Cruz Named Counter Professional of the Year Finalist

Willmar, Minn. — March 13, 2013 — Martin Cruz, counterperson at the Willmar Auto Value parts store, was recognized in the December 2012 issue of Counterman magazine as a finalist for the 2012 Counter Professional of the Year award. Since 1985, the staff of Counterman magazine has honored the Counter Professional of the Year.

“Martin always provides the highest level of service to his customers,” said Kevin McCarthy, Willmar Auto Value parts store manager. “His ability to speak English or Spanish has allowed our business to reach out to a broader customer base and make everyone feel right at home the moment they walk into the store. He has also dedicated countless hours to better himself as a parts professional and truly earned this recognition.”

Cruz has been a part of the auto parts business for more than 22 years. He has a degree in automotive parts merchandising from Willmar Technical College and is an ASE certified parts specialist. In 2007, he was awarded Counterperson of the Year by Automotive Parts Headquarters.

(Martin Cruz, Counterman Magazine’s Counter Professional of the Year Finalist)