There is no getting around the importance of training and mentorship in the automotive service repair industry. A strong commitment to training provides many long-term benefits for business growth. A collaborative approach to learning is encouraged, creating in-house experts and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Brandon advocates for staying technologically updated and customer-focused to ensure business success. The episode underscores training’s vital role in enhancing customer service and business success.

Brandon Steckler, instructor for CarQuest Institute and WorldPAC Training Institute, Technical Editor for MotorAge Magazine. Brandon’s previous episodes HERE.

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• The Importance of Mentorship (00:01:45) Brandon’s mentor, Jim Morton, and the impact of mentorship on his career.
• Passing on Knowledge (00:02:53) Brandon’s commitment to guiding and mentoring younger technicians.
• Learning from Mistakes (00:03:27) The value of sharing personal mistakes and lessons in training sessions.
• Influence and Impact (00:04:56) The significance of influencing and changing lives as a trainer in the automotive industry.
• Motivation for Technicians (00:05:24) The evolving motivations for technicians and the importance of ongoing education.
• The Role of Training (00:06:15) The critical role of ongoing education and networking for technicians.
• Engaging Training (00:07:03) Brandon’s approach to engaging and building trust with trainees.
• Staying Current (00:11:07) The importance of continuous learning and the 85% rule
• Teaching in Europe (00:16:30) Brandon’s experience teaching in the UK and Ireland, and plans for future classes.
• Importance of Mentorship (00:18:27) Brandon discusses the value of sharing mistakes and not being a hero in teaching, emphasizing mentorship.
• Encouraging Questions (00:20:11) The positive impact of asking questions and fostering a network of knowledge in training sessions.
• Creating Technical Content (00:22:51) Brandon’s process for creating technical videos and the importance of creating useful content for technicians.
• Value of Training (00:26:48) Brandon’s approach to building confidence in technicians through training and the impact of a positive learning environment.
• Understanding Shop Ownership (00:29:08) Brandon’s realization of the responsibilities and challenges of shop ownership and the importance of a well-rounded skill set.
• Managing Training Responsibilities (00:29:57) Discussion on the responsibility of shop owners to invest in structured training programs and the benefits of investing in employees.
• Challenges of Time and Money (00:31:40) The difficulty of allocating time and money for training, and the importance of seeing the return on investment in training.
• The Importance of Solutions (00:33:28) Emphasizing the need to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and the positive outcomes that result from this mindset.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

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Jim Morton has recently retired as an Advanced Engine Performance instructor at Automotive Training Center in Exton and Warminster, PA. He and his wife Mary own and operate Morton’s Automotive Technical Services (MATS), which offers training for working technicians. Jim was selected by Import Service Magazine as one of the top independent trainers. With more than 45 years in the industry as a technician, shop owner and trainer, Morton has been a requested presenter at National Training expos around the country including NACAT, CARS, TST Big Event, VISION KC and ASA. Jim has written diagnostic procedure articles for MotorAge, Import Service and ASA Auto Inc magazines.

Listen to Jim’s previous episodes HERE

Brandon Steckler began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, PA. There, he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, PA where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status. Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist amongst the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he once again transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specializes in diagnostics and drivability. Today, he is a working technician at a large facility near the NE side of Philadelphia, PA. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he writes for MotorAGE Magazine, teaches for CARQUEST Technical Institute as well as WORLDPAC, INC. and develops curriculum/submits case studies for other training companies. Brandon contributes weekly to Facebook Automotive Chat groups and truly enjoys helping others to attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.

