for more than 25 years, currently as sole owner of Larson’s Service Inc. since 2008. She is extremely active after developing a team at her shop that allows her to spend time-sharing her experience and passion for the industry with others.
Larson was one of the first people to take the ASE Service Consultant exam, and is currently a C1 service consultant. She is a contributing member of International Automotive Technician Network (iATN), a participant in the Askpatty.com Automotive Expert Advisor Panel, an active Automotive Service Association member and valued WB associate.
The Women’s Board is comprised of professional women and men from the automotive aftermarket who are dedicated to providing career leadership to women in the automotive aftermarket, providing car care information to female audiences and encouraging young people to investigate opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. For more information, visit www.carcare.org/womens-board or email [email protected].
