Earns 2016 Bridgestone Retail Operations Automotive Service Excellence Award

Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) recently announced that Derek Sorenson of Carmichael has been named the BSRO/Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master/L1 Automobile Technician of the Year. Sorenson accepted his award along with 45 other of the industry’s best technicians at the annual ASE Fall Board Meeting and Awards Banquet on Nov. 16 in Concord, North Carolina.

 “Derek is a ‘go-to’ guy who’s often called by other stores in his area for help with some of the more challenging jobs,” said Damien Harmon, chief operating officer, Bridgestone Retail Operations. “Not only is he an incredibly talented technician, he also serves as a mentor to many of his co-workers, helping them grow and develop their own skills. The combination of his passion, experience and commitment to doing great work makes him exceedingly qualified to receive this prestigious award.”

When he’s not at work, Sorenson enjoys spending time with his family – his wife of 40 years, six children and 15 grandchildren – and restoring vintage automobiles with his sons. He is an active community volunteer who offers his time to several charitable organizations and has also has served his church in different capacities for many years.

Every year, ASE recognizes top technicians from across the country in all areas of the automotive service and repair industry (auto, truck, collision, parts, etc.) through its Technician of the Year program. The ASE Master/L1 Automobile Technician of the Year award recognizes a technician for his or her outstanding individual achievements which include top ASE test scores, on-the-job excellence and community service. By honoring top technicians like Sorenson, and continuing to partner with ASE to help them further develop their skills, BSRO is working to fulfill its long-term strategic goal of becoming the most trusted provider of automotive care in every neighborhood it serves.

A 40-year veteran of the company, Sorenson works at a Firestone Complete Auto Care location in Sacramento, California. He started with the company in high school through a vocational program and became a full-time technician immediately following graduation. To further his automotive education, he attended the American River College in Sacramento.

BSRO owns and operates 2,200 tire and automotive service centers nationwide, operating under the Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works store brands.