{"ad19730a-ec98-4b57-91dc-7ac3df071908":"<p>Auto Value is proud to announce Mitch Rauhala, of RNG Auto Care &amp; Repair Inc. in Mountain View County, Alberta, as the 2025 Canadian Technician of the Year Champion, following an exciting four-day event in Detroit, Michigan, held July 7–10. Rauhala is a customer of Central Auto Parts Distributors and an Auto Value Certified Service Center.</p>","7418a520-65c4-4f67-a4d3-e560d2f5f28d":"<p>DETROIT, MI – Auto Value is proud to announce Mitch Rauhala, of RNG Auto Care &amp; Repair Inc. in Mountain View County, Alberta, as the 2025 Canadian Technician of the Year Champion, following an exciting four-day event in Detroit, Michigan, held July 7–10. Rauhala is a customer of Central Auto Parts Distributors and an Auto Value Certified Service Center.</p><p>“This is such an incredible honor,” said Mitch Rauhala, the 2025 Canadian Champion. “To be recognized among so many talented professionals from across the country is truly humbling. I’m grateful to my distributor, my team, and Auto Value for making this opportunity possible.”</p><p>“On behalf of Central Auto Parts and Auto Value, we’re thrilled to congratulate Mitch Rauhala on being named the 2025 Canadian Technician of the Year,” said Central Auto Parts Distributors. “His outstanding performance is a reflection of his skill and dedication, and we are proud to have him as a member of our Certified Service Center program. Mitch is a true professional and an excellent ambassador for our industry. This recognition is truly well deserved!”</p><p>Top technicians from across North America—each representing a top-performing Auto Value Certified Service Center—gathered for a rigorous competition designed to test both knowledge and hands-on expertise. Finalists faced a customized ASE exam and a series of timed, hands-on challenges facilitated by professional trainers from Garage Gurus. Combined scores from the various testing determined the overall 2025 Technician of the Year Champion.</p><p>Beyond the competition, technicians and their guests explored the best of Motor City. Highlights included immersive experiences at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Greenfield Village, and the Henry Ford Museum, along with high-speed excitement at the M1 Concourse. The event concluded with an exclusive awards dinner that brought the celebration to a memorable close.</p><p>“This event brings together the best of the best technicians along with a select group of aftermarket professionals in what we believe is the strongest technician recognition program in our industry,” said Jim Holik, Director of Marketing at the Aftermarket Auto</p><p>Parts Alliance, Inc. “When you look at the size of the Auto Value Certified Service Center program – to have these select and elite technicians here is really something special. This event gives us a chance to recognize their impact and provide the recognition and flowers they deserve.”</p><p>Joining the Canadian finalists were the 2025 Technician of the Year finalists from the U.S. and Latin America TOTY Champion, reinforcing international bonds and celebrating global excellence.</p><p>Garage Gurus and DRiV once again played a pivotal role in supporting the program, providing expert instruction, world-class facilities, and generous sponsorship.</p><p>“This event is always a highlight for us,” said Charles Sargant, Sales Director of Program Groups and Key Accounts at DRiV. “It’s a privilege to host such dedicated professionals and show our support for the individuals who keep our industry running strong. These technicians are the backbone of the aftermarket, and investing in their growth and recognition is essential. We’re proud to partner with the Alliance to help elevate the next generation of automotive leaders.”</p><p>With over 3,900 Certified Service Centers in the Auto Value network, earning a place in the Technician of the Year competition is a remarkable accomplishment. The 2025 finalists exemplify the skill, passion, and professionalism that continue to move the automotive aftermarket forward.</p><p>The Technician of the Year program is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of the individuals who embody the values of craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication that define the aftermarket industry.</p><p>2025 Technician of the Year Finalists:</p><ul><li>Jared Boxshall | Lube King Service Centre; Winnipeg, MB, CA | Piston Ring Service Supply</li><li>Mitch Rauhala | RNG Auto Care &amp; Repair Inc. |Mountain View County; AB, CA | Central Auto Parts Distributors</li><li>Matthew Reitmeier | Travel Care Regina Ltd.; Regina, SK, CA | Auto Electric Service</li><li>Rafael Borja | Robertson Automotive; Chandler, TX | ABC Auto Parts, Ltd</li><li>Edward Castro | Ace Auto Repair and Tire; Pinole, CA | Trimon Inc. DBA Monument Car Parts</li><li>Phil Clark | Barnes Auto Service; Louisville, KY | Moog Louisville Warehouse</li><li>Gerald Dahlin | D.A.D’S Auto Repair; Baresford, SD | Automotive Parts Headquarters, Inc.</li><li>Michael Dyer | Westgate High-Tech Autocare; Omaha, NE | Arnold Motor Supply</li><li>Jamie Fowler II | Marty’s Complete Automotive; Ft. Lauderdale, FL | National Performance Warehouse, Inc.</li><li>Kevin Kiggins | Pullen’s Garage; Hamilton Township, NJ | Eastern Auto Parts Warehouse</li><li>Casey O’Sullivan | Interstate Auto Care; Madison Heights, MI | Auto- Wares Group of Companies</li><li>Christopher Potucek | CC Auto Parts and Service; Springfield, KY | Hahn Automotive Warehouse, Inc.</li><li>Brad Probus | Troys Auto Service; Smithland, KY | Parts Warehouse, Inc.</li><li>Luis Reina | Tech &amp; Tires Corp; Miami, FL | National Performance Warehouse, Inc.</li></ul>"}