The Better Business Bureau serving Dallas, Lubbock and Wichita Falls, Texas, announced this year’s recipients of its annual BBB Torch Awards for Ethics, among them Category II winner North American Auto Care.

Category II honors companies with 10 to 29 employees. The BBB said in a press release about the awards that at North American Auto Care, "Kurtis Orcutt’s leadership approach is rooted in a profound understanding that character is the cornerstone of sustained success. They enable their team to address issues proactively, ensuring transparency in their interactions, and embracing honesty even in challenging scenarios, North American Auto Care prides itself in creating a customer-centric environment that strengthens relationships and builds lasting trust."

BBB said the Torch Awards embody its mission of "advancing marketplace trust" and honors organizations whose leaders focus on the award criteria: character, culture, customers and community. The criteria measure the character of the organization’s leadership; if and how an authentic culture is being fostered; the company’s transparent relationship with customers; and the impact the organization is making in the local community.

It chose four businesses in different company size categories to receive the honors after a judges panel evaluated 20 finalists for commitment to high standards of leadership, character and ethics.

New this year, BBB recognized one company with a BBB Spark Award, which recognizes business owners ages 35 and younger or business owners of any age operating for less than three years who demonstrate a higher level of character, generate an authentic culture about its mission, and connect with the community.