• The Auto Care Association and ASE have announced the latest “World Class Technician” award recipients — 45 professional technicians who achieved ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2018 certification test administration. Over 2,000 technicians have achieved “World Class Technician” status since its inception more than 30 years ago.

• John Thomas has joined ZAFCO International as vice president of sales – west. Thomas brings over 35 years of tire industry experience, including time as the national sales director – USA for YC Rubber North America. Based in Miami, ZAFCO is a manufacturer and distributor of automotive tires serving wholesalers and retailers across the Americas. Its house brands include Armstrong, Zeetex, Accelera and Forceum.

• Heavy duty vehicle lifts company Stertil-Koni has added John Sliney as its assistant service manager. As such, he provides a variety of services, including technical support, equipment troubleshooting, vehicle lift installation oversight and lift equipment training for the company’s North American distributor network. Sliney was a service technician for Reeder Distributor, a Stertil-Koni dealer in Fort Worth, TX.

• EasyPay Finance, a national provider of customer financing for auto repair shops and tire dealers, has promoted Mary Jones from president to CEO. Scott Vertrees, the company’s CEO since 2003, will continue as executive chairman.

• The Walser Automotive Group, which operates 25 dealerships across Kansas and Minnesota, has hired Brad Schafer as its vice president of fixed operations. Schafer’s focus will be on all areas of service, reconditioning and parts.