Pequot Lakes Technician Represents APH at National Competition

from left: Andy Stiller, store manager, Auto Value Pequot Lakes; Bill Samardich, outside sales, Auto Value Pequot Lakes; Judson, Olivia and Emily Stagnaro; Eric Larson, regional manager, APH; and Tim Cordell, senior director of sales, APH

Judson Stagnaro of Aurora Automotive in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, put his automotive diagnostic and repair skills to the test this summer, representing Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH) at the national Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Technician of the Year competition in Detroit.

Stagnaro was named APH’s 2026 Technician of the Year earlier this year, earning the opportunity to compete against other top technicians from across the United States and Canada. The national competition was held in July and brought together 13 finalists from the Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper network.

The competition challenged finalists with a customized ASE examination and a series of hands-on technical challenges designed to test diagnostic ability, technical knowledge and real-world repair skills.

While Stagnaro did not claim the national title, reaching the national competition was a significant accomplishment and a testament to his expertise and dedication to the automotive service profession.

“Judson represents the knowledge, skill and professionalism we see every day from the technicians working in the Certified Service Center network,” said Andy Stiller, manager at Auto Value Pequot Lakes. “We’re extremely proud of Judson and the way he represented APH, Aurora Automotive and the Pequot Lakes community at the national competition.”

Stagnaro is the owner and lead technician at Aurora Automotive, an Auto Value Certified Service Center in Pequot Lakes. His selection as one of APH’s top technicians and advancement to the national competition highlight the skill and commitment of automotive service professionals throughout the APH network.

APH supports nearly 600 Certified Service Centers, providing independent automotive service professionals with access to quality parts, training, technical resources and programs to help them better serve their customers.

“Congratulations to Judson on an outstanding accomplishment,” said Eric Larson, regional manager at APH. “We’re proud to recognize him as our 2026 Technician of the Year and grateful for the way he represented APH and our Auto Value network on the national stage.”