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VISION Hi-Tech Training And Expo Awards
Part of the Celebration of Independents-
Find Your Application Checklist Below
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Please see each individual award for it’s full list of application requirements.
The VISION Training Scholarships
Part of The Celebration of Independents-
Find Your Application Checklist Below
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What you will need to complete the application checklist
- Applicant information: name, address, email, etc.
- Scholarship category: management or technical
- Years in the automotive industry
- ASE certifications
- Years with current employer
- Years owning shop, if applicable
- Industry reference
- Why they want to attend VISION
- Reason for desiring or needing scholarship support
- First-time attendee: what they expect to gain from attending VISION
- Repeat attendee: what they have learned and implemented from past VISION events
- Employer support for attending industry conferences
- Conferences attended in the past two years
- Training attended in the past two years
- Whether employer will cover travel, hotel, and expenses if selected
- Career goals
The MWACA Student Scholarships
Presented at VISION-
Find Your Application Checklist Below
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What you will need to complete the application checklist
- Applicant information: name, address, email, date of birth, shirt size, etc.
- Education information: high school and college
- Current and previous work experience
- Vocational goals
- Reason for interest in the automotive industry
- Extracurricular activities
- Financial need
- Other grants, scholarships, or financial aid received
- High school and/or college transcript
- Headshot photo
- Reference name and email
VISION Automotive Awards
and Scholarships
We are honored to present the below VISION automotive awards and scholarships to
deserving individuals who make a difference in our industry every day.
VISION Awards, Management + Technical Scholarship 2026 winners have been announced!
Celebration of Independents
The VISION Automotive Awards and Scholarships
For decades, VISION has recognized and honored countless individuals and companies within the automotive industry with awards, scholarships, and a celebration of their tenacity and contribution. VISION automotive awards and scholarships are now open for applications! Will you be the newest addition to the prestigious line up of automotive service professionals? Review our award and scholarship options below and secure your place in VISION history.
Join a Prestigious group of Automotive Service Professionals
The VISION Awards & Scholarships program was created to spotlight and celebrate the rising stars, dedicated professionals, and standout leaders who make our industry better every day. Whether you’re just starting out or leading the way, there’s something here for you. Here’s why you should apply:
Be Recognized
National spotlight you deserve in front of hundreds of peers and industry leaders at the VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo awards ceremony.
Boost Your Career
Winners are featured in our publications, on stage at VISION, and on social media – helping you build professional credibility and momentum.
Quick Application
No lengthy essays or complicated forms. Most applications take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Celebrate What Makes You Great
Whether you’re a student, technician, instructor, service advisor, or shop owner – this is your moment to shine.
Take Home the Title
VISION Award and Scholarship winners are among a select group of individuals who can claim the title. Every award and scholarship winner receives:
- Graphic to display on their website and social media
- Recognition during the awards ceremony and on our online webpage
- A trophy or certificate of the award received
Easy Application Process
The VISION automotive award and scholarship application system has been streamlined to cut down on the time it takes to apply. Create an account with our award platform and experience the following features:
- Save and resume at any time
- Applying only takes less than 10 minutes
- You can submit your application from anywhere
- Save time and apply for multiple awards at once
Technician of the Year
The VISION Technician of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding automotive service technician who goes above and beyond in their work. This award honors a professional with at least two years of experience who shows strong technical skills, a commitment to learning, and dedication to providing quality service. The Technician of the Year is someone who not only solves tough problems under the hood but also works well with their team, supports their shop, and takes pride in their profession. This award celebrates the hard work, leadership, and professionalism that help raise the standard for the entire automotive industry.
Service Advisor of the Year
The VISION Service Advisor of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional service advisor who plays a key role in the success of their shop. This award highlights a professional with at least one year of experience in their current role who excels at communication, customer service, and teamwork. The Service Advisor of the Year goes beyond writing repair orders—they help improve shop operations, support a positive culture, and ensure customers have a great experience. This award celebrates the people who connect customers to the shop, keep the workflow running smoothly, and set the standard for professionalism in the industry.
2025 Radical Generosity Award
An object in motion tends to stay in motion. There are individuals in this industry who give, work, and encourage in a manner that keeps our industry moving forward. The Radical Generosity Award is created to shine a well deserved spotlight on an industry professional who is dedicated to improving our industry in positive ways. They are involved, lead, encourage, and give back to the automotive repair community. The winner of this award is a role model to all of us in professionalism, character, and integrity. This award is presented by Shop Marketing Pros.
Best Place To Work
The “Best Places to Work” award seeks to honor automotive service facilities that exemplify excellence in the workplace. Facilities are evaluated on training and advancement opportunities, culture, work-life balance, technology utilization, shop/work environment, and employee benefits. This award celebrates the facilities that not only drive innovation in automotive service but also foster a great work environment. By recognizing and showcasing these facilities, this award aims to inspire a higher standard of workplace excellence within the automotive service industry.