Listen to Brandon’s previous episodes HERE

Key Talking Points

• Being a lifelong mentor- you can’t mentor something you don’t know. Answer questions with more questions as a mentor. Guide, don’t push.   
• Let your ego go- ask for help, no one knows everything 
• Know the basics as a diagnostician- common sense and foundation should be 85% and the last 15% you should know where to find it.
• Developing mentees- looking inside industry and outside of the industry. Excite the individuals that have a passion for electronics and programming. Teach at a deeper level besides just passing tests. Retention is key. Case studies- live examples 
• Are you finding the problem or the effect of the problem?
• Being a mentor/teacher- showing what worked for you 
• Know your opponent- stop every 5 minutes and ask yourself if you are further along than you were 5 minutes ago  
• Proper interview with the customer

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Important Books

Check out today’s partners:

This episode is brought to you by AAPEX, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.  The Virtual AAPEX Experience 2020 is in the record books. Virtual AAPEX lived up to presenting leading-technical and business management training from some of the industry’s best and brightest. Now set your sights on the homecoming in Las Vegas in 2021. Mark your calendar now … November 2-4, 2021, AAPEX // Now more than ever.

This episode is brought to you by Shop-Ware Shop Management. It’s time to run your business at its fullest potential with the industry’s leading technology. Shop-Ware Shop Management will increase your efficiency with lightning-fast workflows, help your staff capture more sales every day, and create very happy customers who promote your business. Shops running Shop-Ware have More Time and generate More Profit—join them! Schedule a free live demonstration and find out how 30 minutes can transform your shop at getshopware.com/carm

Aftermarket Radio Network

Contribute to Taurayi Sewera’s Automotive Technology Training Center. Any amount will help. Please watch the panel discussion then consider a contribution.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-taurayi-build-a-training-centre-for-the-youth

Panel:

• Taurayi Sewera
  • Creating the International Institution of Automotive Technology in Zimbabwe, Africa
  • 30 ASE Certifications
  • More on Taurayi below.
• Sheri Hamilton, Executive Director MWACA, Vision High-Tech Training and Expo
• Jorge Menchu, CEO AES Wave or Matt Fanslow, Shop Manager, Red Wing Automotive
• Wilfred Emmanuel
  • A great friend of Taurayi
  • Created the Go-Fund-Me Page
  • Finance specialist
• Jim Morton, Aftermarket Technical Trainer, Mentor
• Maurice Donovan, Director
  • Allautos Advance Tuning
  • Australia
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Built the Go-Fund-Me Page

——

Who

• Taurayi Raymond Sewera
• Became an Automotive Technician since 1996 for 19yrs as a self-taught tech.
• Attended first professional training at Vision Hi-Tech Training in Kansas city USA in 2017
• Attained first ASE certification in 2017 after attending Vision.
• Now has 30 ASE certifications including, 3 Master Technician, Advanced Level Specialist,L1, L2, L3 and X1
• Became the first and only African ACDC certified Master Technician in Hybrid & Electric vehicles in 2019.

Why

• Would like to change lives in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole through automotive technology training
• There is currently NO automotive technology training institution in Zimbabwe
• Zimbabwean Government recently banned the importation of used vehicles that are 10yrs and older to this current date, which has raised the demand for technicians who is trained in current technology.
• The formal employment rate is currently just around 10% in Zimbabwe.
• 90% of people are not formally employed but rely on informal trading.
• 70% of unemployed constitute youths that is 35yrs and below
• Would like to empower woman more as I was inspired by my mother’s story
• My mother’s resilience and perseverance has motivated me to help woman become empowered through automotive training programs we will offer at IIATT.
• The Iconic Nelson Mandela wants said, “ Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world”  he also said “ The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success” 

HOW

• We going to achieve this goal through the funding needed to build the school.
• We have opened a Go-Fund-Me page for well-wishers to donate to this great cause and change hundreds of thousands of lives in Zimbabwe.
• We have already covered about 70% of this whole project as we have bought most of the hand tools and some of the equipment, also bought the land on which this school is going to be built.  

WHERE

• International Institute of Automotive Technology Training will be built in a low-density suburb called Mandara in the capital city Harare, Zimbabwe.

WHEN

• International Institute of Automotive Technology Training will be built as soon as we raise enough money to begin construction and will be ready for enrolment in as early 3 weeks after completion of necessary rooms to start the training programs.

Brandon Steckler began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, PA. There, he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts.

