ORLANDO, FL — The National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) has named Jake Hershey, Jr., former owner of Pennsylvania Auto Dealers Exchange (PADE), a pioneer of the industry for his achievements and contributions to the remarketing profession. The honor was presented during the association’s 64th annual conference this month in Olrlando, Fla. The NAAA represents more than 300 auction members in North America.

This Industry Pioneer Award, given to those who have worked in the wholesale motor vehicle industry and/or NAAA, recognizes an individual who has innovated or enhanced methods of improving services to remarketers through NAAA member auctions; has championed NAAA member auctions as providing services for motor vehicle remarketers unavailable from any other source; and has consistently followed the ethical standards of the NAAA Code of Ethics.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Jake Hershey who is a shining example of service and commitment to moving our industry forward,” stated award presenter and past NAAA President Larry Tribble, owner and president of the Southern Auto Auction in New Windsor, Conn. “Not only is he a man of high ethical standards, vast industry knowledge and progressive business vision, Jake is also a real family man, good friend and great guy.”

He said that Hershey’s willingness to share business practices and experiences with others made him a valued NAAA member, taking an active role serving on various committees, the executive board and as secretary.

“Jake helped build and develop a well-oiled machine that provides an excellent model to independent auctions of how to keep moving ahead,” Tribble said. “His business survived and thrived in the face of extreme competition for dealer-to-dealer consignments.”

Hershey’s father founded PADE in 1957, realizing a dream he nurtured as a young man while still working in the family’s five and dime store. In 1980 Jake Jr. joined the growing family enterprise that included his mother, grandmother, aunts and brothers, bringing with him experience in auto leasing and rentals.

He later served as vice president and corporate secretary before eventually taking ownership along with his cousin Skip Wolfgang, who had come aboard in 1981. Under their leadership, the auction continued to expand, servicing customers from 49 states and 33 countries from its York, Pa., site of more than 140 acres with 11 fully automated auction lanes and an 8,000-square-foot reconditioning facility. PADE remained one of the oldest and largest independently owned and operated vehicle auctions in the United States until its corporate acquisition by ADESA in 2008.

Now retired, Hershey enjoys traveling with his wife around the country in their RV.

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