This very selective award, presented as earned, recognizes individuals who have, over the course of many years, distinguished themselves through their unselfish commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. Nominees are considered to be “backbones” of the industry, will have led great organizations of all sizes and/or industry causes, will have created jobs and/or opportunities and will have shown exemplary service to customers and the motoring public in general.
Aaron Berkowitz was presented with the 2007 Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award at AWDA’s 2007 Annual Conference in Las Vegas. When Berkowitz helped found Eastern Tool Warehouse (ETW) in 1946, he began to put in place a series of revolutionary ideas that are still being copied and utilized by tool distributors to this day. For example, with Aaron at the helm, ETW became the first tool specialty warehouse to sell product via three-step distribution. ETW was the first T&E distributor to establish branch operations, the first to implement computerized inventory and ordering systems and amazingly, was one of the first three companies in the nation to pilot an innovative new pension program that we now call the 401(k). The other two companies were The New York Times and APA Transport.

Aaron founded ATD Tools, the nation’s first Tool & Equipment marketing group. ATD Tools remains the nation’s largest tool group, as well as the fastest growing.

Aaron recognized from the beginning that ETW’s success was tied to the health of the entire warehouse distribution industry, so in 1956 he became active in AWDA. Two years later he was elected to the Board and since then has held a variety of leadership positions in AWDA, including: Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and Chairman. He currently serves as Treasurer Emeritus and rarely misses a board meeting.

AWDA Past Chairman, Doug Washbish noted that, “Aaron’s keen advice is always given in a pleasant and cheerful way. He is always the first to introduce himself to new board members with a kind word and offer of help.”

“During meetings he sits, listens and when he speaks it is with the calm insight that only years of experience can bring. A quiet leader,” added Arthur Lottes III, 2006 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In presenting the award, AWDA chairman, Tim Sturdevant said of Berkowitz, “Aaron’s 50 years of leadership and service to the Automotive Aftermarket, define Lifetime Achievement. He is most deserving of this prestigious award”.

PREVIOUS AWARD RECIPIENTS

2006 Arthur E. Lottes, III
2005 David O’Reilly
2004 Kathleen Schmatz
2003 Mort Schwartz
2002 Al Gaspar, AAP
2001 Robert R. Miller
2000 Larry McCurdy
1999 Tim Lee, AAP
1998 Basil Mezines
1997 Robert Raff, MAAP