The competition was fierce and the decision of the judges was not an easy one. After narrowing the field to 25 qualified nominations for Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper’s 2005 Certified Service Center of the Year, the judges trimmed the field down to five finalists.

Criteria were specific ranging from making Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper first call to the attention they give to keep their account up-to-date. Other important criteria were that they reflect an Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper image and were actively involved in the many training opportunities made available to them through their affiliation with Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper.

The final consideration was the essays that were submitted with the nomination. Each nomination had to be accompanied by a short essay from both the certified service center and parts supplier on why the shop should be considered for this distinction.

The five finalists were recognized during the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper National Convention. Over 1,700 part stores, certified service centers, warehouse distributors and manufacturers got the hottest seats in San Antonio at the “Turn up the Heat” convention April 19-23, 2006.

The crowning event of the final evening of convention festivities was the naming of the 2005 Certified Service Center of the Year. Bill Hughes of Way’s Garage, Charleston, SC, was awarded the prestigious honor, along with a brand new 2006 Ford F-150 truck. The four finalists each received a $500 check. Finalists were Jim Dykstra, Dykstra’s Auto Service, Grand Rapids, MI; Ivan Anderson, Ivan’s Automotive, Edison, NJ; Mike McGarry, McGarry’s Auto Repair, Chicago, IL; and Diane and Ron Smith, Smith’s Service Center, Madison, WI.

Hughes has been a certified service center member for nine years. He has served on the Alliance Regional and National Service Dealer Advisory Councils over the last five years. He takes pride in educating his customers and fellow shop owners.

Rick Towne, president of ASWA, Inc. in Summerville, SC, the Bumper to Bumper warehouse distributor supplying parts to Way’s Garage, had this to say, “Bill has taken Way’s Garage to a new level on appearance and productivity while maintaining the 70-year-old tradition of customer service and down home charm.” He continued by saying, “We are very proud of Bill and Way’s Garage for their accomplishment and their dedication to improving the automotive industry.”

“Thank you, Bill, for allowing all of us at Bumper to Bumper to be a part of your success and for being our partner and not just a customer,” said John Wick, vice president of sales and training for Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, parent company for Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper. Wick finished by saying, “I hope you enjoy your well earned title as CSC of the Year and will be an inspiration to other shops in our program to not only be successful, but to succeed beyond expectations to become the best in the business.”