The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award to Cliff Hovis, president of Hovis Auto & Truck Supply in Mercer, Pennsylvania. The award was presented on Nov. 3 at AWDA’s 2024 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.

Each year, AWDA bestows this prestigious award, formerly known as the “Leader of the Year,” on an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President Jack Creamer. 

Presenting the award this year was 2023 recipient Mauro Cifelli, president of Vast-Auto in Quebec.

The business was started in 1952 and has served Northwestern Pennsylvania ever since with 17 locations that focus on customer service, quality parts and experienced personnel. Hovis Auto and Truck Supply consistently provide training seminars in their dedicated facility that was opened in 2012 featuring the latest technology in both automotive and heavy duty. This creates an indelible bond with their customers and serves the industry by ensuring technicians can meet the demands of the latest technology.

Hovis has been a tremendous advocate for Right to Repair by engaging his customers through in-person events, in fact his customer base generated over 1,000 letters to congress alone, adding in the social media side, and they have proven to be among the leaders in this effort. He has participated in both national and local advocacy efforts on this issue and is a tremendous spokesperson for the industry.

Hovis has also been a loyal supporter of YANG, and his daughter Grace is showing her strength in industry service by recently completing her term as YANG chairperson. Hovis has also been an active member of the Auto Care board of directors, voicing his support of the AWDA community and association initiatives. His expansion into the HD and PBE markets has given the association a unique perspective to meet the needs of these critical segments of the industry.

Hovis and his entire family operate their business with a foundation of integrity, which has allowed them to gain the trust of their customers, suppliers and the industry as a whole.