4.13.26 – In order to keep up with an ever-changing business, the next generation of technicians will need to be well trained and prepared to keep the automotive industry thriving. The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) once again contributed to this mission via its Sixth Annual Young Technician Awards recognizing Shamar Lewis (Livingston Collision, Livingston, NJ) and Christopher Edmonson (Westview Service, Ridgefield, NJ).
For the sixth year in a row, AASP/NJ awarded $5,000 in tools and equipment to deserving recipients during the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show held at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ last month. Thanks to the generous support of World Insurance Associates and SPARK Underwriters, AASP/NJ granted tool kits and supplies (valued at $2,500 each) to one collision and one mechanical technician to help them in their blossoming careers.
The 2026 award recipients were honored and inspired by the prestigious recognition.
“I’m so appreciative,” said Lewis. “The toolkit is going to help me get better and improve my trade. Now, I’ll have easy access to do things the right way and with the right equipment.”
Edmonson felt similarly saying, “It’s awesome. I’m lost for words. It’s so nice because it’s not every day you get to receive something. To all the young guys out there, keep doing it. Let’s keep it rolling.”
“This is such an important thing to keep these young men and women coming into our industry and advancing our momentum here,” shared AASP/NJ President Ken Miller.
Both sponsors were excited to see the 2026 awards go to such hard-working recipients.
“We looked into what things shop owners have a hard time with outside of insurance and one of the most common responses was finding qualified employees,” expressed Joe Amato Jr. (World Insurance) “If we can help younger people get into the industry, that helps the industry overall. If we can help them build a career out of it, then it’s all worth it.”
“We’re all about making [the industry] better,” said David Willett (SPARK Underwriters). “And being able to inject new talent by giving them tools to allow them to have a big step forward is an exciting opportunity to be involved with.”
NORTHEAST 2027 – the 50th iteration of AASP/NJ’s flagship show – is scheduled for March 19, 20 and 21, 2027 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus. Be sure to visit aaspnjnortheast.com for details as they become available.
Be sure to check out the April issue of New Jersey Automotive available at grecopublishing.com for the full recap of NORTHEAST 2026.
Photo caption (L-R): Young Technician of the Year Award recipients Christopher Edmonson and Shamar Lewis.
