Last Week at AAPEX: Berkowitz Honored for Lifetime Achievement

During AWDA’s general session Sunday evening, Aaron Berkowitz was presented with the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award. This very selective award recognizes individuals who, over the course of many years, have distinguished themselves through their commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket. Recipients of this award are considered to be “backbones” of the industry.

LAS VEGAS — During AWDA’s general session Sunday evening, Aaron Berkowitz was presented with the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award.

This very selective award recognizes individuals who, over the course of many years, have distinguished themselves through their commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket. Recipients of this award are considered to be “backbones” of the industry.

When Berkowitz helped found Eastern Tool Warehouse (ETW) in 1946, he began to put in place a series of revolutionary ideas that are still being copied and utilized by tool distributors to this day. For example, with Berkowitz at the helm, ETW became the first tool specialty warehouse to sell product via three-step distribution. ETW was the first T&E distributor to establish branch operations, the first to implement computerized inventory and ordering systems and amazingly, was one of the first three companies in the nation to pilot an innovative new pension program that we now call the 401(k). The other two companies were The New York Times and APA Transport.

Berkowitz also founded ATD Tools, the nation’s first tool and equipment marketing group. ATD Tools remains the nation’s largest tool group, as well as the fastest growing.

Berkowitz recognized from the beginning that ETW’s success was tied to the health of the entire warehouse distribution industry, so in 1956 he became active in AWDA. Two years later he was elected to the board and since then has held a variety of leadership positions in AWDA, including: treasurer, secretary, vice president and chairman. He currently serves as treasurer emeritus and rarely misses a board meeting.

AWDA Past Chairman Doug Washbish said, “Aaron’s keen advice is always given in a pleasant and cheerful way. He is always the first to introduce himself to new board members with a kind word and offering of help.”

AWDA Chairman Tim Sturdevant added, “Aaron’s 50 years of leadership and service to the automotive aftermarket, define Lifetime Achievement. He is most deserving of this prestigious award.”