AOCA Presents Courage and Leadership Awards

Nov. 15, 2021

Just prior to the start of iFLEX, the AOCA presented eight new awards to outstanding operations.


LAS VEGAS, Nov. 15, 2021—The Automotive Oil Change Association presented eight awards to industry leaders at a welcome reception prior to iFLEX 2021.

Justin Cialella, AOCA board president and CEO of Victory Lane Quick Oil Change, presented the first Courage and Leadership Awards as part of a new recognition program from the AOCA. The award recognizes operators and their teams.

The award recipients are:

DIAMOND PLATED AUTOMOTIVE, WASILLA, ALASKA

Kami Lorentz, Customer Service Advocate “Customer Service Champion”

  • Jacob “JT” Thornton, Tire Tech, Lube & Mechanics “MacGyver”
  • Jessica Streight, Apprentice Customer Service Advocate
  • Cory Perich, Tire Lead & Lube Hood Tech “Outstanding Leader”
  • Keith Santerre, Parts & Inventory Supervisor “Positive Motivator”
  • Nominated by Gretchen Geist, President/CEO 

GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE TEAM OF REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN

  • Gage McKay- Store Manager “Outstanding Leader”
  • Jon Fitzsimmons- Assistant Manager “MacGyver”
  • Colton Crone- Store Manager “Positive Motivator”
  • Scott Wibe - Assistant manager
  • Riley Trapp- Senior Tech “Engine Whisperer”
  • Carter Halwas- Senior Tech “Customer Service Champion
  • Nominated by Aaron Carr, Managing Partner 

HOFFMAN JIFFY LUBE TEAM IN ALBANY, NEW YORK

  • Brenden McAuley, Store Manager “Outstanding Leader”
  • Andrew Sale, Asst. Manager
  • Jeff Ciarfello, Asst. Manager
  • Maxwell Jones, Team Leader “Positive Motivator”
  • Bianca Gonzalez, Team Leader
  • Alex Culora, Team Leader
  • Nominated by David Brooks, Director of Operations 

LUBE EXPRESS TEAM IN CASPER, WYOMING

  • Solomon Stapleton, Manager
  • Brendan Vest, Assistant Manager
  • Brendon McComas, Assistant Manager
  • Denny Fay, Technician
  • Damian Gaylord, Technician
  • Zamain Huffer, Technician
  • Justin Mockensturm, Technician
  • Brandy Pickler, Reception/Cashier
  • Alex Tougher, Technician
  • Kathy McKenzie, Bookkeeper
  • Nominated by Deanna Eickhoff-Brownell, Co-Owner

PM ATTENDANT TEAM IN EDMONTON, OKLAHOMA

  • Tiffany Colon CIO
  • Ash Bullard VP of Sales
  • Jennifer Klakulak VP of Marketing
  • Heather Day VP of Customer Management
  • Nominated by Ricardo Colon, CEO

PREMIER OIL CHANGE TEAM IN PALO CEDRO, CALIFORNIA

  • Angelise Peters, HR & Compliance “Compliance Queen”
  • Jacobe Krizman, District Manager “Customer Service Champion”
  • Jason Harlow, Store Manager
  • Philly Jones, Store Manager
  • Justin Krizman, Store Manager
  • Tim Long, Store Manager
  • Steven Vanthida, Store Manager
  • Nominated by Matt Webb, Owner

SPRINGDALE AUTOMOTIVE TEAM IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

  • Doug Dennison Jr, Operations Manager
  • Lauren Dennison, 2nd Generation Owner
  • Nominated by Kurt Shelton, Owner

VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE TEAM OF VISTA and BAKERSFIELD CA 

  • Daniel Ramirez, Service Center Manager
  • Luis Velasquez, Service Center Manager
  • Berny Lopez, Service Center Manager
  • Jimmy Herrera, Field Training Specialist, “Positive Motivator”
  • Nominated by Steve Lynn, Director of Operations