San Diego Parts Specialist Named NAPA ASE Parts Specialist of the Year
17 January 2001
San Diego Parts Specialist Named NAPA ASE Parts Specialist of the Year
ATLANTA, Jan. 16 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.
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 other publics to promote informed
decision making when seeking automotive repairs.
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 (Calif.)
Distribution Center. He was certified first 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."
NAPA maintains the world's largest inventory of ready-to-ship aftermarket
parts, accessories, tools and equipment offered through more than 6,000 NAPA
AUTO PARTS stores and more than 10,000 NAPA AutoCare Centers nationwide.