By Jennifer Webert, Mid America Service
Wow! What a fun and exciting time the ASTI was in New Orleans. The convention was a whirlwind of classes, workshops, breakout sessions, trade show booths, giveaways, and competitions. Several professional and talented competitors went home with some really great prizes and honors. I can’t thank enough each and every person who competed, visited trade show booths, entered company pictures and details, and supported USA and the appliance service industry. Here is a recap of the various contests and awards that were won and/or presented at the 2015 ASTI.
Lifetime Achievement Award: This award is the highest of honors and is presented each year to a standout professional within the industry. The recipients of this award are held in the highest regard by their peers and have given back ten-fold to the appliance service profession. This year’s award was presented posthumously to Terry Andrews of Andy’s Appliance from Lincoln, NE. Debbie Andrews, Terry’s wife, and Terry’s son Tanner proudly accepted Terry’s award.
USA Most Professional Servicer Contest: Voting by ASTI service only attendees was based on the professional appearance of the technician’s uniform, their service vehicle appearance, the company’s logo, and their on-line presence. There were three categories in the contest that were based on company size as determined by the number of technicians they employ. Winners were determined by peer votes of ASTI attendees and were awarded the prestigious 2015 Best of USA servicers in the industry.
Here are the winners:
In the 1 to 2-man shop category:
Winner – Rick Eisenman, owner of RB Appliance in Rehoboth Beach, DE Runner up – Bob Wennerstrom, owner of Blue Streak in Bayfield, CO
In the 3 to 5 man shop category:
Winner – Tom Kissane, owner of Tiger Mechanical in Gilbert, AZ Runner up – Brian Dawson, owner of All Tech Appliance Service in Oregon City, OR
In the 6 to 10 man shop category:
Winner – Cody Husk, owner of Cody’s Appliance Repair in Eagle, ID Runner up – Rob Gerrity, owner of Immediate Appliance in Monmouth, NJ
In the 11 + man shop category:
Winner – Matt Janowiecki, owner of Ace Appliance in Toledo, OH Runner up – Dale Zamniuk, owner of Platinum Appliance Service in Mission, B.C. Canada
Congratulations to all the finalists.
Samsung Amazing Race: This contest was based on skills, best practices and fastest times. Competitors were challenged to perform a specific repair on a Samsung dryer while trying to remember to perform best practices for additional time reductions. The first round was run at the Trade Show with the top three best times competing in the finals during the Awards Ceremony. The winner won a brand new Samsung washer and dryer set and an innovative Samsung vacuum cleaner. Second and Third places won an innovative Samsung vacuum cleaner. (An additional thank you goes to the time card ladies and man; Barb Neitman, Patty Husk, Janet McNiff, Dean Landers, Nichole Harris, Leanne Calloway, and Loren Husk.)
Winner – Shawn Garret of Advanced Appliance in Essex Junction, VT Second place – Justin Duby of Just-in Time in Grants Pass, OR Third place – George Skourtis of Complete Appliance in Cleveland, OH
Dacor’s Top Tech Competition: This contest was at the Trade Show on Monday night and Tuesday morning in Dacor’s booth with the winner being able to replace the bake element in a Dacor Distinctive 30” range correctly and the fastest. Rob Marriott and his team of field reps awarded the winner a 30” Distinctive all-gas Dacor range at the Awards Ceremony.
Winner – Mehboob Jaffer of Sobies Appliance Repair in Toronto, Canada
2015 USA Partner Awards: This award is given in recognition and appreciation to the manufacturers and vendors who continue to support USA throughout the year at the RSTI’s and the ASTI. These awards were presented to the following companies:
Samsung Mr. Appliance LG Assurion Service Network General Electric Rossware Computing BSH Fred’s Appliance Academy Whirlpool Reliable Parts Incorporated Whirlpool Canada Reliable Parts Limited Dacor WL May Company Fisher & Paykel Trible’s Incorporated Liebherr Fox Appliance Parts of Atlanta Electrolux Cashwell Appliance Parts Reckitt Benckiser 1st Source Servall Sub Zero Wolf D&L Parts Company Incorporated Dey Distributing Blue Book
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