Document NGb04kn0O98zpDJQdb8XjGvJR

J. LEONE NAMED 1983 NAPA/NIASE MECHANIC OF THE YEAR TWO HONORABLE MENTIONS AWARDED Two national honorable mentions were awarded in this year's NAPA/NIASE Mechanic of the Year competition. The honorable mentions went to Mat thew J. Fleming, III and Edward Taddia, Jr. Fleming owns and operates "The Me chanic" in Cathedral City, California, and was nominated by Cathedral City Auto Supply, a NAPA jobbing store in Cathedral City. Taddia is the head mechanic at Fleet Mechanic, Inc. in Tampa, Florida. He was nominated by Genuine Parts Co., a NAPA jobbing store also located in Tampa. The panel of judges felt these two me chanics' credentials were so outstanding that they deserved special recognition. Robert Leone of Trinidad, Colorado, the 1983 NAPA/NIASE Mechanic of the Year. Robert J. Leone of Trinidad, Colorado, has been selected as the 1983 NAPA/ NIASE Mechanic of the Year. Leone was selected by a panel of dealer trade journal editors. He was nominated by Romero's Service and Supply, a NAPA job bing store in nearby Raton, New Mexico. Leone was then selected to represent his trading area by the NAPA Albuquerque Distribution Center. Leone was selected as the overall win ner based on a number of criteria, including NIASE certification, merchandising and sales promotion efforts, participation in training clinics, good business practices and civic/community involvement. As a Goodyear Independent Contract Dealer, Leone owns and operates his own five-bay full service repair shop, Leone's Service Center, where he serves as head mechanic. As a fully NIASE-certified General Auto mobile and Truck Mechanic, Leone holds certifications in all eight automotive and all six heavy duty categories. He has also been recertified in the program. His range of services include four wheel alignment, engine overhaul, heavy duty diesel overhaul, as well as repairs on all types of agricultural equipment and recrea tional vehicles. Leone's Service Center can even accommodate a cement mixer or a full 18-wheeler inside. His shop houses a separate equipment room to keep equip ment free from dust and dirt, and a com prehensive library of service manuals and reference materials. A Naval veteran, Leone was educated at the University of Southern Colorado, where he studied auto and diesel technology. He continues his training by participating in NAPA Engine clinics and other seminars on air conditioning, emission control and other pertinent topics. A firm believer in NIASE certification, Leone conducts his own training seminars (two each month) for his employees in areas of certification, and encourages them to become fully certified. "Romero's," he adds, "my NAPA Jobber, does a great job in helping us keep up-to-date with clinics on timely topics." Leone uses video tapes and other instructional aids for his employee classes. His mechanics also at tend outside schools, such as those spon sored by General Motors. Leone pays for all his mechanics' ongoing training. Leone has received numerous commen dations from local organizations (such as the Chamber of Commerce) for his service to the community. He is active in the Cub Scouts, VFW and church functions. In addition to a commemorative plaque, Leone received the following prizes: $500 worth of equipment from NAPA Lift ing Equipment Chest and roller cabinet from NAPA Tool Boxes $500 worth of testing equipment from NAPA Balkamp $250 worth of tools from NAPA Specialty Tools $500 worth of tools from NAPA Hand Tools Leone, his wife/business partner Debbie, and their three children reside in Trinidad, Colorado. 17