He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, PA where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas where he aggressively worked to attain another Mater Technician status.

Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist amongst the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he once again transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specializes in diagnostics and drivability.

Today, he is a working technician at a large facility near the NE side of Philadelphia, PA. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he writes for MotorAGE Magazine, teaches for CARQUEST Technical Institute as well as WORLDPAC, INC. and develops curriculum/submits case studies for other training companies. Brandon contributes weekly to Facebook Automotive Chat groups and truly enjoys helping others to attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.

Professional Accomplishments

• GM ASEP certified Technician
• SATURN certified Master Technician
• Honda Factory Certified Master Technician
• Diagnostic technician in multiple shop locations
• Training instructor
• Training Curriculum Development

Certifications

• ASE CMAT A1- A9
• ASE C1 Service Consultant
• ASE L1, L2, L3 Advanced Level Specialist

Personal Mission Statement

To help maintain or improve the level of professionalism amongst today’s diagnosticians and to help grow the number of competent diagnosticians of tomorrow.

Key Talking Points:

• Mentor: Jim Morton
• Aspires to be an instructor of the caliber of John Thorton
  • Enjoys being an instructor and answering questions. Considers himself a ‘bridge gaper’ with relaying information in a relatable way for students to understand.
• Trainer for CTI (Carquest Technical Institute) and WTI ( WorldPac Technical Institute)
• “Knowledge begets new knowledge”
  • When you share knowledge together you can make new discoveries
• Always seeking new challenges with work
  • Worked at over 10 different shops and learned from all of them even the not so good experiences  
  • Described as “information specialist” because enjoys branching out to different makes and models of vehicles
  • Learned a lot in the early days by reading case studies
• 1.5 hour commute to work one way
  • Still keeps fire and motivation because uses that time to think and collect thoughts
• His first article for Motorage is still his favorite piece
  • Toughest challenge- Minivan with start problem that kept occurring
  • Put pride aside and wrote about the difficulties he faced
• Training techs
  • Daytime training- leaving work for training, shouldn’t cost tech money to do so
  • Techs need to constantly be training to keep up with the changing industry
• Advice
  • Try your best, ask questions, make mistakes and learn from it
  • Don’t be afraid of not knowing something, career is up to you

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
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This episode is brought to you by Federal-MogulMotorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com

“There’s nothing too hard if you are determined to work hard enough. Do not underestimate your talent; you may never know where it will take you.” Taurayi Raymond Sewera

Taurayi Raymond Sewera had a tough life growing up in Glen Norah (a ghetto suburb in Harare). His father passed away after he finished his ordinary level education. His mother worked hard selling different things to farms in order to make ends meet. This gave Taurayi the motivation to work hard enough and be able to thank her for the sacrifices she made.” Taurayi is a man who has not only managed to make lemonade out of lemons but also stood out from the situation around him, identified his talent and made it his strength. He is now soaring to greater heights.

Taurayi is one of the few automotive technicians who can fix cars from gasoline, hybrid and electric vehicles, to heavy-duty diesel vehicles as well as earth-moving and farming equipment. Being the only technician in Africa who is certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for light duty diesel, medium and heavy-duty trucks and advanced level specialist (L1), Taurayi has broken many barriers and is still aiming for more. He is the first and only African member of the Automotive Service Association (ASA).

His professional journey began selling spare parts for heavy-duty vehicles. Taurayi did this while attending Oriel Boys High, a Group A school. He wanted to do computer programming but he could not afford to go for Advanced level and had to join his elder brother in selling automotive spare parts in Gazaland. Taurayi started selling spare parts to reputable companies where he began to recognize the difference between genuine parts and this increased his knowledge. Apart from selling automotive spare parts, Taurayi would also fix cars without getting any training. He said he had a feeling that he could fix cars and he believed in himself so much that he could literally fix any problem without going to any school for it. He ended up fixing gearboxes for big companies like Duly Truck Zimbabwe. He started doing engine overhauls as well and did his first engine with the help of a friend who specialized in engine rebuilding. When he did the second engine, Taurayi did it himself and his friend just confirmed that he had done it the proper way.

