Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2026 36 T he United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA) delivered another highly successful Annual Service Training Institute (ASTI) in 2026, welcoming service company owners, technicians, OEM partners, and vendors to Kansas City for a week focused on education, collaboration, and recognition of excellence across the appliance service industry. Attendance, participation, and feedback all reinforced ASTI's role as the premier event dedicated to the independent appliance servicer. One of the most notable enhancements to ASTI 2026 was the expanded Tech Ticket option, which proved to be a major success. This program made it easier and more cost-effective for companies to send technicians for focused technical training while still giving them access to the trade show floor and Tech Connect. The result was strong technician attendance and high engagement in hands-on sessions, reinforcing UASA's commitment to workforce development and skills advancement. ASTI 2026 also featured a UASA membership meeting, allowing members to meet with association leadership and hear updates on committee and industry initiatives. Holding this meeting onsite strengthened transparency and reinforced the association's mission as the voice of the independent servicer. A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards recognizing professionalism, leadership, and community involvement throughout the industry. The Most Professional Servicer Contest honored companies across multiple size categories. In the 1–2 technician category, Jason's Appliance Repair of Tallahassee (FL), Derry Appliance Repair (Derry, NH), and CityScape Appliance Repair (Whitinsville, MA) were recognized. For companies with 3–7 technicians, honors went to RTC Appliances (Hamilton, ON), Handler Appliance Repair (Wayne, NJ), and The Appliance Company (Belton, MO). In the 8+ technician category, winners included Appliance Works (Phoenix, AZ), Lake Appliance Repair (Fair Oaks, CA), and Sharper Service Solutions (Sherwood, OR). The Sales & Service category recognized Appliance Grandmasters (Taylors, SC), Mark's Appliance (Edwardsville, IL), and Martin Appliance (Myerstown, PA). ASTI's competitive and interactive events continued to energize attendees. Mark's Appliance – Leanne Kelemetc captured the Trivia Contest title, while DC Appliance – Danielle Guay (Wilson, NY) won the Photo Contest. The Ice Breaker Contest was claimed by Appliance Grandmasters – Andre Garcia (Taylors, SC), and the Leaderboard Contest winner was Handler Appliance – Moses Handler (Wayne, NJ). The popular Passport Contest prize went to Appliance Marshall Repair – Brian Wentz (Cary, IL). Individual leadership and influence were also celebrated. Ginny Seeley of Cavalry Appliance (New Bern, NC) was named Influencer of the Year for her positive impact on the industry community. Service Company Solutions, Jack Miller, received UASA Vendor Member of the Year, and Art Tedrick of Bosch was honored as UASA OEM of the Year, recognizing meaningful collaboration with the service community. A defining moment of ASTI 2026 was the introduction of a new honor, the Dean Landers Visionary Award, created to recognize individuals who demonstrate long-term vision, leadership, and dedication to the future of the appliance service industry. The inaugural award was presented to Corrine Caruso of Solar Refrigeration & Appliance Service (Metairie, LA), setting a high standard for those who will follow. UASA also proudly recognized its 2026 ASTI Scholarship Winners: Mike Beecher of Elite Appliance Repair (Hilliard, OH), recipient of the PMD Scholarship; Casey Follrod of Economic Appliance Service (Ashville, OH); Julie Olsen of Peak Appliance Repair (Hailey, ID), Ben Yeager of Aspen Appliance Care (Aspen, CO). All received full scholarships to attend ASTI 2026, representing the next generation of industry leadership. UASA wishes to thank the UASA membership, sponsors, trainers, vendors, and the UASA Board of Directors and staff for the continued success of ASTI. A special thank you to Executive Director Wendy Parker for organizing a thoroughly professional and polished event. From education and recognition to connection and collaboration, ASTI 2026 in Kansas City demonstrated the strength and momentum of the appliance service industry – and reaffirmed UASA's role as the organization dedicated to advancing and protecting the independent servicer. David Smith Dave Smith Appliance Services LLC Vice President – UASA Board of Directors S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T RO UASA'S 2026 ASTI IN KANSAS CITY SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

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