Whenever the whole Cottman family is gathered together, it’s bound to be a meaningful time– and this year’s 2017 convention was no different. A sense of community and renewed dedication to education and networking filled the weekend, where franchisees, local market team members and corporate leadership got to enjoy the sun in Orlando, Florida.
The 2017 convention celebrated several key accomplishments and inspired all in attendance to continue to prioritize customer service, reach new heights in business ownership and live out the Cottman values every day.
“This past year has truly propelled Cottman to a new level,” said Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care President Randy Wright. “As a company, we’re proud to spend another year exceeding our customers’ expectations for what an honest, transparent auto experience should be. Our team is strong and we’re looking forward to the year ahead.”
A highlight of the event was the awards dinner, which was followed by the presentation of honors on top-performing franchisees and their team members for best practices, leadership initiatives and excellence in customer service over the previous year.
During the awards ceremony, Wright presented the “President’s Award of Excellence” to Don Harris, owner of Cottman of Louisville. He earned the brand’s highest honor with a series of strong marks in all criteria judged, including total revenue, revenue increase, operations and participation within the franchise system.
“It is an honor to be given this prestigious award – it really speaks volumes about the team we have in place in Louisville,” said Harris. “They’re hardworking, dedicated and committed to being better every day.”
The “Cottman Man Award,” given to the franchisee with the highest gross sales for the previous year, went to Jim Dietvorst, owner of Cottman of Denver and Cottman of Wheat Ridge. This is Dietvorst’s second year in a row winning this particular award.
Greg Hulce from Cottman of Louisville was recognized as “Manager of the Year,” one of the chain’s highest honors. As the recipient of this award, Hulce exemplifies the highest standards in professionalism, dedication and sales, always striving to be the best.
Cindy and Bob Cowie, owners of Cottman of Norfolk, were honored with the “Person of the Year Award.” This award goes to franchisees who demonstrate a desire to be the best through their actions, always representing Cottman in a positive light and consistently acting as a shoulder to rely on for others in the Cottman system.
Scott Stilwell, owner of Cottman of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, received “The Transmission Physician Award” for their industry knowledge and dedication to promoting the work of women in the automotive repair industry. He is not only successfully managing in his own center, but he is also consistently supporting fellow Cottman owners and establishing long term relationships with both outside accounts and retail customers alike.
Named after the Cottman founders, “The Founders Award” was presented to Rob Kress, owner of Cottman of Flint, Michigan. The award is given to an individual who has overcome adversity. As an owner, Kress has overcome his share of trials throughout his career, and has never turned away an opportunity presented to him. His indomitable spirit allows him to see potential where others do not.
Given to three outstanding franchisees, the recipients of the “Top National Account Development Award” included Liz and Tony Foy, owners of Cottman of Columbia, South Carolina; Clay and Becky Beacham, owner of Cottman of Greenville, South Carolina; and Fred Bowen, owner of Cottman of Winston Salem, North Carolina. These honors are awarded to proactive and dedicated owners who work hard to acquire and retain national accounts.
This year, two franchisees received the “Technical Proficiency Award” for demonstrating exceptional technical knowledge of the automotive industry. The honorees were Darby Devine, technician at Durham, Greensboro, South Charlotte and Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Ricky Wilcox, technician at Cottman of Cincinnati.
In addition, 35 Cottman centers were honored with a “Customer Service Award” for providing excellent service to its respective communities. The honorees included: • Cottman of Beaverton • Cottman of Brandon • Cottman of Charlotte • Cottman of Cincinnati • Cottman of Columbia • Cottman of Denver • Cottman of Des Moines • Cottman of Durham • Cottman of Fern Park • Cottman of Gladstone • Cottman of Greensboro • Cottman of Independence • Cottman of Kansas City • Cottman of Kenner • Cottman of La Place • Cottman of Lancaster • Cottman of Louisville • Cottman of Maple Shade • Cottman of Marietta • Cottman of New Orleans • Cottman of Norfolk • Cottman of Racine • Cottman of Raleigh • Cottman of South Austin • Cottman of South Charlotte • Cottman of Spartanburg • Cottman of St. Peters • Cottman of Stroudsburg • Cottman of The Woodlands • Cottman of Trenton • Cottman of Vancouver • Cottman of West Mifflin • Cottman of Wheat Ridge • Cottman of Wilmington • Cottman of Winston Salem
To learn more about Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care, please visit www.cottman.com.
