The Automotive Hall of Fame has honored Jesse Berger, president and dealer principal of Eastern Michigan Kenworth, with a Young Leader and Excellence Award

. Berger received his award at the annual induction ceremony at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.

The Automotive Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding achievement in the automotive and related industries. With its Young Leader and Excellence Award, it honors persons age 40 or under who have demonstrated significant potential as future industry leaders. Berger is one of four individuals who received the award.

Prior to joining the Kenworth dealer network in 2006, Berger worked for his family's business, Berger & Sons Truck Service. He remodeled the repair facility and company office into Eastern Michigan Kenworth-Clinton Township. The company went from 12 employees and $2 million in annual sales to a total of 90 employees and sales of $22 million in 2008.

"I started my career early at a very young age of 10 when I would pump gas at my family's gas station and get quarter tips," 38-year-old Berger said. "Since then, I have stayed ahead of the age curve. What motivates me is achieving my dreams and one of them is to build the best Kenworth dealer organization in the state of Michigan."