Bridgestone Names Its 2024 ASE Master Technician of the Year

Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas announced today that Lloyd Kozak is the company’s 2024 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician of the Year. Kozak was recently honored at an awards ceremony held by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

In 2000, Kozak joined BSRO’s Firestone Complete Auto Care brand in Carpentersville, Ill., full time seeking a more hands-on role after nine years as a technician and automotive manager with another service provider. Since then, Kozak has achieved the titles of Master Technician in 2022, Advanced Level Specialist in 2023, and all ASE certifications including his L1. In his spare time, Kozak extends his passion for cars into motorsports and organizes charity races and auctions for organizations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and St Luke’s Hospital.

“Llyod’s leadership is undeniable, and his reputation for reliability and expertise are first-rate,” said Marko Ibrahim, president, BSRO. “He is a cornerstone of both his community and his store, and I am extremely proud to honor Lloyd as this year’s ASE Master Technician award recipient.”

“Being named ASE Master Technician of the Year is deeply humbling, and I am proud to accept this honor,” said Kozak. “Throughout my 24 years at Firestone Complete Auto Care, I have been fortunate to be part of an incredible team. We constantly learn from, develop and inspire each other, and I am so grateful to be recognized for my contribution.”

ASE Technician of the Year honorees are submitted by their employers based on rigorous criteria including ASE test scores, on-the-job performance and community activities. Each year, BSRO considers teammates from its more than 2,200 retail locations in the U.S. that operate under the brand names Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works. Achieving ASE Technician of the Year recognition is one of the highest honors a technician in the vehicle service industry can receive.

Source: Bridgestone