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Tag: Newsletter 1st Article

  • Roadcheck set for May 12-14; here’s what inspectors will be looking at

    Roadcheck set for May 12-14; here’s what inspectors will be looking at

    The clock is ticking on getting commercial motor vehicles you’re responsible for ready for a major inspection effort.

    From May 12 to 14, enforcement personnel throughout North America will inspect commercial motor vehicles for compliance with vehicle, cargo and driver regulatory requirements as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual 72-hour inspection, enforcement and data-collection initiative, International Roadcheck.

    During International Roadcheck, inspectors at weigh/inspection stations and pop-up inspection sites primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes two major parts – an examination of the driver’s operating requirements and an assessment of the vehicle’s mechanical fitness.

    For the vehicle portion of the inspection, inspectors will assess a vehicle’s:

    * brake systems

    * cargo securement

    *coupling devices

    *driveline/driveshaft components

    *driver’s seat

    *fuel and exhaust systems

    *frames

    *lighting devices

    *steering mechanisms

    *suspensions

    *tires

    *wheels

    *rims,

    *hubs,

    *windshield wipers.

    Inspections of motorcoaches/buses and other passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles also include examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.

  • Skills USA names competitor for world technician competition in China

    Skills USA names competitor for world technician competition in China

    SkillsUSA recently announced it has selected Benjamin Strupp, of Holmen, Wisconsin, as the U.S.’s official competitor in Heavy Vehicle Technology for the 2026 WorldSkills Competition. This international skills competition is Sept. 22 -27 in Shanghai, China.

    Strupp, a diesel technician, is a graduate of Madison Area Technical College and Holmen High School. He was the SkillsUSA Wisconsin state champion in Diesel Equipment Technology for both the high school and college/postsecondary divisions in 2023 and 2025 respectively. He placed second in the nation at the 2025 SkillsUSA Championships held during the annual National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta.

    “I have been around heavy equipment and trucks from a young age,” Strupp said. “This industry has been a major part of my life, and when I learned in high school that I could compete in an event that showcased the skills I knew best, I immediately pursued it. Continuing that path into college proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

    In the SkillsUSA Championships, competitors cycle through stations testing and troubleshooting engines, electrical and electronics systems, and powertrain systems including chassis, transmissions, and carriers. They demonstrate skills in hydraulic systems, vehicle inspections, fundamental failure analysis, brake systems, air-conditioning systems, and general shop skills. Competitors also perform a job interview and complete a written test.

    Strupp said he was inspired to apply for consideration for the WorldSkills USA team by one of his college instructors who believed in his potential and challenged him to work harder.

    “He explained that with hard work and dedication, I could earn the opportunity to represent the United States at the WorldSkills competition in China, in 2026,” Strupp said. “That conversation motivated me to push myself and commit fully to my training. It feels incredible that someone from a small town in Wisconsin could train, work hard, and be chosen to represent my skills and knowledge as the competitor.”

    Strupp’s expert for the WorldSkills Competition is Greg Vannorsdel, Product Consultant for John Deere. John Deere and Caterpillar are sponsoring Strupp’s and Vannorsdel’s participation in this international competition.

    Vannorsdel, who has volunteered his time with SkillsUSA for a decade and was a student competitor himself when SkillsUSA was still known as VICA, is excited to help Strupp and the WorldSkills USA delegation shine on the international stage.

    “This isn’t just a role, it’s a chance to elevate our industry, invest in the next generation of talent, and prove that American skill can compete with the best in the world,” Vannorsdel said. “For years, I’ve poured my energy into SkillsUSA and future generations of diesel technicians, driving positive change and building trust as a national leader.”

    Strupp is eager to train over the next nine months.

    “From now until the competition, my training is extremely intensive, with a demanding schedule filled with travel and hands-on experience,” Strupp said, noting that self-discipline is the “most important part” of his preparation.

    Heavy Vehicle Technology is the fifth competition in which the U.S. delegation will compete during WorldSkills. WorldSkills brings together young people, industry, education, and government leaders from around the world to advance career and technical education and training. Competitors vie for international honors in skill competitions, showcasing dozens of trade skills.

