Hyde Cited: NAPA Parts Pro Of Year

SAN DIEGO--A 26-year career marked by pride in service and a commitment to continuing education paid off for a San Diego automotive parts professional. Nick Hyde is the recipient of the 2001 NAPA/ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) Parts Specialist of the Year.

Hyde’s parts knowledge earns him prizes of cash, a trip to the NASCAR race of his choice, and a special commemorative plaque and ring.

A NAPA employee since 1983, Hyde works out of the NAPA San Diego Distribution Center. He first was certified in 1994 and was recently recertified in the ASE P2 automotive parts specialist category. Hyde also earned the AAM (Accredited Automotive Manager) certification from the AMI (Automotive Management Institute) which requires over 120 credits for certification.

A believer and supporter of education and training for himself and his customers, Hyde has been an avid participant and sponsor of numerous NAPA training programs. These include manufacturers’ clinics and schools as well as industry and self-improvement training programs.

Community involvement also plays a role in Hyde’s life. He serves as a judge for the California ASC (Automotive Service Council) Skills Day Competition and is an ASC associate member. Since 1992, he has served on the San Diego Job Corps Automotive Program Advisory Council helping with job placement activities. In addition the Boys and Girls Clubs of Imperial Beach and Chula Vista count on Hyde regularly to assist with charity events and fundraisers.

In Hyde’s words, “It has always been thrilling to be identified with the same prestige and professionalism enjoyed by my technician customers. The ASE symbol commands respect from customers and colleagues. I carry it with pride everyday.”

“He works exceptionally hard on behalf of NAPA, his store and its customers,” said Mike Phillips, NAPA vice president of training. “He helps coordinate many of San Diego’s technical training initiatives and has excelled in offering business management training opportunities for his customers.”

Now in its second year, the NAPA Auto Parts award recognizes a parts professional who demonstrates superior parts knowledge and business practices, shows a commitment to customer service and training, supports the community in which he or she works and demonstrates outstanding service to the automotive parts, repair and maintenance industry. Award nominees are judged by a panel of representatives from ASE, the trade press, universities and trade associations.

The 28-year-old non-profit ASE is dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists. The ASE also communicates its message to consumers, the news media and others to promote informed decision making when seeking automotive repairs.