Celebrating Excellence: 2025 ABPA Conference Award Winners Honored in Sarasota

The 2025 ABPA Business Conference, held at the beautiful Westin Sarasota, was not only a resounding success in terms of attendance and engagement—it was also a moment to recognize the standout individuals and organizations who have made exceptional contributions to the aftermarket collision parts industry over the past year.

During the conference’s award ceremony, the Automotive Body Parts Association proudly honored the following recipients:

Industry Award – Chris Siebert, Empire Auto Parts
Recognized for his outstanding efforts and contributions to the growth and preservation of the aftermarket collision parts industry. Chris and his team at Empire have done a great job at promoting quality products and supporting industry organizations such as CREF.
Chairman’s Award (The Hogarty Award) – Gene Barinholtz, Aprio Advisory Group
This prestigious award honors an individual on or affiliated with the ABPA Board of Directors who has demonstrated exceptional leadership. Gene’s tireless dedication and strategic insight have helped guide ABPA’s mission.
Presidential Award – Auto Parts Industrial
As the outstanding member company of the year, API was honored for its unwavering support of the ABPA’s mission and its contributions to enriching the industry. Their commitment to innovation and customer service continues to set a benchmark in the marketplace.
Rodman Fellowship Award – Blaire O’Neal, Depth Services
Named in honor of Al Cicioni and later Stan Rodman, this award is bestowed upon a member who exemplifies camaraderie and the spirit of the ABPA community. Blaire’s work—particularly her contributions to ABPA’s 2025 Consumer Research Report—has helped forge stronger bonds between stakeholders and driven home the importance of consumer advocacy.

These awards represent the highest honors of the Association and reflect the hard work, collaboration, and vision of those leading the aftermarket forward.

Congratulations once again to all of this year’s recipients. We thank you for your contributions and continued leadership in the ABPA and the industry at large.