Retail Observer

MARCH 2018 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 61 wanted to help others by keeping them informed. Ron was very serious about vocational training and certification. Working with Skills USA and various trade school programs, Ron sought to develop a pool of qualified employees for the service industry. In 1997, he directed PSA's efforts in creating several levels of technician certification, depending on experience and knowledge and these programs are still being offered today. As I was preparing this article, I pulled out a pile of old copies of PSA News and began re-reading many of Ron's articles. Ron possessed a rich and extensive knowledge about our industry and he displayed a passion in which he pursued the good of the independent servicer. Ron served our industry without concern for personal gain or notoriety, and dedicated himself to help service company owners concerning a wide variety of subjects. The articles by Ron were usually very direct. Various issues that had a negative effect on the service industry were discussed, and the people responsible were called out in print. Ron stated what he thought was self-evident and didn't mind ruffling feathers along the way. Ron wrote letters to almost every major appliance and electronics manufacturer, parts distributors, other associations, unethical service companies, individuals in positions of power, etc., taking them to task for what he believed were violations to the service industry. Due to declining health, Ron resigned as executive director of PSA in 2013, with Randy Carney taking his place. Although retired, Ron's spirit is still alive and well. His tireless efforts to help the independent service industry continues on through the efforts of PSA's board of directors, many of whom joined forces with Ron at their first organizational meeting in April of 1988. One of the first and still active board members, Carmine D'Alessandro, owner of Dales Appliance in Newfield, NJ had this to say about Ron: "For those who he takes under his wing, he exhibits a kind of father-like patience. A patience that fosters a mentorship kind of atmosphere… I know, because I am one of those people who he has mentored." On behalf of the United Servicers Association members and Board of Directors, we recognize and congratulate Ron Sawyer as The United Servicers Association 2018 Lifetime Achievement recipient. On behalf of our entire industry, we extend a sincere and warm thank you for a lifetime full of notable achievements on all of our behalf. Thank you, Ron Sawyer, for all you've done! — Dean Landers, Landers Appliance Letter from Randy Carney, PSA to the United Servicers Association: On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Professional Service Association, our members and, of course, your honoree and his family, I would like to thank the United Servicers Association for the great honor of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to PSA's founder, Ron Sawyer. Ron has dedicated his life to the betterment of the appliance service industry through his work to raise the perception and acceptance of what we all do to make this industry and our businesses successful. He has worked tirelessly to drive all of us to reach for the highest ethical and professional standards, has fought for fair treatment of independent service providers by both manufacturers and third party providers, and, as a result, has had a tremendous impact on the industry. It has not always been easy. As can be expected of someone who is always out front and leading the charge, Ron has paid a price over the years. Yet he has always been, and continues to be to this day, willing to take up a cause in which he believes strongly… and that has always been the betterment of the independent service provider. Ron Sawyer is a man of character, a shining example of leadership, and continues to be a mentor for many of us that have inherited his leadership position in the appliance service industry. I can assure you that Ron treasurers this award, as it comes from all of us in the industry—his best friends. So, again, I thank all of you for this wonderful recognition of Ron's efforts. Thanks again and best wishes to all of you! — Randy Carney, Executive Director, PSA Ron Sawyer is a true industry leader and deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ron's goal was to improve the service industry. You can see his vision from the beginning. His invitation to the first meeting states, "I hope this meeting will produce an organization that will be dedicated to improving the standards and STABILITY of our industry." Congratulations, — Lance Kimball, President, United Servicers Association Congratulations on this prestigious recognition of your lifetime contribution to our industry. It's only by your graces and those of many others that we have succeeded in making our industry stronger for the independent service provider. Thank you for your dedication and integrity in all that you have done over the years for PSA, USA, and all independents in North America. I celebrate you and all our colleagues in our retirement as we make way for the next generation to chart the ways of the independent appliance repair industry. Sincerely, — Paul MacDonald, Past Executive Director, United Servicers Association RO

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