    SkillsUSA already has named competitors in Mechatronics, Automobile Technology, Plumbing and Heating and Cooking. SkillsUSA will name additional competitors, experts and sponsors as it assembles the U.S. delegation in the coming months.

    To support the WorldSkills USA team, donate at worldskillsusa.org/donate.

  • ASE Foundation’s new website ‘to provide a wealth of resources’

    ASE Foundation’s new website ‘to provide a wealth of resources’

    The ASE Education Foundation has updated its website with an attractive new design, user-friendly functionality and more comprehensive information for ASE stakeholders, including students, schools and industry partners.

    “The new foundation website was designed to provide a wealth of resources that help develop, connect and create opportunities for students, schools and local businesses,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “Throughout the development phase, we kept in mind the need to address the technician shortage, so we included detailed information to help students learn about available scholarships, career opportunities and the benefits of ASE Certification as well as ways industry stakeholders can partner with ASE and connect with schools in their local areas.”

    The new website features three main categories, including one for students with links to help find information about schools, career opportunities and the benefits of ASE Certification. Available scholarship opportunities are clearly listed along with an instructive pathway to help students get started with their careers. Inspiring student success stories are highlighted and there is an option for students to share their own stories.

    A section for schools and instructors covers the benefits and process of accreditation and details about the annual ASE Instructor Conference. Also included is contact information for ASE field managers and a new interactive field manager map where individuals can click on any state to find the ASE field managers for that state.

    For industry partners, there are resources to help businesses connect and partner with schools, students and the ASE Education Foundation. There is also a comprehensive listing of the industry partners who generously support the Foundation’s mission.

    “The ASE Education Foundation impacts more than 100,000 students across 1,800+ ASE accredited programs, bridging the gap between education and the transportation industry and providing a certification pathway for students to enter the industry and build rewarding careers,” said Coley. “In developing this website, we wanted to provide a greater depth of information for all stakeholders in an easy-to-find, attractive format, so we sought their input to ensure we included valuable content reflecting the needs of all interested parties.”

    To view the new ASE Education Foundation website, visit ASEeducationFoundation.org.

  • Ryder expands in Georgia with purchase of Truck Service Depot

    Ryder expands in Georgia with purchase of Truck Service Depot

    Ryder System, Inc. recently completed the acquisition of Truck Service Depot, an Atlanta-based mobile maintenance business servicing commercial trucks and trailers in Georgia. The company said the acquisition strengthens and expands Ryder’s Torque by Ryder retail mobile maintenance business offering, accelerating growth of this product solution.

    Truck Service Depot operates with a skilled team including more than 20 technicians and runs two physical locations: a 10 full drive-through maintenance bay facility in Atlanta, and a service center in Savannah. Ryder anticipates the acquisition will create synergies and benefit both Ryder and Truck Service Depot customers.

    To support a seamless transition and maintain uninterrupted services for customers, Torque by Ryder will integrate Truck Service Depot employees, assets, and operations into its network throughout 2026. Scott Marshall, who founded Truck Service Depot in 2018, will work with Ryder to help guide the transition.

    “With Truck Service Depot’s strong presence in Georgia and complementary mobile maintenance services in a growth market for Ryder, we are enhancing our ability to further offer flexible, rapid maintenance solutions to fleets across this growing freight corridor,” says Tom Havens, president of Fleet Management Solutions at Ryder.

    Ryder completed the transaction on Jan. 5. Financial terms of the deal are not disclosed.

    “I chose Ryder to continue the legacy of best-in-class mobile maintenance services because of their commitment to innovation, customer service, and employee growth,” says Scott Marshall, CEO of Truck Service Depot. “I am confident that Ryder is the ideal home for our employees and customers moving forward.”

