Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award
"It set me on a trajectory that I never expected. It floored me that I was considered for a nomination. When I won, it change me: it changed my attitude and how I saw the industry looking at the content we were producing - it was a game changer for me. I'm humbled and honored. If I can win an award like this, so can you."
Carm Capriotto, Founder and Host, Remarkable Results Radio Podcast & 2017 Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award Recipient
The Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award is given annually by the Auto Care Association’s Education Committee to an individual that best advances the concepts and programs for education or continuing education in the North American auto care industry. Nominations are evaluated in accordance with the candidate's:
- Innovation of new auto care education programs for any auto care audience,
- Advancement of existing programs, and/or
- Superlative effort to further promote the educational programs or education fund raising efforts.
The award was established in by Mort Schwartz, aftermarket entrepreneur, business owner and now investor/consultant.
The Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award was created to honor one of the automotive aftermarket’s greatest success stories, a man who rose to the top of the auto care industry by virtue of his enormous talent, hard work and dedication
to the industry that he helped shape.
As a young entrepreneur, long-time business owner and now investor/consultant, Mort Schwartz has always put back more than he has taken out of the industry. Not only has he been involved in and chaired
some of the largest and most powerful industry associations, Schwartz has always been a strong advocate for industry education, training and scholarship programs.
The Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Program, www.automotivescholarships.com, which he helped create, continues to grow today through contributions given by industry organizations
and individuals.
Mort Schwartz
2024 Award Recipient
Jillian Weishaar
Jillian Weishaar is a distinguished and award-winning Education Manager and Diversity & Inclusion advocate, whose career spans over two decades in the corporate retail sector, working with renowned brands like Bath & Body Works and Sephora. At Sephora, she was notably featured in a viral social media campaign celebrating diversity, where she courageously shared her journey with mental health, further highlighting her commitment to mental health awareness.
In 2020, after more than 20 years in the fashion and beauty industry, Jillian made a significant transition into the automotive aftermarket sector, taking on the newly established leadership role of Manager of Education and Diversity & Inclusion at
Parts Authority. As the first professional to hold this position, Jillian has been instrumental in shaping and leading the company’s education and DEI initiatives, making a lasting impact on both the organization and the industry. In 2023 alone, Jillian’s efforts resulted in the delivery of 46,000 hours of training through various modes, including the LMS, live virtual sessions, and in-person training. This impressive accomplishment highlights her commitment to making education accessible and impactful for a diverse audience.
Jillian's dedication to education and inclusion is also evidenced by her active involvement in the Auto Care Association's Education Committee, her certification in Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the ESSEC Business School, and her extensive training in cultural competence, confronting bias, and inclusive leadership. She is also certified through the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion, and Advancement (CADIA), further solidifying her expertise in driving positive change within the industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jillian is a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, actively contributing to discussions and initiatives on allyship, positive communication, and gender equity. She has spearheaded numerous DEI programs, including the launch of team member networking groups, the establishment of DEI Hours for personalized support, and the production of the impactful video "The Importance of Words," which focuses on the power of inclusive language.
Jillian is also a sought-after speaker and panelist, sharing her insights and experiences at various industry events, including Auto Care Connect, AAPEX, CADIA, and more. Openly neurodivergent and a mental health advocate, Jillian continues to mentor and support others in their professional and personal journeys, serving as a role model and ally for women and underrepresented groups in the industry.
2023: Fred Bunting, Founder, Auto-Wares Group of Companies
2022: John A. Passante, MAAP, President & CEO, The Organizational Development Group, Inc.
2021: Richard Beirne, MAAP, Vice president of Corporate Development, Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH)
2020: Bo Fisher, CEO, Fisher Auto Parts
2019: E. Fletcher Lord, Jr., Replacement Parts Inc.
2018: Brent Berman, Director, Training and Consumer Experience, Federal-Mogul Motorparts
2017: Carm Capriotto, AAP, Host/Producer, Remarkable Results Radio Podcast
2016: Richard (Rick) B. Guirlinger, President, Bourke Services LLC
2015: Susan Kalish, Senior Director, Education, Auto Care Association
2014: Bobby Bassett, Manager of Training, Gates Corporation
2013: Hovis Auto and Truck Supply
2012: Brian Cruickshank, Director, University of the Aftermarket
2011: Fred Bunting, CEO of Auto-Wares, Grand Rapids, Michigan
2010: Chuck Udell, MAAP, President, Essential Action Design Group
2009: Jim John, Instructor & Chair, Automotive Aftermarket Management Program, Northwood University
2008: Steve Hoellein, President, Felt Auto Parts Co.
2007: Pete Kornafel, MAAP, Vice Chairman, CARQUEST
2005: Northwood University