Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper have named Matt Wagg of Bennington, Nebraska, as the 2026 Technician of the Year Champion.
Wagg is the owner and lead technician at Accelerated Diagnostic & Automotive, an Auto Value Certified Service Center and customer of The Merrill Company (Arnold Motor Supply). The winner was announced during the Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Technician of the Year competition held in Detroit earlier this month.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said Wagg. “Competing alongside some of the best technicians in North America was an amazing experience. I am especially grateful to The Merrill Company for selecting me to represent our market in this year’s competition. I would also like to thank my team, my customers, and everyone who encouraged me to participate.”
Thirteen of the top technicians from across the United States and Canada traveled to Detroit to compete in the 2026 Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Technician of the Year finalist program. Sponsored by DRiV and Garage Gurus, the annual competition featured a customized Automotive Service Excellence examination along with a series of hands-on technical challenges designed to test diagnostic ability, technical knowledge, and real-world repair skills.
“With more than 4,000 Certified Service Centers across the Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper network, earning a place among our Technician of the Year finalists is a remarkable accomplishment,” said John C. Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. “This program is designed to recognize the highly skilled professionals who represent the very best of our industry. The talent, dedication, and professionalism displayed by this year’s finalists was truly exceptional, and we congratulate all of them on their achievements. We would also like to thank DRiV and Garage Gurus for their continued support of this outstanding program.”
The other 2026 Technician of the Year Ffinalists include:
- Jake McKie | Shane’s Northern Tire and Auto | Piston Ring Service Supply
- Matthew Wilson | Angelina Tire & Auto | ABC Auto Parts, Ltd.
- Spencer Derzaph | Auto Electric Service-Service Department | Auto Electric Service, Ltd.
- Timothy Dunaway| Daugherty’s Body Shop and Service Center | Moog Louisville Warehouse
- Bryan McKnight | Kerners Auto Service | Auto-Wares Group of Companies
- Joe Sawyer | Tom’s Auto Center | Auto-Wares Group of Companies
- Judson Stagnaro | Aurora Automotive | Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc.
- Seumas Leghorn | Adair Auto Repair | Central Auto Parts Distributors
- David Ward | Avenue Motors | Eastern Auto Parts Warehouse
- Christopher Potucek | CC Auto Parts & Service | Hahn Automotive Warehouse
- Jamie Fowler | Marty’s Complete Automotive | National Parts Warehouse
- Truen Taylor | The KAR Shop | Parts Warehouse Inc.