    Fulton County, recognized by Georgia as a top priority for logistics investment, benefits from an increasing demand for transportation and fleet services. The area’s multimodal infrastructure — including the world’s busiest airport, major interstate corridors, and extensive freight rail access — provides exceptional connectivity for commercial fleets operating throughout the Southeast. Truck Service Depot’s market presence strengthens Ryder’s ability to support customers moving through this high-velocity freight corridor and aligns with the company’s broader Southeast expansion strategy.

    The acquisition builds on Ryder’s broader Southeast expansion strategy, which includes recent investments in new truck rental and maintenance facilities in McDonough, Georgia and Lebanon, Tennessee. These recent openings reinforce Ryder’s commitment to serving high-growth logistics corridors with flexible, tech-enabled fleet solutions, while Truck Service Depot’s coverage areas further position Ryder at the center of one of the nation’s most active freight hubs.

    With this acquisition, Torque by Ryder retail mobile maintenance services are available across 27 states delivering comprehensive support to customers across a wide range of vehicles, including commercial trucks, trailers, delivery vans, refrigerated vehicles, construction and utility vehicles, passenger and shuttle buses, forklifts, and emergency response vehicles.

    For more information about Torque by Ryder, visit torquebyryder.com.

  • New year is a prime opportunity to improve your skills and professionalism

    New year is a prime opportunity to improve your skills and professionalism

    Has work become less inspiring than it used to be? Are you getting the repairs made, but maybe just going through the motions with the rest of your time at work?

    Well, a new year comes with the opportunity to recapture some of the things that inspired you in the past. Maybe you just need to polish up a few things that will make you a more valuable tech in 2026. And, as we all know, being more valuable, going the extra mile, can get you noticed and rewarded when it comes time for raises, bonuses and promotions.

    Now is a good time to take stock and make some professional adjustments. Here are a five key areas you may wish to focus on in the year ahead:

    1. Skills Development

    • Are all of your certifications up to date?: Obtain relevant certifications (like ASE and those from OEMs) to validate your expertise.
    • Have you been learning continuously? : Stay updated on the latest technology and repair techniques. Ask if your employer offers educational opportunities in-house or if they will pay for you to take a class elsewhere.
    • Have you specialized?: Consider specializing in a particular area of mechanical expertise, such as emissions systems or electrical diagnostics.
    • Practice: If there’s a process you’re unfamiliar with, check out online resources or ask a co-worker for tips on how to master it.
    • Mentorship: Especially if you’re new to the company, learn from more experienced technicians to gain insights and tips. If you’re and old hand, reach out to new techs who could benefit from your expertise.

    2. Tools and Technology

    • Familiarity With Tools: Ensure you’re skilled with the latest diagnostic tools and equipment. It may take some spending on your part, but think of it as an investment in your future earning power.
    • Software Skills: Learn to use or brush up on software for diagnostics and repair tracking. Software is always being updated, so be sure you have the latest version and kn ow how to use it properly.

    3. Communication Skills

    • Team Collaboration: Be sure you work effectively with other technicians and other departments.
    • Customer Interaction: Practice clear communication with customers regarding repairs and maintenance. Know how to explain technical issues in non-technical, easily understood ways.

    4. Professionalism

    • Positive Attitude: Double-check to be sure you maintain a positive and proactive mindset, even in challenging situations or with challenging people.
    • Workplace Conduct: Follow safety rules and maintain a clean and organized work station. If you borrow a tool, return it when you are done with it.
    • Attention to Detail: Double-check your work to ensure quality and safety.

    5. Feedback and Improvement

    • Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from supervisors and peers to identify areas for improvement.
    • Self-Reflection: Take time to evaluate your own performance, decide what you wish to change or improve, and then set goals for growth.

    By focusing on these areas in the new year ahead, you can enhance your value as a technician and contribute more effectively to your team and organization.

  • Best wishes for a successful and prosperous New Year!

    Best wishes for a successful and prosperous New Year!

  • Thanks for keeping everything running smoothly all year. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas filled with warmth and joy!

    Thanks for keeping everything running smoothly all year. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas filled with warmth and joy!