Best Social Media
Social media plays a large role in company awareness and customer generation. It’s not enough to simply post content on social platforms, but in order to drive results and obtain a target audience, tailored content needs to be created. On top of tailored content, interaction and engagement with followers is another important factor in maintaining a superb social platform. This award is for those shops who have demonstrated a clear social media marketing strategy with their content and focus, and produces high-quality engagement with their followers.
Best Website
Does your shop’s website provide a “wow” factor that impresses customers and potential customers alike? Does your site promote professionalism in the service industry while providing critical information to consumers about your business? An independent panel of judges reviews websites on the following criteria: content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality, interactivity and overall visitor experience. The award is open to collision repair and mechanical service facilities; nominees must have at least one employee attending VISION 2026.
Educator of the Year
VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo launched the Educator Think Tank Program with the goal of bringing together Automotive Technology educators in a learning-driven and exciting environment to brainstorm, collaborate, and learn. With the success of the program comes a desire to recognize these educators that have dedicated their careers to the Automotive Technology Industry and that teach and empower the future of the industry. This honor will be awarded to an individual whose commitment to their program and students sets them apart. They will have demonstrated innovative and successful teaching methods and a drive to continually adapt and move forward in their teaching field.
Facility of the Year
This award spotlights a single shop’s efforts to promote professionalism in the automotive service industry, and judges review the business’s practices, industry and association participation, community involvement and physical appearance of the facility and team. In addition, nominees must have a measurable customer satisfaction index (CSI) method, and must maintain a minimum average score of 95. This award is open to any shop attending VISION 2026.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
for VISION Automotive Awards and Scholarships
Each award or scholarship has its own criteria. Some are open to students, others to working professionals or shop owners, and some are open to educators. Please be sure to read each category description carefully for requirements and guidelines.
Awards & scholarship applications close on January 8, 2027. Student scholarship applications close on December 4, 2026.
Even if you have applied for an award before, you can apply again.
No – awards are open to anyone in the automotive service industry who will be attending VISION that year.
Yes! Most of our awards accept nominations. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, you can submit a nomination. They will then have the opportunity to accept the nomination and finish the application.
Yes, you’re welcome to apply for multiple awards if you meet the qualifications for each.
Yes, winners should be in attendance at the VISION Conference.
Winners will be announced during the VISION awards program.
Previous Winners
The VISION Celebration of Independents and scholarships have been available to the automotive industry for over two decades. Over the years, there has been several different awards and scholarships that had been available to VISION attendees. Learn more about previous award and scholarship winners below.
2026 – Full Throttle Automotive – Evansville, IN
2025 – The Auto Shop – Jefferson City, MO
2024 – McNeil’s Auto Care – Riverton, UT
2023 – Dynamic Automotive – Maryland (Multiple Locations)
2022 – Jammin’ J Auto & Tire – St. Louis, Missouri
2020 – Kearney Tire & Auto Service – Kearney, Nebraska
2019 – Schertz Auto Service – Schertz, Texas
2018 – CoAuto Community Conscious Car Care – Reno, Nevada
2017 – inMOTION Auto Care – Lincoln, Nebraska
2016 – Team One Automotive – Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
2015 – After Hours Auto Repair – Wichita, Kansas
2014 – Menke’s Auto Repair – Newburgh, Indiana
2013 – Chumbley’s Auto Care – Indianola, Iowa
2012 – Westside Auto Pros – Des Moines, Iowa
2011 – Wornall Automotive – Kansas City, Missouri
2010 – I-70 Auto Service – Kansas City, Missouri
2009 – Aasby Auto & Brake – Springfield, Missouri
2008 – U.S. Automotive – Springfield, Missouri
2007 – All Star Automotive – Columbia, Missouri
2006 – S & S Service Center – Kansas City, Missouri
