
Pursuit of Excellence Award: Recognizing Special Achievement
Pursuit of Excellence Award: Recognizing Special Achievement
This annual award is presented in recognition of excellence in business performance and the setting of high standards as an example for others to follow. Such performance may be related to innovative and successful methods of management, marketing, manufacturing or service. In addition, this award may be presented for exemplary volunteer or advocacy efforts made on behalf of the winner's company and/or industry. Award winners must be an AWDA member or employed by an AWDA member company.
2022 RECIPIENTS
The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2022 Pursuit of Excellence Award to Todd Leimenstoll, president and CEO, Auto-Wares Group of Companies.
When Todd Leimenstoll took his first job in the industry over 40 years ago, in hopes of getting a better deal on parts, he ended up finding a passion that led to a lifelong career in the aftermarket. Since joining Auto-Wares in 1982, Leimenstoll has held multiple positions across the organization and in 2012 was named president and CEO of Auto-Wares Group of Companies.
Throughout his career, Leimenstoll has supported and promoted dozens of educational opportunities for thousands of aftermarket personnel. His company’s crowning training achievement, the annual Tech Expo, caters to thousands of industry folks, but Leimenstoll’s commitment to education extends far beyond the popular expo event. Within Auto-Wares, Leimenstoll has fostered a culture of learning and growth. He is also active in the greater industry, including having hosted with Auto-Wares multiple YANG Meet-Up events to foster aftermarket development and growth.
“Todd brings an incredible amount of energy into any project he undertakes,” said John R. Washbish, president and CEO, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. “At the same time, he is focused on always doing better; always improving the experience and always ‘coaching, guiding and advising’ his fellow employees and customers to accelerate their performance. He is passionate in his aftermarket ‘Pursuit of Excellence!’”
- 2021 Mauro Cifelli
- 2020 The Merrill Company and Arnold Motor Supply
- 2019 Young Auto Care Networking Group (YANG)
- 2018 Tom Seboldt
- 2017 Corey Bartlett
- 2016 Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance
- 2015 Wix Filters
- 2014 Wilson McMillion
- 2014 George Segal
- 2013 John Bartlett, Jr.
- 2012 Frank Frederick
- 2011 Richard Beirne, MAAP
- 2010 David Caracci
- 2010 Brian Cruickshank, MAAP
- 2009 Rusty Bishop
- 2008 Dennis Welvaert
- 2007 Jay Burkhart
- 2006 Bill Schlatterer
- 2005 Jerry McCabe
- 2004 Rosemary Hall
- 2003 Barbara Cunningham, Jim Eady
- 2002 Jon Owens, AAP
- 2002 Ken Mullen, AAP
- 2001 Richard H. Morgan, AAP
- 2000 Bill Dotson, AAP
- 1999 John M. Riess
- 1998 Standard Motor Products
- 1997 Moog Automotive
Chuck Udell, AAP - 1996 Dayco Products Inc.
- 1995 Robert Egan, AAP
Jack Creamer, AAP - 1994 A.E. Clevite Engine Parts
The Gates Rubber Company - 1993 Triad Systems Corporation
- 1992 John Castle
Rosemary Hall
Charles J. Monahan - 1991 Robert Miller
Stephen C. Horn, AAP - 1990 Gus Carlson
Richard D. Kudner - 1989 William Wade, AAP
- 1988 Jack Heyler, Automotive Service Association
Tenneco Automotive Wagner Division, Cooper Industries - 1987 S.R. "Dick" Downey
Charles J. Monahan
Robert H. Raff, MAAP - 1986 Jay L. Love
N. Birnie Pryor
Kenneth D. Walker, AAP - 1984 Worldparts Corporation
Louis A. Zuanich, AAP - 1983 ACDelco, General Motors Corporation
Federal-Mogul Corporation - 1982 Bank of America
Ford Motor Company