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AES / SWIS Partners with Equipment Icons

July 22, 2005

Over the past few months, AES / SWIS has teamed up with the recognized market leaders to expand their presence in new markets.

Terry Pallas, formerly of Pallas Equipment, joined the team and has now broadened our customer base to include the ever growing collision repair market. Terry has over 20 years experience in collision equipment and has been consistently recognized as the leader in this industry throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. Terry is currently traveling between our Colorado and Hawaii locations training our staff and developing the customer base for AES / SWIS.

Kurt Marchalk, former owner of Swis Equipment, has joined AES / SWIS after spending several years in Germany. Kurt will be managing the southern Colorado market for AES / SWIS. Bringing over 15 years of equipment expertise and a lifetime of automotive knowledge, Kurt will certainly prove to be valuable resource for the company and our customer base for years to come.

Ed Shaplow, former regional manger for Omitech Interro Systems has joined AES / SWIS as our diagnostic equipment specialist. Ed is based out of the Washington State area, but will be making regular trips to our locations in Hawaii and Colorado to conduct training sessions, diagnostic seminars and sales training. We are looking forward to continued growth in the Automotive Diagnostic market with the assistance of Ed.

 

Steve Cox wins Salesman of the Year Award

July 13, 2005

Congratulations to Steve Cox for winning our 2004 salesman of the year award.

Steve has been with AES/SWIS for over 3 years, and has continued to impress us ever step of the way. Bringing a lifetime of Automotive Expertise with him to the job, Steve has built a loyal customer base and continues to adapt as we move into new markets.

Thank you Steve for all that you do for us. You are a true team player.

AES Aquires SWIS Automotive & Truck Equipment

January 10, 2003

Today AES celebrates it's first anniversary with SWIS Automotive & Truck Equipment in Denver, Colorado. One year ago today, AES finalized the asset purchase of the regions 2nd largest equipment distribution house.

This strategic move has opened the door for many new opportunities in the region. The additional warehouse space has now provided AES with over 13,000 square feet of inventory storage, a full office complex and the beginnings of an extensive AMI management training center.

The new facilities also house C.A.E.R., our partner service organization. Their service center boasts four fully stocked service vehicles, over $100,000 in parts inventory and an equipment restoration department with a fabrication machine shop.

 

Service Center Success

January 1, 2003

Automotive Equipment Repair, a division of Automotive Equipment & Supply, was created to provide an increased level of “after the sale” customer service and support. Since it’s inception, AES has grown to become the preferred provider of automotive equipment service to the majority of Dealerships, Major Retailers and Independent Service Centers throughout Hawaii.

The outstanding efforts of our service department have resulted in a highly successful organization that we are proud to have under the AES name. AES is now capable of providing on-site repair service for virtually every make and model of shop equipment as well as installation for all brands of automotive and truck lifts.

This high caliber customer service has also recently been added to our Colorado Division. Brian Buntin has recently joined our AES team and will be heading up the Colorado Repair Division. We are confident that Brian will bring the same high level of customer service that our customers receive everyday in Hawaii.

AES would like to extend a sincere thank you to our service department for all their efforts in helping our organization grow. Their efforts and support are truly appreciated. AES would also like to thank our customers. Without you, none of this would be possible. Thank you.

 

Business Briefs
Reported by The Honolulu Star-Bulletin staff & wire

Friday, January 18, 2002

Isle equipment supplier purchases Denver firm

Honolulu-based AES-Automotive Equipment and Supply has completed the purchase of Swis Automotive and Truck Equipment and Supply in Denver.

The Colorado operation, which is AES's third location, will be renamed Swis, a division of AES. Details of the purchase were not disclosed.

AES moved into the Colorado market last March with an outlet in Colorado Springs. The purchase of the Denver operation makes it one of the largest distributors of automotive repair equipment in that state based on sales volume, according to Managing Partner Lou Cardoza.

AES provides diagnostic and repair equipment and services to auto dealerships, repair centers and the government. For more information, see www.hawaiiequipment.com.

