The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) presented the 2015 Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award to Tim Sturdevant and SAE Warehouse, Sioux Falls, SD, for the company’s long-standing support for training and education within the auto care industry. The award was presented by Cliff Hovis, Hovis Auto & Truck Supply, Mercer, PA, Nov. 1 at AWDA’s 2015 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.

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 his or her own organization or throughout the industry. Given in memory of former AWDA Chairman Art Fisher, the award grants scholarships in the name of the award winner to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University.

Sturdevant gives full credit for the company’s success to his father, Jack, and all those who came before him. Now, as the third generation of the family to oversee the Sturdevant Companies, Tim and his brother John have built the largest supplier of auto parts and accessories in the north central region of the U.S. with major facilities in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, SD. From its two distribution centers, SAE Warehouse supports its 51 joint-venture Sturdevant’s Auto Parts stores as well as more than 100 Pronto-affiliated and independent part stores.

For years, Sturdevant’s company has committed extensive resources to the training and development of its employees, customers and DIY enthusiasts in their market areas. The training center in Sioux Falls accommodates up to 150 people and provides a state-of-the-art teaching environment.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit Tim’s warehouse in South Dakota,” said Tim Trudnowski, Automotive Jobbers Supply, Spokane, WA. “I was amazed at all the effort and space that was dedicated to education. He had a huge room with work stations, video equipment, right at his place of business. It was truly impressive.”

“Tim is the embodiment of a culture at SAE Warehouse,” said Mike Mohler, National Pronto Association. “He has continued the legacy. I think a true barometer of an organization’s mindset regarding professional development and lifelong learning is to look at the people that work for them. Tim and his team have done a magnificent job of cultivating talent and having the right people in the right spot in his organization. SAE and Sturdevant’s have truly earned this award.”