The Automotive Industries Association of Canada has announced the winners of its three most prestigious awards for 2025.
Bob Jaworski, president and CEO of Auto Electric Service Ltd., takes home the highest honour bestowed by the national association with the Distinguished Service Award.
He is no stranger to those in the aftermarket, having been part of the industry for 40 years. He first joined Dayco Canada as a territory sales representative before moving to SaskTel as a marketing manager. In 1986, he returned to the aftermarket with Auto Electric Service Ltd. as Regina sales manager, then corporate sales manager and later general manager, overseeing operations.
When major shareholders sold their shares to company leaders in 2007, Bob was appointed president and general manager, and chairman of the board.
He has also sat as a director with AIA Canada’s board and currently serves on the National Account Committee for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.
Known for his love of the Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, Jaworski is also a former hockey coach and is now a flag football coach for his granddaughters.
Young Leader of the Year
Kari Hann has been named the Young Leader of the Year Award winner, presented by the Young Professionals in the Auto Care sector (YPA). The award recognizes exceptional young professionals annually who demonstrate leadership, innovation and dedication to Canada’s auto care industry.
Hann, marketing and digital communications manager at Specialty Sales & Marketing Inc. has spent more than 16 years in the industry, serving all of that time as a member of the YPA community and as its current chair.
Her desire to give back runs through the industry and beyond. She founded the Specialty Sales & Marketing Inc. Community Support Fund, providing aid to individuals and families in need. She is also a member of 100 Women Who Care Halton Hills and volunteers with the Halton Down Syndrome Association.
She is a regular volunteer with Shads R&R, the largest single-day Canadian industry fundraising event, which has raised more than $5.5 million for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
H54K Foundation Distinguished Recognition Award
The High Fives for Kids Foundation Distinguished Recognition Award is going to Andy Murphy.
This award annually goes to AIA Canada member companies, past members and AIA Canada Divisions that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the quality of life for children and youth in their communities. This award recognizes outstanding efforts in supporting the Foundation’s mission and making a meaningful impact on the lives of young Canadians.
Murphy has been a respected leader in the Canadian auto care sector for half a century. His career began in 1971 at Bill Smith Auto Parts. In 1987, he joined Acklands, later Carquest Canada. In 1999, he helped launch NAPA’s CMAX Paint & Body Shop Supply network in Ontario. In 2010, Murphy joined Bestbuy Distributors Ltd. He retired in 2024 but continues his industry contributions with Modern Sales Co-op.
Murphy has spent 15 years as a dedicated supporter of the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation, playing a key role in organizing and overseeing golf tournaments, hosting dinners and leading fundraising initiatives. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for children and youth in local communities.
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