AAPEX 2024 saw the announcement of this year’s Service and Repair Award winners, as shared in a press release.
The recipients were named during the first day of AAPEX at the opening keynote session.
AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year: Jeff and Shari Pheasant
Jeff and Shari of A Master Mechanic in Sparks, Nevada, were selected for this title. The two have been shop owners for 20 years and oversee 14 employees, offering mentoring and training opportunities for their staff members.
“Our goal every day is to provide a place for our team to come to be inspired, to do the work they love to do and do it well,” said Shari. “To be honored for what makes us thrive as a team is one of the biggest honors we can be given.”
AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year: Samantha Schearer-Higdon
A service advisor at Schearer’s Sales & Service, Inc. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Schearer-Higdon has worked in the role for six years now. The daughter of 2024 Ratchet+Wrench All-Star Winner Tom Schearer, she goes out of her way to mentor those new to the field and make customers happy.
“I look forward to continuing to share my knowledge with others in the future and continuing to advance the automotive aftermarket industry as a whole by changing the way we, as Service Advisors, interact and build relationships with our clients, helping them care for and maintain their vehicles. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for myself, as well as the rest of our industry!” said Schearer-Higdon.
AAPEX Technician of the Year: Johnathan Bemis
Bemis is a tech at VIP Tires & Service in Bangor, Maine, and holds 12 years of experience working in the industry along with at least 26 ASE certifications.
A lead master technician, he continues to dedicate time to both in-person and online training, as well as mentoring others.
“Not being one to crave the limelight and attention, it was hard for me to want to complete the essay and put my name in the ring. However, now that I have won, I’m looking forward to this entire experience and am very excited to be part of the VIP team while in Vegas!” Bemis said. “A big thank you to my wife and family for always pushing and supporting me to achieve new career highs, and to AAPEX and VIP Tires and Service for this entire experience.”
