Last month, three friends of mine received three different awards. It’s my privilege to give each of them accolades and to reveal why they’re deserving of their awards.
First person is none other than Jeff Schoeder, CEO of
Car-Part.com. Jeff received the NACE Automechanika at the Expo held in Atlanta, Georgia this past August. The NACE award for Innovation Winner went to Car-Part.com because of their “NEW” integrated Car-Part Pro (IPRO), which I might add, was the hit of the NACE show.
If you have CCC software, you can get Car-Part.com at the same time. While I was in the Car-Part.com booth, all three days of the show, we had more people from all over the auto repair industry coming by and taking a demo ride on the IPRO platform. What a help it is to those people that use IPRO. Go Jeff and Go Car-Part.com!
The second person that I want to mention is Jay Robie, the CEO of Phoenix Automotive Cores. Jay received a plaque in recognition of his service to the APRA during his 2018 term as Association Chairman. Jay was the first Automotive Core Supplier to serve as Chairman of APRA (Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association) since the Association was formed in 1941.
Huge benefit for APRA! The taller guy in the picture is none other than President, Joe Kripli, who presented Jay his award. Jay, of course, is the good-looking guy holding the plaque. I’m very proud of Jay and the team at Phoenix Group for their success.
Now, my third friend is Jim Taylor. The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association honored a pioneer in accessing motor vehicles data. Jim Taylor, the Founder and President of Auto Data Direct, was named into NIADA’s Ring of Honor during the Association’s recent convention. NIADA’s Ring of Honor recognizes allied industry leaders who have contributed to the professionalism and growth of the automobile industry through outstanding performance and leadership. That statement exemplifies Jim Taylor. Here’s why Jim was selected for the Ring of Honor award.
Back in 1999, Jim Taylor started his business to help others. Jim wanted to give Florida dealers real-time access to the state’s motor vehicle database. Maybe a challenge, but if anyone could make it happen…. Jim could. That amazing idea grew many times over because it provided vehicle information and other services for so many people located across this nation.
In 2009, the U.S. Department of Justice reported that Auto Data Direct became the FIRST APPROVED PROVIDER of consumer data and corporate access to the NMVTIS. What a huge accomplishment in only ten years of business! Amazing!
Here’s why Jeff, Jay and Jim earned these awards. They have something that some business owners don’t have. They have passion and the respect of their employees and customers, so they can do the best job possible for consumers. The American Philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” You can see Jeff, Jay and Jim have enthusiasm and are always excited about what they’re doing. I’m proud of these guys!
See you next time.
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D.J. Says, 2820 Andover Way, Woodstock, GA 30189
D. J. Harrington is an author, journalist, seminar leader, international trainer, and marketing consultant. He works primarily with customer service personnel, and his clients include such world-class companies as General Motors, DuPont, Caterpillar, and Damon Corporation. He may be reached at 800-352-5252. E-mail: dj@djsays.com. 52 weeks a year, we are as close as your telephone.