Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award
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.
2020 Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award Recipient
Bo Fisher, CEO, Fisher Auto Parts
Bo Fisher is the third-generation owner, Chairman and CEO of Fisher Auto Parts. Since becoming President in 1992, he has surrounded himself with a team of talented people who have continued to build the company in his father’s footsteps.
In addition to his role at Fisher Auto Parts, Bo has served as chairman of the board of Federated Auto Parts since 1998. Under the leadership of a talented group of people and members, Federated continues to thrive as one of the largest program marketing groups in North America and in 2014 partnered with the National Pronto Association to form APSG (Automotive Parts Services Group) or “The Group” in which Bo is Co-Chairman. In 2020, APSG added streaming training including ‘START’ courses and live webinars at no charge.
For decades, Bo has continued and expanded his father’s focus on education. As a long-time proponent of education and training in the aftermarket, the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award was established in memory of his late father. The award is presented annually to an aftermarket company or individual that demonstrates outstanding commitment to education and training, either within their own organization or throughout the industry, granting substantial scholarships in the name of the award winner to students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University. Fisher Auto Parts offers 25 scholarships yearly to support students pursuing careers in the aftermarket and sponsors the KOI/ Fisher Training Cavalcade in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Fisher graduated early from James Madison University in Va., with Summa cum Laude honors.
Past Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award Recipients
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
