AASP/NJ Gifts $5,000 in Tools and Equipment to Two Up-and-Coming Technicians

4.1.24 – The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) once again carried out its tradition of recognizing hard-working, up-and-coming members of the new generation of collision repairers by presenting its Young Technician Awards on March 16 during the NORTHEAST 2024 Automotive Services Show.

For the fourth consecutive year, AASP/NJ supplied two rising stars employed by member shops – Leann Taylor of Ultimate Collision II (Wrightstown) and Justin Stavina of No Limit Auto Body (Holmdel) – with $2,500 each in tools and equipment to help them build their careers in collision repair. Both winners received tool kits stocked with supplies, courtesy of AASP/NJ as per a generous donation from the Utica National Insurance Group with help from World Insurance Associates. AASP/NJ once again worked with Auto Body Distributing Co. to put together the prize toolboxes for both recipients.

“Choosing recipients gets more difficult year after year,” expressed Joe Amato, Sr., AASP/NJ Affiliate Board member and principal of World Insurance, during the presentation at NORTHEAST 2024. “We had so many worthy applicants who were brought to our attention this year.”

Applications are reviewed anonymously by an AASP/NJ committee in order to prevent bias and make the process as smooth as possible.

Taylor has been working at Ultimate Collision II as a painter for the past year. Her collision repair career began when she bought her first truck which sparked an interest in wanting to care for it herself. That interest led her to seek work in the repair field.

Stavina has been employed at No Limit Auto Body for about nine months. His love for collision repair was inherited. His father works for BMW Motor Works, and he grew up sharing the same love for vehicles.

AASP/NJ is already working diligently on the plans for NORTHEAST 2025, scheduled to take place March 14-16, 2025 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. Visit aaspnjnortheast.com for updates on next year’s event as they become available. For more information on AASP/NJ, visit aaspnj.org.