Taurayi did not want to be just a technician, he wanted to be the best not in Africa, but in the whole world and he believes he can achieve that. His giant step in becoming the best automotive technician came as he was watching a YouTube video by Jim Morton, a trainer that has been a huge influence on Taurayi. In the video, Jim was teaching a class of students at one of the biggest automotive technology training events, and he wrote his email on a whiteboard for his students to communicate with him afterward. Taurayi was bold enough to take down the email and went on to tell Jim his dream of becoming the best technician in the world and how much he was willing to learn from great people such as Jim. To Taurayi’s surprise, Jim Morton responded and from there he established links that opened opportunities for him to attend the biggest and best automotive service training event, VISION Hi-Tech Training.

Taurayi felt privileged to be the first ever attendee from Africa to go to Vision, which he says is the Automotive Technology Training ‘World Cup’.  He acknowledged how the event and expo made him realize that there are so many things that people miss out if they do not search for opportunities. Taurayi also noted how the expo made him think of young talent that is abundant in Africa and Zimbabwe but at times never gets the exposure that is required. He knows that his experience at Vision will help change African Automotive Service Excellence because he learned that he must impart to other young people to create world-class technicians in Africa as well.

Taurayi had a hard time convincing his family to support his dream of becoming the best automotive technician. This was mainly a result of society’s perceptions concerning the industry. However, with time, the rest of his family began to support him as much as his wife and children. Taurayi’s journey to success has even inspired his daughter who wants to become an automotive technician as well and enjoys reading her father’s technical books. When asked how he took his daughter’s decision, Taurayi said he was overwhelmed because he did not realize the impact he had made on his daughter and he was also proud that she is willing to stand out in a male-dominated industry.

Taurayi is married to a beautiful wife, Faith, and together they own a company, Truck Tech and General Services which specializes in road construction equipment. Taurayi is currently constructing a 1,900 square meter Automotive Services Workshop, which he says will be one of the best in Africa.

Taurayi is so in love with his family to an extent that his last-born son, Diesel, was nicknamed ‘Pico’ after the Picoscope, one his instruments that he bought and loves so much. He described his love for his work as being a result of him discovering his talent and making the most out of it. He encouraged young people to discover their talent, know what they want, and put aside everything that works against their dream. “You can be as big as you want as long as you put God first, the sky is the limit,” said Taurayi.

Currently, Taurayi is studying for his ASE L2 (Advanced Medium and Heavy Duty Electronic Engines Diagnosis Specialist), ASE L3 (Advanced Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Specialist) and ASE Master (Technician for Automobile and Medium and Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks). He said his secret to his success is God’s grace, believing in his goals and working towards those goals.

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-MogulMotorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com

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Jim has been an Advanced Engine Performance instructor at Automotive Training Center in Exton and Warminster, PA for over 21 years. He and his wife Mary own and operate Morton’s Automotive Technical Services (MATS), which offers training for working technicians. Jim was selected by Import Service Magazine as one of the top independent trainers. With more than 45 years in the industry as a technician, shop owner and trainer, Morton has been a requested presenter at National Training expos around the country including NACAT, CARS, TST Big Event, VISION KC and ASA. Jim has written diagnostic procedure articles for MotorAge, Import Service and ASA Auto Inc magazines.

After selling his automotive repair business over 20 years ago and going full-time mobile with diagnostics, he was asked by a post-secondary automotive training school if he could “FILL IN” for 4 weeks, due to an instructor walking out of a eight-week course right in the middle.

After turning the offer down about 4 times, Jim finally agreed to 4 weeks and 4 weeks ONLY with the understanding that his mobile diagnostic business was his MAIN focus.

September 2017, it will be 22 years at the school and all along maintaining his own company “MATS “.  Jim basically stopped most of the mobile diagnostics in 2007 after some serious heart issues, but still offers help to a lot of techs in their diagnostics.

