NAPA Recognizes August Mentorship Award Honorees
In the dynamic realm of automotive service, the guidance of an experienced mentor can fundamentally transform a budding career. From workshop proprietors offering initial opportunities to seasoned technicians imparting invaluable expertise, and service advisors instilling confidence, these nurturing relationships are crucial for cultivating the talent that propels the industry forward. This principle underpins the 'ShopOwner Mentorship Award – Sponsored by NAPA', an initiative spearheaded by ShopOwner, a Babcox Media brand dedicated to independent automotive repair business owners, in collaboration with NAPA. The award seeks to commend shop owners, service advisors, and technicians who prioritize nurturing the next wave of automotive professionals.
For several months, this program has showcased inspiring narratives of automotive experts who actively champion the development of new talent. These individuals go beyond mere acknowledgment of the industry's talent gap; they dedicate themselves to educating, encouraging, and creating pathways for young individuals to forge fulfilling careers in automotive repair and maintenance. Their commitment ensures a continuous influx of skilled professionals, safeguarding the future of this vital sector.
This month, the program proudly introduces its August honorees, two individuals whose unwavering dedication to mentorship has left an indelible mark on their communities and the industry at large. These mentors exemplify the spirit of generosity and foresight, investing their time and knowledge to empower a new generation of automotive experts.
Don Fitzgerald, the Fixed Operations Manager at Berglund Chevrolet Buick in Roanoke, VA, is celebrated for his innovative approach to bridging the gap between education and employment. Recognizing that a 17-year-old automotive student might still be completing high school, Fitzgerald has proactively established a direct route from the classroom to the service bay. He successfully advocated for lowering the dealership's hiring age to 17, enabling students to commence manufacturer training and gain practical experience alongside master technicians even before graduation. This forward-thinking initiative has earned him high praise from educators like Derek Wray, an automotive instructor at DAYTEC – Charles W. Day Technical Education Center, who lauded Fitzgerald as an exceptional mentor deeply committed to the industry's future.
Fitzgerald's engagement extends far beyond recruitment. He actively serves on advisory committees, delivers guest lectures, hosts field trips at his dealership, and even sponsors class shirts, demonstrating a consistent presence and unwavering support for local school programs. His involvement ensures that classroom learning seamlessly transitions into invaluable hands-on experience, providing students with a significant head start in their automotive careers. By integrating education, mentorship, and employment, Fitzgerald is not only fostering individual growth but also strengthening the entire automotive workforce.
In Evansville, IN, Edward Caswell, owner of Full Throttle Automotive, embodies the spirit of a lifelong educator. Although his classroom has transformed, his passion for inspiring and nurturing young talent remains as strong as ever. Caswell integrates this educational philosophy into his business and community outreach. He frequently visits local schools, introducing students to the vast possibilities within the automotive field and creating connections that help them envision themselves as future industry leaders. His dedication to community engagement reflects a broader commitment to enhancing the automotive repair sector through strategic investment in its human capital.
Caswell's mentorship extends beyond engaging students. Each year, Full Throttle Automotive organizes a car show to raise funds for local young adults pursuing higher education and careers in the automotive industry. This financial support can be pivotal for students contemplating their next steps. By linking educational pursuits with tangible career opportunities, Caswell illuminates the potential for growth, learning, and a secure future within the automotive sector. His influence also reaches fellow business owners; Meredith and William Folsom, proprietors of Quality Automotive, commend Caswell for his instrumental role in their success, highlighting his readiness to offer advice and share insights.
Caswell's dedication to community education is a team effort, involving his entire staff. Sam Eberhardt, Caswell’s corporate assistant, explains their participation in job fairs for middle school students, visits to preschools to introduce car care basics, and annual 'Ladies Night' events focusing on automotive education and safety. Furthermore, the Memorial Fund, established in honor of Caswell’s late father, provides scholarships to students pursuing automotive studies. These comprehensive initiatives stem from a deeply held belief that the future of the automotive industry relies on individuals willing to invest in others. Through educating students, backing aspiring professionals, and guiding his peers, Caswell ensures that the next wave of industry professionals is equipped with knowledge, encouragement, and a robust support network.
Every accomplished automotive professional can recall individuals who provided pivotal assistance along their journey—those who clarified uncertainties, demonstrated best practices, offered encouragement, or simply opened doors. The 'ShopOwner Mentorship Award – Sponsored by NAPA' celebrates these contemporary mentors—shop owners, service advisors, and technicians—who perform this essential work daily. Through collaborations with vocational and technical schools, hands-on training, and consistent guidance within the workshop, these dedicated mentors empower young individuals to transform their interest in automotive service into thriving careers. We invite you to learn more about the 2025 Mentorship Award class and the professionals who are already making a significant impact. Consider nominating a mentor today to acknowledge their contributions and illustrate how robust mentorship can cultivate the automotive workforce of tomorrow, one student, one technician, and one career at a time.