  • Numerous technicians honored as ASE announces 2025 award winners

    Numerous technicians honored as ASE announces 2025 award winners

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced its award winners for 2025.

    “Each year, ASE proudly recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves across the automotive service industry,” said Dave Johnson, ASE president and CEO. “These awards reflect outstanding achievement in multiple areas of ASE Certification. These recipients have demonstrated exceptional skills, performance and leadership in their daily work, making them exemplary industry representatives to the public we serve. Together with our industry partners and award sponsors, we salute the best of the best.”

    Advance Auto Parts/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year: Ray Loek, Advance Auto Parts (Hampton, Minnesota)

    Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper/ASE Automobile Master Technician of the Year: Kevin Kiggins, Pullen’s Garage (Trenton, New Jersey)

    Big O Tires/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Nathan Warshawsky, Big O Tires-Leeds West Group (Rio Rancho, New Mexico)

    BMW/ASE Master Automobile Technicians of the Year: Bruce Beyer, BMW of Devon (Thornton, Pennsylvania), Derrin Holt, BMW of Birmingham (Ashville, Alabama), Tom Kopp, The BMW Store (Maineville, Ohio) and Joshua Zohar, Medford BMW (Medford, Oregon)

    BMW/ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year: Jacob Gilbert, BMW of Mobile (Semmes, Alabama)

    BodyShop Business/ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year: Timothy Essick, Waldorf Toyota (Port Tobacco, Maryland)

    Bridgestone Retail Operations/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Zachary Borden, Firestone Complete Auto Care (Suffolk, Virginia)

    ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year: Ken Kunz, Waubonsee Community College, (Minooka, Illinois)

    CCAR/Electude/ASE Instructor of the Year: Michael Angell, Lincoln Tech (Arlington, Texas)

    Cengage Learning/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Greg Weigart, Kruse’s Auto Center (Savannah, Missouri)

    Cloyes/ASE Automobile Technician of the Year: Larrin Nottke, Joe’s Automotive Inc. (Bonfield, Illinois)

    Delco Remy/ASE M/H Truck Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician of the Year: Bryan Hall, City of Stillwater (Glencoe, Oklahoma)

    Discount Tire/ASE Automobile Technician of the Year: Jason Barratta, Suburban Tire (North Aurora, Illinois)

    Enterprise Mobility/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Barry Howell, Enterprise Mobility (Hastings, Michigan)

    First Student/ASE Master School Bus Technician of the Year: Jordan Trent, First Student (Kenora, Canada)

    Ford/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Scott Yoshioka, Cutter Ford (Pearl City, Hawaii)

    Army/Ford/ASE Master Military Technician of the Year:Colin Weyker, 493rd Petroleum Support Company (Pauls Valley, Oklahoma)

    Freightliner/ASE Master M/H Truck Technician of the Year: David Goretcki, Diesel Truck Sales (Pinconning, Michigan)

    Gates Tools for Schools/ASE Instructor of the Year: Todd Brandenburg, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (Greenleaf, Wisconsin)

    Gates/ASE Master Automobile + L1 Technician of the Year: Robert Pratt, Christian Brothers Automotive (Krum, Texas)

    GM/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Jason Corey, Kendall GM of Nampa (Meridian, Idaho)

    GM/ASE Parts Consultant of the Year: Brian Chatman, Ramey Motors (Lerona, West Virginia)

    GM/ASE Service Consultant of the Year: Patrick Bible, Oakes GMC (Olathe, Kansas)

    USAF/GM/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Justin Vigil, United States Air Force (Walsenburg, Colorado)

    G-W/ASE Educator of the Year: Rebecca Fenton, Fairfax County Public Schools (Woodbridge, Virginia)

    Honda/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Steven Delgado, West Broad Honda (Henrico, Virginia)

    Acura/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Ryan Feeley, Hendrick Acura (Statesville, North Carolina)

    I-CAR Platinum/ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year: Lincoln Whipple, Cox Auto Body (Bradenton, Florida)

    KIA/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Dennis Corson, Charlies Motor Mall (Detroit, Maine)

