WIX Filters and Counterman magazine named Kristine Hankey of Advance Auto Parts in Dover, Pennsylvania, as the 2017 Retail Counter Professional of the Year, and Thomas Brissett of NAPA in Danbury, Connecticut, as the 2017 Traditional Counter Professional of the Year.
The Counter Professional of the Year award, presented during the AWDA conference in Las Vegas, annually recognizes an automotive aftermarket parts professional who exceeds expectations, continually pursues advanced training, is a supreme parts professional and is an ambassador for the aftermarket. This year, a Traditional Counter Professional of the Year and a Retail Counter Professional of the Year have been selected from a range of high-quality candidates.
“We’ve been recognizing exceptional performance behind the counter for more than 10 years with the Counter Professional of the Year award, and it’s a natural next step to expand the program to distinguish those serving customers in both traditional and retail channels,” said Jennifer Gibson, brand manager for WIX Filters. “Kristine and Thomas were both extremely qualified candidates, each demonstrating unparalleled commitment to helping their customers. We aim to dedicate this award to exceptional role models in the industry, and we’re excited to recognize these exceptional professionals.”
As the Lead Commercial Parts Pro at Advance Auto Parts, Hankey relies on more than 20 years of automotive industry experience to serve her customers every day. Hankey is consistently recognized as a top performer with the Elite A-Team award and is being recognized as the first Retail Counter Professional of the Year.
“It’s an honor to be the first to receive the Retail Counter Professional of the Year,” said Hankey. “I’m responsible for knowing my customers’ business inside and out, as well as anticipating their needs. I’m very passionate about what I do and I am thrilled to accept this award.”
Brissett, who was named the NAPA Connecticut 2015 and 2016 ASE Parts Professional of the Year, now adds the 2017 Traditional Counter Professional of the Year to his portfolio of awards.
“I don’t care if you are in my store to purchase a nut or a complete engine, you will get the same treatment that every customer deserves – top notch, professional and polite,” said Brissett. “Most of all, I want the customers to come back because they had a great experience and because they know I gave them my very best.”
Brissett and Hankey hold ASE P2 certifications, a requirement of the Counter Professional of the Year program, and both will be featured on the cover of the December issue of Counterman magazine.