MATS main focus has been trying to pass on diagnostic procedures and knowledge to keep shops profitable. Jim believes a lab scope is a necessary tool today if you want to be a great diagnostician.

There has been more than one time that Jim has stopped for a moment and wonders why he is still at the school. Here is his answer in his own words:

“I was at the portion of my eight-week Advance Engine Performance course where we are going over Engine Integrity testing and procedures. After going over the proper cranking and relative compression testing, then going over and performing proper cylinder leakage testing, I introduced 19 ‘soon to be working technicians’ to the art of in-cylinder pressure transducer testing and analyzing.

After explaining in GREAT detail at what they were actually looking at, I stepped back and let them go. They went from vehicle to vehicle and performed amazing diagnostic tests and talked among themselves of what they were seeing and what it would mean for their upcoming career, HIGH FIVES ALL OVER THE SHOP TO EACH OTHER. So I reminded myself WHY I’M STILL THERE.”

Jim says to all the shops in the industry that think there aren’t any young people that want to become technicians … YOU ARE WRONG, they just want to learn PROPERLY and they may NOT just accept what you say, they want to LEARN and be shown what you tell them.

A couple of years ago, a student asked Jim why do people try to teach others when they don’t even know the proper way? He wasn’t sure how to answer that. Jim told him to get over it and just worry about yourself and your career. The student persisted for a good while. Jim told him to write his frustration down on paper and “get it out”.

Here is the title of what he wrote: “LEAD, FOLLOW or GET OUT OF MY WAY……….”

Students he meets years later respect and appreciates the value and impact Jim has had on their career.

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com

[Pictuered above Joe Rakowski, Joe Tranchitella and Dave Wagner]

ASA-PA Super Saturday Training Event, Saturday, October 14th, 2017. Held at the Automotive Training Center in Warminster, PA

Two distinct training tracks for business owners and technicians with a compliment of industry vendors.

• Vendors – 31
• Classes – 19
• Attendees – 248
• Covering 13 different states and Canada

Super Saturday Leadership Team:

Joseph Rakowski
Event Chairman
Savage Automotive and The Hybrid Shop
Philadelphia, PA

Joe has a computer and electrical background.  From 1990 – 2003 he fixed flight simulators for the Navy and Marines.  During that time period, there was a lot of base closure’s and squadron’s deactivated. Joe needed to change careers, so when the phone call came from his pop it was perfect timing.  Joe’s dad had a business opportunity. The guy he worked for thirty years, wanted out. So Joe and his dad bought the business and his on-the-job training began.  Joe never went to an automotive school, every bit of his learning was OJT. It worked out great for Joe and the shop because cars became so computerized that it was right up Joe’s area of expertise.  The shop started programming and doing a lot of work that no other shops wanted to do.  Joe works to keep his shop ahead of the curve, by staying up with equipment, training and technology.  In the last couple of years Joe has migrated into the office and he really only gets to play with Hybrid batteries.

Joe Tranhitella
Event Co-Chairman
Joe & Sons Auto Repair
Perkasie, PA

Joe’s dad, known as Joe Senior, opened J&F Texaco in 1969. There Joe’s love for cars exploded.  As a very young kid Joe loved cars, so because of his dad’s shop, his automotive life was about to begin. Joe started by pumping gas, washing windows & pushing a broom. He also had a small car detailing business during the summers at the shop and he also had a lawn service business for 20 years.

In 1985 Joe started working for his Dad full time. He got his safety & Emission License and attended many Allen Test Product Classes.  As any son knows working with your Dad can be tough. In late 1989 Joe and his dad parted ways but still communicated…especially for Mom. In 1992, Joe and his dad got back together as business partners. I renamed the shop:  Joe & Sons’ Auto Repair.

In the mid 90’s Joe started to take ASE tests. He became an ASE master technician & a certified Emissions Repair Tech.

In 2006 Joe signed-up with coaching company ATI. He was active with that organization for over 3 years because he knew that he needed to learn more about running the business.

