Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education Given to Corey Bartlett
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented the 2026 Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education, to Corey Bartlett, CEO of Auto Parts Headquarters (APH) based in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The award was presented on November 1st by AWDA Vice Chair Young Suhr at AWDA’s 2026 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
AWDA’s Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education is presented annually to an aftermarket company or individual that demonstrates outstanding commitment to education and training, either within their organization or throughout the industry. Given in memory of former AWDA Chairman Art Fisher, the award grants scholarships in the name of the award winner to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University. AWDA Vice Chair Young Suhr presented the award.
Bartlett has prioritized education throughout his career at APH. Within his first 10 years, he reorganized staff and expanded employee training. He completed the University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2010 program and earned Automotive Aftermarket Professional and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional designations in 2002 and 2009.
“Corey has shown incredible initiative in supporting training and continuing education,” said John R. Washbish, president and CEO, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. “Through his leadership roles and example, he has consistently improved the education and standards of his staff, the Alliance, and the industry as a whole.”
As CEO, Bartlett and his managers developed a 101-level course to help employees understand APH’s expansion into medium-duty, heavy-duty and agricultural segments. A partnership with a local technical college added hands-on experience, with nearly 100% participation among the company’s 1,200 employees. Corey also helped oversee the Alliance scholarship program and create its Technician of the Year program.
His industry service includes chairing the AWDA Board of Governors, mentoring through the Young Auto Care Networking Group and supporting the Auto Care Political Action Committee. He was the 2017 AWDA Pursuit of Excellence honoree and supports WACOSA and other local nonprofits.