Just prior to the AAPEX Show kickoff, the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, celebrated the recipients of its 2025 AWDA Industry Awards.

Presented during the AWDA General Session on Nov. 2 in Las Vegas, Nev., these awards recognize individuals and companies that exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, education and service to the automotive aftermarket.

The four AWDA Industry Awards presented this year include the Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer, the Pursuit of Excellence Award, the Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education, and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm. The 2025 AWDA Industry Award winners are:

• Outstanding Leadership Award: Don Bickle Jr., Warehouse, Inc.
• Pursuit of Excellence Award: Fletcher Lord III, Parts Warehouse Inc.
• Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education Award: Babcox Media
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Long, MEMA

Outstanding Leadership Award in Honour of Jack Creamer

Recipient: Don Bickle Jr., Warehouse, Inc.

Each year, AWDA bestows this prestigious award, formerly known as the “Leader of the Year,” on an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President Jack Creamer. 

Presenting the award this year was 2024 recipient Cliff Hovis, President Hovis Auto & Truck Supply.

Don Bickle Jr. exemplifies the purpose and prestige of the Outstanding Leadership Award in Honour of Jack Creamer. Through decades of service to the automotive aftermarket industry, he has demonstrated a level of leadership, dedication, and influence that goes well beyond day-to-day responsibilities. His career reflects a rare and enduring commitment to the advancement of the industry and its associations—making him a fitting candidate for this distinguished honor.

Don Bickle Jr. is the third generation to lead S&W Supply and Warehouse Inc. in Hays, Kansas, a family-owned company rooted in values of resilience, service, and innovation since its founding in the midst of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Under Don’s leadership, the company has grown significantly while remaining true to its Kansas roots, serving a wide range of markets—from automotive to industrial, agricultural, and oilfield sectors.

Pursuit of Excellence Award

Recipient: Fletcher Lord III, Parts Warehouse Inc.

Established in 1983, the Pursuit of Excellence Award is presented exclusively to an AWDA member for special achievement and for the setting of high standards as an example for others to follow, in business and in volunteer or advocacy efforts.

AWDA’s Secretary, Cliff Hovis, presented the award.

Fletcher Lord III demonstrates the high standards of leadership, innovation, and business performance that define the Pursuit of Excellence Award. Under his leadership, the Tulsa, Oklahoma organization has become widely recognized for its exceptional commitment to training and workforce development. 

Through his strategic direction, industry engagement, and unwavering commitment to workforce development, he has significantly advanced both his organization and the broader automotive aftermarket. His approach reflects the very essence of this award — exemplary achievement that sets a powerful example for others in the industry to follow.

As a fourth-generation leader of the Crow-Burlingame legacy, Fletcher has continued to build upon a strong foundation while steering PWI into a new era of innovation and growth. Since assuming the role of President in 2019, he has elevated the organization through a people-centric, education-first approach that has set a new standard in the industry.

Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education

Recipient: Babcox Media

AWDA’s Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education is presented annually to an aftermarket company or individual that demonstrates outstanding commitment to education and training, either within their organization or throughout the industry. Given in memory of former AWDA Chairman Art Fisher, the award grants scholarships in the name of the award winner to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University.

The award was presented by AWDA Vice-Chair Fletcher Lord III.

For over 100 years, Babcox Media has remained a source in providing education, training, and information on the automotive aftermarket as well as the people who are involved.

The evolution of Babcox Media evolved from strictly a trade publication company to a full service multimedia empire focused on sharing training, news, and events with the industry. Bill Babcox is the third-generation owner and Chief Executive Officer of Babcox Media Inc., was on hand to accept the award. 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipient: Bill Long, MEMA

AWDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have, over the course of many years, distinguished themselves through their unselfish commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President Martin Fromm.

AWDA Chairperson Ashlee Arnold presented the award.

Few individuals in the motor vehicle aftermarket have left a mark as deep, enduring, and far-reaching as Bill Long. Over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, Bill has not only led respected organizations and industry initiatives—he has helped shape the direction, reputation, and long-term health of the aftermarket itself. From his earliest days delivering parts in high school to his current role as President and CEO of MEMA, Bill Long has exemplified what this award was created to honor: a life’s work defined by integrity, leadership, service, and impact.