    Midas International/ASE Master Automotive Technician of the Year:Jeremy Jones, Leads West Group Midas (Haysville, Kansas)

    Mitchell 1/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Mariano Rubio, Citrus College (Covina, California)

    Motor Age Training/ASE Master Automobile + L1 Technician of the Year: Jason Powell, KIA America (Elburn, Illinois)

    NAPA/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Antonio Martinez, Sliver Lake Auto and Tire Center (Pewaukee, Wisconsin)

    United States Marines/NAPA/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Bridger Gull, United States Marines (Heber City, Utah)

    Pep Boys/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Scott Horst, Pep Boys (Baltimore, Maryland)

    The Pronto Network ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Douglas Zugnoni, Frank’s Auto Service and Repair (Concord, Arkansas)

    Car-O-Liner/ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year:Nicholas Trusso, LJI Collision Center (Hudson, Ohio)

    NEXIQ/Snap-on/ASE Master M/H Truck Technician of the Year: David Gibson, Superior Diesel (Paw Paw, Illinois)

    Snap-on/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Mike Loyd, Christian Brothers Automotive (Woodway, Texas)

    Stellantis/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: David Gardner, Auto Nation Dodge Ram (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

    Subaru/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year:Brian Wittenberg, Walser Automotive Group (St. Paul, Minnesota)

    Subaru University/ASE Technician of the Future: Denis Blaga, Carr Automotive Group (Portland, Oregon)

    TechNet/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: David Ludwick, University Motors (Harrison, Ohio)

    TechNet/ASE Service Consultant of the Year: Daniel Gore, All County Tire and Auto (Port Saint Lucie, Florida)

    Toyota/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Jeffrey Williams, Franklin Toyota (Statesboro, Georgia)

    Toyota/ASE Master Collision Repair and Refinish Technician of the Year: Sammy Conway, Peter Boulware Toyota (Crawfordville, Florida)

    Lexus/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Julian Benzala, Lexus of Birmingham (Trussville, Alabama)

    Lexus/ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year: Michael Stephens, Lindsay Lexus (Sterling, Virginia)

    Transdev/ASE Master Automobile & Medium/HD Truck Technician of the Year: Robert Morrison, Transdev (Abington, Maryland)

    Transdev/ASE Master Transit Bus Technician of the Year: Bryan Gold, Transdev (Downers Grove, Illinois); Derek Williams, Transdev (Lakewood, Colorado)

    Tuffy/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Scott Meyers, Tuffy (Oviedo, Florida)

    ZF Aftermarket/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year: Michael Murphy, Dall College (Waxahachie, Texas)

  • ASE’s new effort aims to connect repair industry with schools

    ASE’s new effort aims to connect repair industry with schools

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Tuesday announced the launch of ASE Connects, a new initiative to bring shops, dealerships and schools together to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing issues.

    ASE Connects is a nationwide partnership with WrenchWay.

    “There are many groups out there doing great work to help with issues like the technician shortage. ASE Connects is meant to supplement, not replace those efforts. Certain aspects simply work better when all parties involved are on one platform rather than individual silos for automotive, diesel or dealer versus independent,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “ASE is uniquely positioned to lead this effort. We proudly serve the automotive, diesel and collision repair industries and work with businesses of every type, from independent repair shops and dealerships to fleets, manufacturers and schools. ASE Connects brings all these groups together to strengthen the workforce pipeline for the entire industry.”

    Connecting industry with schools and gathering useful data are two areas where a centralized approach makes the biggest difference. These two priorities form the foundation of ASE Connects’ initial rollout:

    Connecting Industry with Schools

    ASE Connects will build upon the existing School Assist solution to streamline how shops, dealerships and schools work together. Today, more than 3,200 high schools and post-secondary programs are already participating, and ASE’s long-term goal is to bring on every school in the country. Members gain easy access to updated instructor contacts, school support requests and direct communication channels to offer help and connect with students. These tools reduce the barriers that often limit effective school–industry collaboration.

