NAPA Auto Parts and the National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE) have named Howard Wilde III the 2012
NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year.
Wilde has owned and operated his repair
business, Jake's Auto Care, in Norwalk, Ohio
since 1982 and joined the NAPA AutoCare family in 1992.
Howard's business is serviced by NAPA owner Tom
Scanlon from Norwalk Auto Parts and NAPA's
Columbus Distribution Center.
Wilde is a Master ASE Automotive Technician,
Master Medium-Heavy-Duty Truck Technician and
Master School Bus Technician and is ASE-certified in 28 areas
including the L1 Advanced Auto Engine
Performance. Wilde’s son, Greg, works in his
business and is also a Master ASE Technician.
Wilde and his team keep up on the latest
technology by participating in NAPA’s Autotech
training and other training venues.
Wilde’s business is also recognized as an
ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Facility and is also
a AAA Approved Auto Repair location. He is the
current Chairman of the Norwalk Chapter NAPA
AutoCare Business Development Group in that area
with other NAPA AutoCare Center owners,
established seven years ago.
Wilde utilizes NAPA TRACS to operate his
business and also uses their Customer
Relationship Management tool to help his
business stay connected with his existing
customers and market to new ones. His Customer
Satisfaction Index scores are currently 99.70%
and his business has achieved an exceptional CSI
rating for 60 consecutive quarters!
Wilde’s interest in automobiles began when his
grandfather gave him a 1954 Lincoln in “non-
running” condition. Wilde worked on the
vehicle, got it running and drove it around the
back yard until neighbors complained! From that
time onward, Wilde knew that he wanted to pursue
an automotive repair career and dreamed of one
day owning his own repair business.
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Wilde’s community involvement is also very
impressive. He is a member of the Norwalk
Chamber of Commerce and has been associated with
the Better Business Bureau for over 25 years. He
is an active member of the United Fund in his
local area, contributing his time and sponsoring
this local community organization.
Very
impressive is the fact that his business has
been recognized by the Ohio House of
Representatives for his exceptional ability and
dedication to his customers and as a community
leader.
He is also involved in local schools in his
area and donates certain repairs and services
for their public vehicles.
Wilde and his wife Wendy enjoy riding their
Harley-Davidson motorcycle in their spare time.
Howard has five children: Greg, Heather, Andrew,
Tyler and Hannah. Tyler is a Marine and is
currently serving our country in
Afghanistan.
NAPA Auto Parts distributes parts, accessories,
tools and equipment to 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS
Stores and more than 13,000 NAPA AutoCare
Centers nationwide.
For more information about NAPA and vehicle
care, visit www.NAPAOnline.com.
