Auto Care Association names education award winners

Rick Guirlinger, president, Bourke Services, LLC in Raleigh, N.C. received the Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award. The Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award was created to honor Mort Schwartz, an aftermarket entrepreneur who is a strong advocate for industry education and scholarship programs. Guirlinger won the award for his tireless work as an educator and mentor to many young and up-and-coming executives in the aftermarket, including his participation as a University of the Aftermarket faculty member. The recipients of the 2016-2017 Auto Care Career and Education (ACE) Award are: Small Size Company: Vic’s Service Ltd, Wainwright, Alberta, Canada Mid-Size Company: Painters Supply & Equipment Co., Taylor, Mich. Large Company: Federal-Mogul Motorparts, Southfield, Mich. Winners of the ACE Award (formerly the Head of the Class Award) were selected based on their employee education and training programs and for providing opportunities for their employees’ career development. Each of the winning companies exhibits a dedicated and continuing investment in enhancing the quality and level of knowledge and skill development of their employees. The companies provided a comprehensive description of their program and outlined their results.   “On behalf of the association’s Education Committee, which oversees these awards, I congratulate all the award recipients,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “They serve as industry leaders based on their commitment to ensuring the growth and success of their employees, which in turn contributes to the growth and success of their business and to the entire industry.”   The award recipients were recognized at the Auto Care Association’s Fall Leadership Days in Washington, D.C., Sept. 8, 2016.