In the fast-paced automotive aftermarket industry, recognizing the leaders and innovators that push it forward is crucial. That’s exactly what the Shop Hero Awards are all about. Founded in 2023, the event was crafted by Shop Boss to celebrate those who set the standards for excellence, innovation, and community service in our industry. This year, the awards were hosted during the AAPEX and SEMA mega shows in Las Vegas, with participation from top industry influencers and shop owners. Recognizing Trailblazers in the Auto Repair Industry The Shop Hero Awards, sponsored by Shop Boss and other leading software solutions like Shop-Ware, Protractor, and Tire Guru, are committed to highlighting the inspirational leaders who are making a significant impact on their businesses, communities, and the industry. This year's ceremony featured five distinct awards, each reflecting different facets of excellence: Shop Hero Awarded to Liz Perkins of Level 1 Automotive in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for her outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership, and community service. Liz goes above and beyond, promoting a positive and supportive work environment while engaging in numerous community activities, such as sponsoring a local soccer team and participating in Amazing Women in Autocare. Customer Champion Toole’s Garage of San Carlos, California, was honored for its exceptional use of Shop-Ware’s features to enhance the customer experience. Breakthrough Business CFS Truck & Diesel in Erwin, North Carolina, achieved this recognition for their impressive year-over-year growth as a Shop Boss user. Elite Entrepreneur Stress-Free Auto Care in California stood out for expanding significantly over the past year, adding new rooftops as a Protractor user. Sales Superstar Performance Plus Tire of California was applauded for its outstanding sales performance over the past year, utilizing Tire Guru’s platform. Cavan Robinson, vice president of the aftermarket division of Vehlo, expressed his admiration, stating, “These shops are all inspirational leaders for our business. We couldn’t be more proud to highlight the positive impact they’re making on their customers, staff, communities, and the automotive sector as a whole.” A Night Dedicated to Celebration and Inspiration The honorees were honored at a private reception hosted at Sugarcane in the Venetian. It was a night filled with networking, sharing success stories, and discussing future opportunities within the auto repair industry. The ceremony not only recognized the achievements of individual shops but also promoted the collective progress of the entire sector. Empowering the Future of Auto Repair The Shop Hero Awards highlight the significance of industry recognition and its vital role in inspiring shop owners and industry leaders to pursue excellence relentlessly. Awards like these motivate both experienced professionals and newcomers to challenge the limits of innovation and service. For shop owners and industry influencers interested in learning more about the award-winning strategies and technologies that power leading auto repair businesses, the AAPEX and SEMA shows provided the perfect opportunity. Attendees were able to visit the Shop Boss, Shop-Ware, Protractor, and Tire Guru teams at their respective booths, gaining insights into how technology partnerships can streamline operations and drive growth. For the second year in a row, the Shop Hero Awards proved that the auto repair community is buzzing with passionate leaders ready to shake things up. By shining a spotlight on their wins, we celebrate the now and pave the way for the next generation to help our industry thrive like never before.
