ATLANTA — NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Michael Akens the 2006 NAPA/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year. Akens, who co-owns Bookcliff Auto Parts, Inc. in Grand Junction, CO, with his wife, Donna, is the seventh individual to receive this national award, which provides special recognition to a parts professional within the NAPA system and the auto parts industry.
“The award helps confirm that I am reaching my own personal goals of providing a high level of service to my customers,” said Akens. “I feel a staff should not only be knowledgeable and well trained but should provide a level of service that exceeds customer expectations by providing friendly assistance and a high level of expertise.”
Akens has six ASE certifications and has attended several NAPA Manufacturers’ Schools and Clinics. Besides managing the daily operations of his Bookcliff location, Akens serves as chairman of the Advisory Council for the Transportation Services Technology Department of the Unified Technical Education Campus (UTEC) of Mesa State College and Mesa County School District #51. He is also a member of the Joint Advisory Council for UTEC.
In nominating Akens, David Stanfield, general manager, NAPA Denver Distribution Center, said, “Mike has a passion for the auto parts business and understands the needs of his customers. He not only manages his store, but becomes personally involved with making sure customers receive a high level of service on a daily basis. It is not uncommon to walk into Mike’s office and find him on the phone searching for a hard-to-find part for a customer.”
“The Parts Specialist of the Year Award honors specialists dedicated to automotive service excellence,” said Bob Susor, NAPA president. “The customer letters we received on Mike’s behalf verified that he is certainly a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”
Akens is certified in the P-1, P-2, P-3 and P-9 ASE parts specialist categories, with certifications in manual drive train and axles and brakes. He holds NAPA certification for electrical systems, filters and hydraulics, heating and cooling, paint, body and equipment, retail sales and underhood.
“Mike’s positive attitude, desire for excellence-both personally and professionally, and his commitment to customers exemplifies the spirit of NAPA and the ASE,” Susor added.
For more information about NAPA, visit: www.NAPAonline.com.
To learn more about ASE Certification, go to: www.asecert.org.
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