Rick Allen of Hampton, NJ, has been named the 2005 CARQUEST Excellence Award Winner. He was presented the award Oct. 28 in Raleigh, NC.

"It is a privilege to win the CARQUEST excellence award and an honor to be the first to win it while also being a past technician of the year recipient," said Allen, who in 2003 won the TECH-NET Professional Auto Service/ASE Technician of the Year award from CARQUEST. "I can’t thank my Wife Cheryl, son Rick Jr. and daughter Michelle enough. My employees Mike, Don, Glenn, AJ and Trevor for their dedication and all my loyal customers as this award couldn’t happen without them. Also, Dick and Patty at Padik Auto Parts my CARQUEST store. They have supported me in business and in community events over the last 20 years and my business wouldn’t be a success without them. I also would like to thank the other 10 finalist for their dedication and the professional image they give the automotive industry."

The CARQUEST Excellence Award seeks to recognize the independent automobile service business that, through the course of everyday service excellence, exemplifies the professionalism necessary to build public understanding and respect for people working in the auto service industry today.

Owner of Rick Allen’s Auto Repair, the Hampton, NJ, native has more than 30 years of experience in the auto repair industry, and holds four ASE master certifications, with L-1 and L-2. He holds a total of 33 ASE certifications. Allen became an automotive technician in 1972, working for Apgar’s Garage. He left Apgar’s in 1979, only to return in 1985 when he purchased the business from owner Dick Apgar, whom he credits for much of his success. Today, Rick Allen’s Auto Repair is an independently owned and operated full-service repair and maintenance facility, performing high quality, guaranteed automotive repairs in the Hampton, NJ, area.

Away from his business, Allen is involved in his local community as well. He supports his community by providing sponsorship of the Hampton Recreation Association through team sponsorships, advertising and field sponsorships. He is a member of the Hampton Volunteer Fire Co. He supports the Hampton School Association by donation a portion of residents repair bills to the school systems. He also recently raised more than $100,000 to take World War II veterans to Washington DC so they could see the WWII memorial.

"There is no more selfless, generous person than Rick Allen," said Rob Walton, former mayor of Hampton, NJ, and current city council member. "His munificence has bettered the Hampton community in ways that can never be repaid or sufficiently recognized. He represents the best that is American, let alone our small borough."

For more information, visit CARQUEST.com.