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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.

Established in 1982, the Pursuit of Excellence Award is presented exclusively to an AWDA member for special achievement and for the setting of high standards as an example for others to follow, in business and in volunteer or advocacy efforts.

Fee details

Nomination Fee: None

Presented at

Event ended

79th Annual AWDA Business Conference

The 2026 AWDA Conference is a two day event of pre-scheduled one-on-one business meetings centered around maintaining existing relationships between the premier suppliers and distributors in the industry.

  • Date November 1–2, 2026
  • Location Venetian Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV Get directions

2026 recipients

Presented at 79th Annual AWDA Business Conference

  • Eric Johnson

    President and Managing partner

    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.


Previous Award Recipients
  • 2025 Fletcher Lord III
  • 2024 Larry Pacey
  • 2023 Jennifer Tio
  • 2022 Todd Leimenstoll
  • 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