NWACA Winter Retreat 2026 | | | NWACA Semi-Annual Winter Retreat & Leadership Conference 2026 | |
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Take a look back with us at the Winter Retreat and a weekend filled with connection, education, and a little fun along the way. From the Blue Spirit fun event and casino night to meaningful conversations throughout the retreat, there was no shortage of memorable moments.
We also kicked off the weekend with an engaging seminar presented by Greg Marchand from AccelPoint, setting the stage for a retreat focused on growth, collaboration, and community.
| | | | We kicked off the weekend with our Board of Directors Meeting. | |
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Zoom around with KUKUI Karl
Karl’s Zoom workshop was a great example of practical learning in action. Led by Karl Coleman with KUKUI, this informal, hands on session walked attendees through the tools and setup needed to run successful Zoom meetings. From camera placement and audio to screen sharing, chat features, and recording tips, participants picked up useful takeaways they can apply immediately, whether hosting virtual meetings or attending them more confidently.
| | | | NWACA Knows How to Do Hospitality! | | |
Each evening of the retreat offered time to unwind and connect, starting with the Hospitality Suite on Thursday night and continuing through the weekend. Attendees gathered to catch up with friends, meet new members, and enjoy relaxed conversation, with casino night adding an extra layer of fun and friendly competition.
Together, the evenings provided the perfect balance to the educational sessions and helped make the retreat both productive and enjoyable.
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Thank you to our Sponsors:
All Three Nights Hospitality Suite
| | Thursday Night Hors d'oeuvres Sponsors | | Saturday Night Hors d'oeuvres Sponsors | | Coffee & Soft Drink Sponsors - Thank you! | | General Business, Education Session & Industry Roundtable | | |
The General Business & Education Session, combined with the Industry Roundtable, brought members together for meaningful discussion and shared insight. This session provided an opportunity to review key association updates, explore relevant industry topics, and engage in open conversation with fellow shop owners and leaders.
The roundtable format encouraged collaboration, idea sharing, and thoughtful dialogue, reinforcing the value of coming together to learn from one another and move the industry forward.
| | BINGO added a fun and lighthearted break to the retreat schedule, giving attendees a chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy some friendly competition. With plenty of energy in the room and lots of cheering along the way, it was a great way to bring members together and create a few memorable moments outside of the classroom. | | Thank you to our BINGO Sponsor! | |
Celebrating the Impact That Moves NWACA Forward
The Awards Banquet was a powerful highlight of the retreat, an evening dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments, leadership, and commitment that continue to strengthen Northwest Auto Care Alliance.
This was not simply a celebration of titles or positions. It was a recognition of the tangible impacts made over the past year, the growth, the advocacy, the education delivered, the partnerships strengthened, and the countless efforts that keep NWACA thriving.
The evening honored those whose leadership and dedication have helped shape where we are today and set the foundation for where we are headed next.
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NWACA Outstanding Member of the Year 2025
Honoring Ed Tuck III
At our 2026 Winter Retreat in Leavenworth, we had the privilege of presenting the highest honor NWACA bestows - the Outstanding Member of the Year Award - to Ed Tuck III.
In just a few short years as a member, Ed has made a lasting and meaningful impact on our association. He is the kind of leader who shows up - for his chapter, for our events, for our industry, and most importantly, for our members. His deep involvement in legislative advocacy and his commitment to education help protect the future of our profession and strengthen the voice of independent automotive professionals.
What truly sets Ed apart is his servant heart. When a fellow shop owner needs help, Ed is there - offering his time, his knowledge, his connections, and his encouragement. He continually puts others first, and that generosity reflects the very best of the NWACA spirit.
Ed has been part of the automotive industry since his teenage years, bringing with him a lifetime of experience, wisdom, and a steady presence that so many of us rely on. Outside the shop, his creativity and love for cultivating beauty, whether in his yard or through his remarkable orchid collection, mirror the same care and dedication he brings to our community.
NWACA is stronger because of members like Ed, leaders who give without hesitation, lift others up, and make our association feel like family.
Please join us in celebrating Ed Tuck III, NWACA’s 2025 Outstanding Member of the Year.
This honor is so well deserved, and we are grateful every day for the heart, leadership, and generosity he brings to our NWACA family."
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2026 Honorary Member Tribute – Rod & Janae Schindler
Rod and Janae Schindler joined NWACA in July of 2002 and have been pouring their hearts into this association ever since. Rod started his shop that same year with just one month’s rent and a whole lot of integrity. If you know Rod, you know this about him, he does the right thing, no matter what. That steady leadership carried into his years of service on the Whatcom Board and as President of the Skagit-Whatcom Chapter.
Janae has been just as dedicated. For many years she faithfully served as Treasurer for the Ascettes, helping lead retreat fun events and scholarship fundraisers that created memories and invested in the next generation. Her quiet strength, organization, and generous spirit made a lasting impact.
Rod and Janae built their life around partnership, family, and service. They officially retired in December 2022, but they certainly didn’t retire from NWACA. They remain a treasured part of our community, continuing to show up and stay connected including at Winter Retreat.
It is truly our honor to recognize Rod and Janae Schindler as 2026 Honorary Members. Their decades of integrity, leadership, service, and love for NWACA have left a legacy that will continue to bless this association for years to come.
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Thanking Our 2024–2025 Board of Directors
A heartfelt thank you was extended to our 2024–2025 NWACA Board of Directors for their dedication, time, and steady leadership. Serving on the Board requires commitment beyond meetings and events — it requires heart, vision, and a willingness to step up for the good of the association.
Their support, collaboration, and countless behind-the-scenes efforts have strengthened NWACA and positioned us well for the year ahead.
