Mitchell 1 recently presented Colin N. Hoffard from Willow Street, Pa., with the Technician of the Future award. The prestigious award, which is co-sponsored by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), was awarded during a ceremony that took place on Nov. 12 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Hoffard was recognized for having the highest score in North America on the ASE exam. "We'd like to congratulate Colin on his recent achievement," says Karen Wagner, marketing manager for Mitchell 1. "Colin's high score on this nationally recognized exam demonstrates his commitment to being the best automotive technician he can be. We wish Colin the very best — we know he will be successful in his future endeavors." Hoffard is employed as an automotive technician at BMW of Bel Air, located in Bel Air, Md. He graduated from the BMW Step Training Program in Dec. 2006, and received an associate degree of applied science in automotive technology, Ford ASSET emphasis, with high honors, from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in May 2006. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Hoffard earned an ASE Master Automobile Technician certification in 2006. He also was named a Ford Motor Company specialist certified technician and a BMW diagnostic certified technician that same year. In addition, he recently received the BMW Association of Certified Technicians' Award, Eastern Region. Hoffard decided to become a technician because he has always been interested in automobiles, electronics and advanced technology. "Being a technician challenges me to constantly expand my level of education and understanding of technology," Hoffard says. "I am continuously pressing forward to further my career and hopefully one day will own my own business." | 
