AWDA Announces 2026 Industry Award Winners
LAS VEGAS – Nov. 2, 2026 – The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, celebrated the recipients of its 2026 AWDA Industry Awards during the AWDA General Session on Nov. 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The annual awards take place during the AWDA Annual Business Conference and recognize individuals who exemplify leadership, innovation, education and service to the automotive aftermarket.
The 2026 AWDA Industry Award winners are:
Outstanding Leadership Award: Richard and Lisa Beirne, Automotive Parts Headquarters
Pursuit of Excellence Award: Eric Johnson, Arnold Motor Supply and The Merrill Company
Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education: Corey Bartlett, Automotive Parts Headquarters
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bo Fisher, Fisher Auto Parts
Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer
Recipient: Richard and Lisa Beirne, Automotive Parts Headquarters
Formerly known as the “Leader of the Year,” the award honors an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. It is named for former AWDA President Jack Creamer. The award was presented by 2025 recipient Don Bickle, former AWDA Treasurer.
Richard’s aftermarket career spans nearly six decades, beginning in 1968 as a delivery driver. With Lisa’s steadfast partnership, he led United Auto Supply as president and CEO, guided its successful partnership with Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH), and built a reputation for valuing employees, customers and supplier partners. Today, he serves as a senior advisor for APH, while he and Lisa continue supporting APH and Auto Value expansion efforts throughout the Midwest.
Richard’s decades of AWDA service include roles as board member, treasurer, chairman, treasurer emeritus and lifetime board member. He also helped lead AWDA’s merger with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. Richard and Lisa have participated in Auto Care Association Leadership Meetings, Capitol Hill advocacy and Right to Repair initiatives, while consistently supporting the Auto Care Political Action Committee.
The Beirnes' investment in the next generation is equally significant. Richard serves on the University of the Aftermarket Foundation Board of Trustees and has supported its scholarship and contributions work. Richard and Lisa became Lifetime Trustees in 2019 and, in 2025, were the first individuals named Gold Lifetime Trustees, recognizing cumulative contributions exceeding $250,000.
Pursuit of Excellence Award
Recipient: Eric Johnson, Arnold Motor Supply and The Merrill Company
Established in 1983, the award recognizes an AWDA member for special achievement and for setting high standards in business, volunteer service or advocacy. AWDA Secretary Cliff Hovis presented the award.
As president and managing partner of Arnold Motor Supply, Eric Johnson has combined technological advancement with a customer- and employee-first culture. He championed investments in e-commerce, digital tools, data-driven operations and cybersecurity education to strengthen customer engagement, operational efficiency and employee readiness.
Johnson has also built a culture of continuous learning through training for employees, managers and sales teams. The company’s annual Roadshow brings together more than 130 vendors and over 1,500 attendees for hands-on training, product education and collaboration.
Beyond Arnold Motor Supply, Eric serves on the Board of Directors of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc., and supports Alliance University, Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket and other professional development programs. His contributions were recognized with the 2025 Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award. He has also supported charitable initiatives, including the company’s annual golf outing benefiting Tori’s Angels, and provided steady, employee-focused leadership during historic flooding affecting the company and its communities.
Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education
Recipient: Corey Bartlett, Automotive Parts Headquarters
The Art Fisher Award recognizes an aftermarket company or individual with an outstanding commitment to education and training. Named for former AWDA Chairman Art Fisher, it provides scholarships in the winner’s name to two students in Northwood University’s automotive aftermarket management program. AWDA Vice Chair Young Suhr presented the award.
Corey Bartlett has prioritized education throughout his career at APH. Within his first 10 years, he reorganized staff and expanded employee training. He completed the University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2010 program and earned Automotive Aftermarket Professional and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional designations in 2002 and 2009.
“Corey has shown incredible initiative in supporting training and continuing education,” said John R. Washbish, president and CEO, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. “Through his leadership roles and example, he has consistently improved the education and standards of his staff, the Alliance, and the industry as a whole.”
As CEO, Bartlett and his managers developed a 101-level course to help employees understand APH’s expansion into medium-duty, heavy-duty and agricultural segments. A partnership with a local technical college added hands-on experience, with nearly 100% participation among the company’s 1,200 employees. Corey also helped oversee the Alliance scholarship program and create its Technician of the Year program.
His industry service includes chairing the AWDA Board of Governors, mentoring through the Young Auto Care Networking Group and supporting the Auto Care Political Action Committee. He was the 2017 AWDA Pursuit of Excellence honoree and supports WACOSA and other local nonprofits.
Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm
Recipient: Bo Fisher, Fisher Auto Parts
Named for former AWDA President Martin Fromm, the award recognizes individuals whose long-term commitment and performance have distinguished them within the motor vehicle aftermarket. AWDA Chairperson Fletcher Lord III presented the award.
As chairman and CEO of Fisher Auto Parts, Bo Fisher has built upon a remarkable family legacy while leading one of the industry’s most respected independent distribution organizations. Under his leadership, the company expanded to approximately 500 company-owned locations and many more independent locations across 18 states, achieving tenfold growth over two decades while remaining debt-free.
Fisher has championed collaboration among independent distributors and built an organization grounded in relationships, customer service, integrity and commitment to the professional automotive service industry. His dedication to education continues the vision of his father, Art Fisher, through the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship program, annual scholarships and the KOI/Fisher Training Cavalcade. His contributions earned him the Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award.
Throughout his career, Fisher has demonstrated humility, loyalty, generosity and a willingness to share knowledge and opportunity. His legacy extends beyond the company he has grown to the industry he has strengthened, the people he has inspired and the opportunities he has created.
To learn more about the AWDA Industry Awards and to view previous winners, visit autocare.org/awda.