We are deeply grateful for their service and the example they continue to set for our membership.
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Pictured Left to Right, Kandie Jennings-Molloy, Dan DeBusk, Ed Tuck III, Richie del Pureto, Micah Strom, Todd Ainsworth, Mark Simons, and Mike Hall.
Not pictured, Lucas Filley and Ryan Weld.
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Welcoming our 2026-2027 NWACA Board of Directors
The evening marked an important transition as we officially welcomed our new 2026–2027 NWACA Board of Directors. These individuals have stepped up in a big way - committing their time, experience, and leadership to help move our association forward.
We were honored to have Brian Smith install the new Board of Directors, making the moment both meaningful and memorable.
There is real momentum heading into this next term. With fresh ideas, steady leadership, and a shared commitment to our members, we are excited about what we will accomplish together as we continue strengthening and growing NWACA.
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Pictured left to right,
Brian Smith, Gig Harbor Automotive
Kandie Jennings-Molloy - Immediate Past President
Dan DeBusk - Associate Chair
Ed Tuck III - Tire Dealers Chair
Richie del Puerto - Education Chair
Micah Strom - Treasurer & Collision Chair
Todd Ainsworth - President Elect
Kirill Plyushko - Secretary
Mike Hall - President
Not Pictured, Thomas Richardson - Mechanical Chair
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The gavel falls, let’s get to work. Thank you, everyone, for all your hard work!
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A Touching Farewell to an Industry Legend
Ed Cushman - Forever in our Hearts!!!
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The Awards Banquet included a deeply moving tribute to industry legend Ed Cushman, delivered by Kandie Jennings-Molloy. Kandie shared that just weeks earlier she received “a phone call no one ever wants,” and spoke candidly about the heartbreak and disbelief felt throughout the NWACA community.
She reminded us that when she thinks of Ed, she still hears his unmistakable laugh and sees that mischievous smile. She spoke of how he would stand at the door of meetings and banquets, greeting everyone with a handshake, a hug, and genuine warmth that made you feel like you belonged. That was Ed. Present. Engaged. All in.
Kandie reflected on Ed’s simple but powerful belief: “If you take care of people, everything else will fall into place.” NWACA was one of his greatest loves, and his passion for this association and its members was evident in everything he did.
Though Ed is no longer with us, Kandie reminded us that he would be the first to say, “the show must go on.” And so it will, with the values he lived by guiding us forward.
It was a moment filled with tears, gratitude, and deep appreciation for a man whose legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of NWACA.
And in true NWACA fashion, the tribute concluded with a lighthearted Cousin Eddie toast - a fitting blend of humor and heart, just the way Ed would have wanted it.
| | Driven To Succeed - Greg Marchand, AccelPoint | | Driven to Succeed was a standout moment of the retreat, setting a strong and motivating tone for the weekend ahead. Presented by Greg Marchand of AccelPoint, the seminar delivered practical insights, real world perspective, and actionable takeaways attendees could immediately apply in their shops. The session reinforced the retreat’s focus on growth, leadership, and moving forward with purpose. | | | Thank you to our Seminar Sponsors! | | NWACA Spirit, Sometimes, It's BLUE | | |
The Blue Spirit Fun Event at Blue Spirit Distillery was a highlight of the retreat, offering a relaxed and enjoyable way for attendees to connect outside of the classroom.
Guests enjoyed great food, tastings, and conversation in a fun setting that encouraged networking and laughter. It was the perfect chance to slow down, spend time with fellow members, and enjoy a memorable afternoon together.
| | | If you missed our Winter Retreat - Mark Your Calendars for our Upcoming Summer Retreat - June 25-28, 2026!!! | |
NWACA Semi-Annual Summer Retreat & Leadership Conference.
Get ready for the NWACA Summer Retreat, June 25–28 2026, at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. A waterfront destination perfect for learning, connection, and relaxation.
Located at 15347 Suquamish Way NE, Suquamish, WA 98392, this resort offers world-class amenities, dining, and entertainment alongside high-impact retreat sessions. Whether you’re diving into educational programming or enjoying time with fellow members, this year’s Summer Retreat promises a blend of professional growth and community moments you won’t want to miss.
Registration Coming Soon!!!
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Please check regularly on our website (www.nwautocare.org)
and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/northwestaca) for updates.
NWACA Board of Directors:
Mike Hall, President - Contact Mike
Kandie Jennings-Molloy, Immediate Past President - Contact Kandie
Todd Ainsworth, President Elect- Contact Todd
Micah Strom, Treasurer & Collision Chair- Contact Micah
Kirill Plyushko - Secretary - Contact Kirill
Thomas Richardson, Mechanical Chair- Contact Thomas
Dan DeBusk, Associate Chair- Contact Dan
Ed Tuck III, Tire Dealers Chair - Contact Ed
Ryan Weld, Tire Dealers Chair - Contact Ryan
Richie del Puerto, Education Chair - Contact Richie
Contact Information for Northwest Auto Care Alliance
Brenda Jorgenson, Executive Director - (253) 653-2334 - brenda@nwautocare.org
John (JT) Tenney, Membership & Meeting Coordinator - (253) 676-9222 - info@nwautocare.org
Pamela Meyer, Membership Support Specialist - (208) 964-1605 pamela@nwautocare.org
JoAnna Spradlin, Project Coordinator - (253) 676-9222- joanna@nwautocare.org
Danica Hickok, Bookkeeper - (253) 676-9222 - admin@nwautocare.org
Robert Stickroth, iTAC Coordinator - (253) 660-4822 - iTAC@nwautocare.org
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Northwest Auto Care Alliance | (253) 67-NWACA (253-676-9222) | Website |
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