Joe attended his first Super Saturday event in 2013.  He partnered with Joe Rakowski and Dave Wagner because they always spoke highly of the importance of education at events like Vision and the TST Big Event. So in late 2015 he became involved with ASA and in 2016 Joe went to his first Vision with the ‘Savage Crew’. He was hooked.

In July 2017 Joe bought & started a second location, “Joe & Sons at Seven Corner Auto Repair”.

Dave Wagner
Event Co-Chairman
Automotive and Hybrid/EV Technician
Savage Automotive
Philadelphia, PA

Dave Wagner is a technician working at Savage Automotive Technologies in Northeast Philadelphia. There he has continued his education. Dave is an ASE CMAT, L1, L2, L3, the Assistant Coordinator for Delaware Training Group and an EV/Hybrid tech. Dave started as so many techs did changing oil at his uncle’s shop on weekends when he was 12 years old. He started the professional side of his career as a tech in dealerships in 1996. Dave is currently working with a mentor to become an instructor to help teach and motivate others to want to learn what this industry has to offer.

Trainers at Super Saturday that have been on the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast:

• Barry Barrett
• Jeremy O’Neal
• Eric Ziegler
• Wayne Colona
• Joe Gonzalez
• Jim Morton (upcoming)

Other names mentioned in the interview that has been on the podcast:

• G Jerry Truglia
• Dave Wagner

In attendance who has been on the podcast:

• Greg Buckley
• Jerry Holcom
• John Burkhauser
• Chris Cloutier
• Gary Keyes
• Keith Katz

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com

This is a very interesting story. My guest has spent 15 years working as a technician for a Ford dealership and for an ‘independent’. Eleven years ago he became an educator.

Jose Gonzalez started as a toddler taking apart small appliances on the kitchen floor of his grandparent’s farmhouse. As a senior in high school he attended vo-tech school and was welcomed into the automotive industry with his first job as a general repair tech in a local Pep Boys.

After a few years of factory training and service as a dealership technician, Jose pursued the “independent” section of the industry. Quickly becoming recognized as a thinking technician, Jose found himself unable to say no to any job, especially those that no one else could fix. He became the go to guy.

Jose was lured by the educational sector after 15 years of full time wrenching.  He was inspired by the gentleman who stood in front of those training seminars (the instructor) that he attended regularly. Jose obtained a teaching position in the post-secondary realm. Working at honing his ability to transfer knowledge for 10 years in an adult training setting was very rewarding.

The next chapter in his career began with a step into the secondary education (high school) environment with new and exciting goals/challenges. He still finds himself being drawn to those pesky drivability diagnosis jobs while trying to keep himself-educated and on top of the industry.

Jose is an ASE CMAT, A9, L1, L2, X1, C1 and is Diesel Certified in Cummins and Powerstroke.

Talking Points:

• He was always up to the tough diagnostic challenges.
• He loves teaching.
• Was a Skills USA advisor.
• He felt that the educational system wasn’t producing enough qualified grads.He saw the core level of skills decline from students from secondary school.
• So he decided to teach automotive technology in secondary education at Berks Career Technology Center.
  • He has 54 students in two two hours sessions per day.
• At this time, just a handful of seniors are moving on to post-secondary. Jose lists the reasons that not more student are considering post-secondary education:
  • The course is harder than the student thought
  • Cost of tools,
  • Cost of education,
  • Entry level technician starting wages are low and some students don’t see the long-term payoff.
  • The student could go right into the work force without college and find a shop willing to give them a chance without the cost of post -secondary education? (Apprenticeship)
• In his late thirties, Jose went back to school (on-line) to get his associates degree in automotive technology; he was teaching in post-secondary at the time.
• He also completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration on Human Resources.
  • His motivation? There was an opening for a director of administration and he realized he did not have the proper credentials to apply for that job. He can now.
• He has been mentored by Jim Morton and Joan Kelly.
• He is an automotive educator because the future needs people who want to work with their minds and their hands (knowledge and skills).

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com