Vehlo’s annual Shop Hero Awards return this fall to honor independent repair shop leaders whose innovation, integrity, and customer-first mindset are raising the bar for the automotive aftermarket. Winners will be recognized during an invite-only awards celebration on Wednesday, November 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at SUGARCANE in Restaurant Row in The Venetian, held in conjunction with AAPEX/SEMA week.

Each year, the Shop Hero Awards spotlight shop owners and teams across the country who set new standards in business performance, customer care, and community impact. The 2025 winners exemplify the power of leadership and technology working hand in hand to elevate the repair industry.

2025 Shop Hero Award Winners

• Customer Champion: Green Drop Garage
  
  Sponsored by Shop-Ware
  
  Honoring the Shop-Ware user that most fully embraces features that enhance the customer experience.
• Breakthrough Business: Stonecold Automotive and Recovery
  
  Sponsored by Shop Boss
  
  Awarded to the Shop Boss user with the most year-over-year growth.
• Elite Entrepreneur: Telle Tire
  
  Sponsored by Protractor
  
  Presented to the Protractor user adding the most new rooftops in the past year.
• Sales Super Star: Wickel Tire Pros
  
  Sponsored by Tire Guru
  
  Recognizing the Tire Guru user achieving the strongest sales performance over the past 12 months.
• Shop Hero: Eric & Jamie Carlson, Ervine’s Auto Repair
  
  Recognizing a trusted pillar of the community who is driving change for the industry through innovation, leadership, and service. Nominations are drawn from customers and the public.

“These honorees are redefining what it means to lead in the independent repair space,” said Cavan Robinson, VP of SMS Operations at Vehlo. “They’re proof that great shops don’t just fix cars. They build trust, community, and lasting impact for their customers and the industry as a whole.”

Visit the Sponsors at SEMA and AAPEX

Shop-Ware, Shop Boss, Protractor, and Tire Guru will exhibit together at:

• Booth #11253 – Business Services section at SEMA
• Booth #J7614 – Venetian Expo Level 1 at AAPEX

Attendees are encouraged to stop by either location to meet the teams, explore their latest technology solutions, and celebrate this year’s Shop Hero Award winners.

About the Shop Hero Awards

The Shop Hero Awards celebrate excellence in the automotive repair industry by honoring independent shop owners and teams who go above and beyond in innovation, business growth, customer care, and community leadership. Presented annually in partnership with leading brands across the Vehlo family — including Shop-Ware, Shop Boss, Protractor, and Tire Guru — the program continues to spotlight those shaping the future of the aftermarket.

About Vehlo

Vehlo delivers integrated software and financial solutions to empower success in the vehicle service industry. From dealership service lanes to independent repair shops, Vehlo supports over 30,000 customers globally, processing more than $10 billion in annual payments. Focused on enabling efficiency, revenue growth, and superior customer experiences, Vehlo is reshaping the way automotive repair businesses operate and thrive. For more information, visit vehlo.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251028676480/en/

“These honorees are redefining what it means to lead in the independent repair space. They’re proof that great shops don’t just fix cars. They build trust, community, and lasting impact for their customers and the industry as a whole."