Auto Care Association And ASE Recognize World Class Technicians

Auto Care Association And ASE Recognize World Class Technicians

The associations work together to recognize professional technicians who have tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2016 test administered by ASE.


Of the more than 895,300 automotive technicians working in the United States today, 17 outstanding individuals have qualified for the prestigious 2017 World Class Technician Award. The Auto Care Association and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) work together to recognize these professional technicians who have tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2016 test administered by ASE.

The 2017 World Class Technicians are:

  • Dale Banfi, Downers Grove, Illinois
  • James Bennett, Jr., Norfolk, Virginia
  • Justin Buckler, Mechanicsville, Maryland
  • Karl Chabowski, Rolling Meadows, Illinois
  • Joe Gould, Hastings, Florida
  • Kenneth Grabowski, Rolling Meadows, Illinois
  • Kelley Hatlee, Gillespie, Illinois
  • Matt Krull, Lester Prairie, Minnesota
  • Andrew Lewis, Island Lake, Illinois
  • James Mcleod Sr., Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
  • Dwayne Myers, Woodsboro, Maryland
  • Gary Sapp, Pensacola, Florida
  • John Steinacker, Lamy, New Mexico
  • Tony Tasillo, Moffat, Ontario, Canada
  • Lewis Vicinus Jr., Millville, New Jersey
  • John Villa, San Luis Obispo, California
  • Ernest Worner, Plantersville, Texas

“Recipients of the World Class Technician Award are truly the best of the best and the Auto Care Association is proud to recognize these professionals with ASE,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Passing 22 ASE tests is a monumental achievement requiring exceptional knowledge and skills.”

“This recognition partnership between the Auto Care Association and ASE represents one of the most significant achievement awards available to our ASE-certified professionals,” said Tim Zilke, president and CEO, ASE. “ASE is grateful for the support the Auto Care Association provides to our service professionals in recognizing these outstanding individuals each year and we celebrate more than a quarter century of this commitment to excellence with the Auto Care Association.”

Since the World Class Technician recognition was established more than 30 years ago, only 1,931 technicians have been honored. Recipients receive a special certificate signed by the presidents of ASE and the Auto Care Association and an embroidered shoulder insignia.

You May Also Like

Auto Care Association Launches REPAIR Act Video

The goal is to emphasize the need for federal REPAIR Act legislation, according to the Auto Care Association.

The Auto Care Association launched a new Right to Repair video campaign, featuring independent repair shop owners from across the United States share their stories and shed light on the increased challenges independent repair shops are facing with accessing repair data to service their customers’ vehicles. 

The video campaign emphasizes the need for the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (“REPAIR” Act), which ensures vehicle owners and repair shops have access to tools and data needed to keep cars and trucks on the road safer, longer.

ASE Education Foundation, Goodguys Continue Partnership

Goodguys is one of many industry relationships the foundation has developed to help solve the technician shortage.

Valvoline Celebrates Female Service Center Employees

As women make up more than half of all drivers in the United States, Valvoline is taking steps to increase their vehicle care confidence.

UniClutch Launches Clutch System in the United States

From Australian manufacturer Clutch Industries, UniClutch is a clutch system that delivers uncompromised performance.

Automotive Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024 Inductees

Six honorees whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace will be recognized.

Other Posts

Castrol Turns 125, Debuts New Market Strategy

As part of the new strategy, Castrol will explore opportunities in battery thermal management, digital and service solutions and data center immersion cooling.

Valvoline Global to Debut Ad During Super Bowl Pre-Game

The company will showcase its Restore & Protect motor oil in a 30-second ad before Super Bowl LVIII.

Litens Adds Distribution Footprint via Acquisition

With the acquisition, Litens is set to improve its overall customer experience through enhanced communication capabilities and increased flexibility that enables Litens to further meet diverse customer demands with ease.

Advance Auto Parts, Baker Mayfield Partner for Super Bowl

If there is a false start penalty during Sunday’s Big Game in Las Vegas, fans can win free DieHard batteries for life.