2005 – The Auto Clinic – Kansas City, Missouri
2004 – Rick’s Automotive – Springfield, Missouri
2004 – Ben’s Auto Body – Mexico, Missouri
2026 – Dave Heinzen – Madison College
2025 – Ed Jolly – Gordon Cooper Tech Center
2020 – Dan Beeson – Bellingham Technical College
2019 – Richard Cox – NCK Tech
2018 – Jim Morton – Automotive Training Center
2017 – Bill Lieb – Career and Technology Center at Fort Osage
2016 – Jeff Curtis – ConsuLab
2015 – Rick Escalambre – Skyline College
2026 – Mevert Automotive & Tire Center – Steeleville, IL
2025 – Yeck’s Tire and Auto – Bellevue, NE
2024 – The Auto Shop – Jefferson City, MO
2026 – Pellman’s Automotive – Boulder, CO
2025 – Westgate High Tech Auto – Omaha, NE
2024 – Enright Automotive – Alexandria, OH
2023 – Iowa City Tire & Service – Iowa City, Iowa
2022 – Dynamic Automotive – Frederick, Maryland
2020 – Reggie’s Motorworks – Noblesville, Indiana
2019 – inMOTION Auto Care – Lincoln, Nebraska
2018 – CS Automotive – Brentwood, Tennessee
2017 – E & M Motors – Stuart, Florida
2016 – After Hours Auto Repair – Wichita, Kansas
2026 – Girlington Garage – South Burlington, VT
2026 – Brian and Jill Sump – Urban Auto Care – Multiple Locations
2025 – Ed and Brandi Caswell – Full Throttle Automotive – Evansville, IN
2024 – Jerry “G” Truglia
2026 – Brian Rush – Honest Wrenches – Des Moines, IA
2026 – Nikki Anderson – Westgate High-Tech Auto Care – Omaha, NE
2026 – Melanie Jacobs – Honest Wrenches – Des Moines, IA
2025 – Mark Guerrero – Affinity Automotive Services – Wichita, KS
2024 – Eric Joern – Kaizen CPAs + Advisors – Spring Grove, IL
2023 – Travis Troy – Honest Wrenches Automotive Repair – Des Moines, Iowa
2022 – Al Wright – John’s Automotive Service – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
2026 – Jim Wilson
2025 – Federated Insurance
2024 – Dorman
2023 – Chris Messer – Endeavor Business Media
2022 – Brian & Kim Walker – Shop Marketing Pros
2020 – Rick White – 180BIZ
2018 – Chris Chesney – CARQUEST Technical Institute
2017 – Rick Tyner – Viper Tradeshow Services
2016 – Jeremy O’Neal – Advisorfix
2025 – Mike Kraus – Mad Hatter Auto Repair – Omaha, NE
2024 – Carm Capriotto – Remarkable Results Radio
2023 – Matthew Lachowitzer – Matt’s Automotive Service Center – Moorhead, Minnesota
2022 – Tim Suggs & Rachael Grewell – Turbo Tim’s Anything Automotive – Minneapolis, Minnesota
2020 – Robert “Dutch” Silverstein – A&M Auto – Pineville, North Carolina
2019 – Carl Hutchinson – Complete Automotive – Springfield, Missouri
2018 – Heather Fitzgerald – Automotive Training Group – San Diego, California
2026 – Juan Carlos Saucedo Torres – Santa Clara, CA
2025 – William Wilson – Newport News, VA
2024 – Alejandro Lopez – Lake City, FL + Jason Cornett – Carthage, MO
2023 – Not awarded
2022 – Ethan Werth – Hays, Kansas
2020 – Leonard Heinrichs – Canada
2019 – John Vera – Motor Works – Malta, Illinois
2026 – Bella Contreras – Tampa, FL
2025 – Jessica Gonzalez – Katy, TX
2024 – Kimber Kelly – Springhill, KS
2023 – Mollie Carbon – Wichita, Kansas
2022 – Nicole Hammerschmidt – O’Fallon, Missouri
2026 – Kaya Sezer – Eden Prairie, MN
2025 – Conor Miller – Sedalia, MO
2024 – Melanie Beaman – Clive, IA
2023 – Dakota Boles – Lincoln, Nebraska
2025 – Caitlin Morgan – KC Auto Solutions – Kansas City, MO
2020 – Jeff Herther – Anderhart Speed – Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
2019 – Taurai Sewera – TruckTech and General Services – Harare, Zimbabwe
2018 – Jesse Beuttenmuller – TJ’s Alignment & Repair – Wakeeny, Kansas
2017 – Yosef Rex – Direct Drive Diagnostic Center – Brooklyn, New York
2020 – Robert Griffin – Griffin Automotive & Transmission – North Charleston, South Carolina
2019 – Diedra Wixon – Griffin Brake & Muffler – Fort Madison, Iowa
2018 – Justin Miller – JM Diagnostics – Herriman, Utah
2017 – Jessica Howey – Doug’s Service Center – Topeka, Kansas
2016 – Alberto Hernandez – Wheat State Automotive – Wichita, Kansas
2015 – Heather Schorr – Schorr’s Transmission & Auto – Independence, Missouri
Impact of VISION Celebration of Independents
Hear from the 2022 Winning Service Facility of the Year, Doug and Gail Jacquot at Jammin’ J Auto & Tire (St. Louis, Missouri)
Winning the Service Facility of the Year in 2022 was an awesome experience for Gail and I and here is why!
Then Covid hit, we had just returned from the VISION Show in March and were hearing the crazy stories going on around the world. Then in April while we were worried about wiping down door handles and wearing mask and all the Covid stuff, a car came crashing through the lobby wall almost killing me and decimating our all our hard work! The next 6 months were filled with rebuilding and it was a very dark time in our lives.