 

NEW LOCATION IN COLORADO SPRINGS

January 21, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Automotive Equipment & Supply New Location in Colorado

Automotive Equipment & Supply, a leading automotive equipment distributor for the state of Hawaii, is announcing its plans for expansion into the mainland market. Their newest branch in Colorado Springs, Colorado will be open for business on March 1, 2001. 

President and founder Lou Cardoza started AES (formerly Lou Cardoza Enterprises) with only five thousand dollars of his own money. Initially the company only represented two equipment lines. Now, with over 40 lines in solid distribution, Automotive Equipment & Supply has become a leading automotive equipment distributor to Hawaii and the Pacific Rim.

With its headquarters located in Honolulu, Hawaii, Automotive Equipment & Supply has been rapidly evolving since its humble beginning. Pacific Business News, a regional business publication, has ranked their company as one of the Fastest 50 Growing Small Business in Hawaii for the past two years

A few things have changed since Automotive Equipment & Supply first started, but their vision of providing total automotive equipment solutions has not. Lou Cardoza’s son, JR, who joined the business in 1999, is heading up their new Colorado Springs location. He plans to bring the same high level of customer service that his customers over 3000 miles away have become accustomed to. The weather in Colorado may be different, but Automotive Equipment & Supply believes the business climate is just right.

 

 

Mahalo -
To All Of Our Customers
 
We have once again been listed in the Fastest Fifty growing small businesses for the State of Hawaii. Back to back listings for 1998 and 1999 have only been possible by the support and trust of all of our customers. We thank you dearly and we will continue to provide the superior level of service that you have become accustomed to.

Below is the article from Last Years Award. We will post the recent article as soon as it becomes available.
Small Business Strategies
From Pacific Business News, December 1999
---------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------
 
Cardoza Enterprises eyes $1 million mark
Malia Zimmerman   PBN Staff Reporter
 
Lou Cardoza stood beside his son, Lou Cardoza Jr., proudly displaying his
shiny black van with gold lettering that reads, "Lou Cardoza Enterprises:
Customers First."
 
That promise, to put customers first, is one of the primary reasons Cardoza
believes his automotive equipment business will make $1 million in sales this
year.
 
That's also the reason he made PBN's 1999 Fastest 50 list of Hawaii's fastest-
growing private companies.
 
Cardoza built his career and much of his life around his love for cars. He once
 before owned an automotive business in California, and raced and collected
cars. Later, he worked for 10 years as vice president and general manager of
Consumer Tire Warehouse in Hawaii until it closed in November 1994.
 
"I've been in the automotive industry since the mid-1960s. I've always found it
 interesting and ever-changing," Cardoza says.
 
When in 1995 Cardoza opened Lou Cardoza Enterprises with $5,000 in
savings, he wasn't sure of his future. He just knew he wouldn't dream of
working in any other industry.
 
Today, Lou Cardoza Enterprises has expanded into three main areas: He is a
representative for equipment manufacturer John Bean Co., a subsidiary of
Snap-On Tools; he sells diagnostic and repair equipment to new car dealers
 and independent repair shops; and he sells parts, accessories and chemicals
for around 20 other automotive manufacturers to companies such as NAPA.
 
In addition, Cardoza travels to the neighbor islands, Guam, Saipan and Palau
four times a year to sell products and solicit new clients.
 
Cardoza Jr. is also heavily involved in the family business. He tours Oahu
dealerships, distributing the 40 to 50 lines of equipment and supplies.
 
The Cardozas' teamwork, dedication to customers and ability to serve a niche
 market is paying off -- with $1 million in sales estimated for this year and more
 than 100 happy customers.
 
This is a considerable jump even over the sales figures
reported in the 1999 Fastest 50 list -- $774,000.
 
Although Cardoza is mum about his exact plans, he says he is looking at a
massive expansion, including an e-commerce venture through Internet links
 with his vendors.
 
It is difficult to own and operate a business in Hawaii, Cardoza says, but he
 enjoys his work and independence.
 
"I like owning my own business because I can make decisions rapidly and
 independently without red tape."
 
Reach Malia Zimmerman by e-mail or by phone at 955-8001.