STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — December 12, 2017
Brian Yoder, a refinish technician from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, was recently recognized as the PPG/ASE Master Refinish Technician of the Year. The award was presented to Yoder at a special reception on November 15, 2017, during the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) fall Board of Governors meeting at the Marriott Mission Valley in San Diego, California. Randy Cremeans, PPG, director of training; Jeff Walker, chairman of the ASE board of directors; and Timothy Zilke, ASE president and CEO, made the award presentation.

From left: Jeff Walker, Brian Yoder, Randy Cremeans, Tim Zilke

There are approximately 250,000 ASE certified professionals nationwide. The Master Refinish Technician of the Year award is an annual tribute to the PPG collision center technician receiving the highest score on the ASE Painting and Refinish test. The competition is open to all technicians who took the ASE B2 test in the last year (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017). Yoder achieved the highest score.

“Brian is an outstanding ASE-certified refinish professional,” said Cremeans. “Thousands of technicians take the ASE test each year, and to have the highest score in the country is quite an achievement. It’s a pleasure for PPG to present this award.”

Yoder is employed by the Stuckey Ford Collision Center in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. He has been an automotive repair and refinish technician for more than 25 years, and his test score reflects his extensive knowledge. Yoder received his initial training at Vale Technical Institute, Blairsville, Pennsylvania, where he earned an associate degree in automotive techniques and management. He maintains his refinish certification through regular PPG training courses.

“Being a technician is challenging and rewarding,” said Yoder. “I’m always striving for excellence; the technology I work with is constantly changing. I enjoy what I do, and it’s gratifying to be recognized for my work. I thank PPG and ASE for this award.”

ASE was founded in 1972 as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. PPG has sponsored the Master Refinish Technician of the Year Award since 1996.

PPG offers numerous training classes including technician certification and recertification courses for all collision center personnel. For more information, visit the PPG Refinish training course catalog.