    Providing Useful Industry Data

    ASE Connects will also introduce the Industry Data Exchange, a new effort that builds upon the Voice of Technician report, technician pay data and ASE’s school data. The Exchange will provide a comprehensive view of workforce trends across the automotive, diesel and collision industries by gathering data rarely shared publicly, including pay, benefits and labor rates.

    Shops will be able to look at numbers on a national level as well as filter based on location, shop type and more. ASE’s independence ensures data stays anonymous yet useful for each participating entity.

    ASE Connects memberships are free for schools, while businesses pay a small annual fee. This fee not only supports the broader industry mission, strengthening technician programs, improving data accuracy and building a healthier workforce pipeline, but also delivers clear, measurable value back to each participating shop.

    ASE will continue partnering with WrenchWay to leverage its technology and online platform tooperate the network.

    “We are excited to take this next step with ASE,” said Mark Wilson, co-founder and CEO of WrenchWay. “WrenchWay’s mission has always been to promote and improve technician careers. By combining ASE’s industry leadership with our technology, we are able to focus even more on that mission and make a bigger impact together.”

    ASE Connects will be introduced during a webinar taking place on Jan. 15 at 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT. Click here to register to attend.

  • California instructor named Mitchell 1 / ASE Master Technician of the Year

    California instructor named Mitchell 1 / ASE Master Technician of the Year

    An instructor for a  college in Southern California and professional technician recently received one of the industry’s top awards.

    Mariano Rubio of Covina, California, was named the 2025 Mitchell 1 / National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Master Technician of the Year during the ASE Service Professionals Awards banquet, held recently in Savannah, Georgia. He is an instructor at Citrus College, a community college located about 27 miles east of Los Angeles.

    “Mitchell 1 is proud to recognize Mariano Rubio as this year’s ASE Master Technician of the Year,” said Cami Hermann, director of marketing at Mitchell 1. “Mariano’s exemplary performance each and every day makes him an outstanding example of excellence in the automotive industry.”

    As the award recipient, Rubio received an all-expense paid trip to attend the ASE awards banquet, including airfare and hotel, and a $1,000 cash prize.

    For the past 15 years, Rubio has been an automotive instructor at Citrus College in Glendora. He teaches automatic transmission and HVAC repair in the Toyota T-TEN program, drivetrain and advanced vehicle electrical systems in the medium and heavy-duty truck program and standby generator repair, including diesel engine repair, AC generator inspection and AC electrical fundamentals. Rubio also heads the engineering program, where he teaches classes in engineering graphics, mechanics of materials and engineering numerical computations.

    In addition to his instructor roles, Rubio serves as an advisor to the Citrus Automotive, Physics and Engineering (CAPE) design team, where he is helping students build a gasoline and electric high-mileage vehicle to compete in the Shell Eco-marathon. He is also the advisor to the college’s engineering club.

    When he’s not at Citrus College, Rubio works as a diagnostic technician at Young’s Automotive in Covina, California and as a crash accident investigator for Peter R. Thom & Associates Inc. He is also pursuing a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering at the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC). In addition, Rubio has coauthored papers on transient pulsed plasma ignition sources for internal combustion engines, extreme-lean hydrogen mixtures and single fuel ammonia combustion engines.

    Rubio holds ASE certifications in A1-A9, T1-T8, L1, L2, L3, F1, C1, G1 and X1. He has also earned certifications in GSA Apprentice, NFPA 70-E High Voltage Safety, MACS Section 609 and SOLIDWORKS CAD Design Associate.

    Rubio credits his father, Mariano Rubio Sr., who has been an ASE certified technician since the late ‘70s, with inspiring him to follow in his footsteps. He also recognizes his high school automotive teacher, Brad Walsh, for guiding him through his auto shop classes and encouraging his first job at a Toyota dealership.

    To qualify for the Technician of the Year award, the winner must achieve the status of ASE Master Certification, pass one or more of the A1-A8 automotive tests with the highest scores within the past 12 months and maintain the highest average passing score across all automobile tests within the past five years.