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!’”