Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, and Today’s Class

Recorded at the TST Big Event, industry trainers Eric Ziegler and Pete Meier dive into the growing challenges technicians and shop owners face in staying current with technology and why continuous education is no longer optional. The conversation highlights key issues including the liability risks of inadequate training, the double-edged sword of social media as an information source, and the power of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Eric and Pete also stress the importance of actively applying what’s learned, not just passively consuming information, and how networking with other professionals can accelerate growth.

Eric Ziegler, EZ Tech Mentors.  Eric’s previous episodes HERE.

Pete Meier, Training Manager, Dorman Products. Pete’s other episodes HERE

Show Notes:

• Watch Full Video Episode
• TST Big Event 2025: https://www.tstseminars.org/
• Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)
• Overview of Training Importance (00:01:03)
• Cultural Shift in Training (00:03:04)
• Incentivizing Training (00:04:08)
• Training Formats and Challenges (00:05:00)
• Technician Growth and Retention (00:06:55)
• Advocating for Continuing Education (00:07:40)
• Financial Commitment to Training (00:08:20)
• Cultural Commitment to Education (00:09:24)
• Awareness of Training Resources (00:10:09)
• Networking at Training Events (00:11:19)
• Building a Positive Training Culture (00:12:52)
• Value of Training Experiences (00:14:04)
• Networking Importance (00:14:38)
• Training Takeaways (00:14:59)
• Building a Training Culture (00:18:56)
• Mentorship in the Industry (00:19:05)
• Service Information Awareness (00:21:50)
• Consequences of Ignoring Updates (00:22:39)
• Importance of Accurate Training (00:26:02)
• Battery Maintenance and Diagnostics (00:28:17)
• Technician Homework (00:30:53)
• Social Media’s Role in the Industry (00:31:22)
• Generational Changes in Automotive Skills (00:33:30)
• Quality vs. Price in Automotive Services (00:36:40)
• Vetting Information Sources (00:38:24)
• Making Training Practical (00:41:19)
• The Forgetting Curve (00:42:19)
• Taking Action on Learning (00:43:05)
• Business Perspective on Training (00:43:43)
• Changing Technician Compensation (00:44:53)

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class

Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

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The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

Thanks to our Partner, Dorman Products. Dorman gives people greater freedom to fix vehicles by constantly developing new repair solutions that put owners and technicians first. Take the Dorman Virtual Tour at www.DormanProducts.com/Tour

Connect with the Podcast:

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-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com

-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Introducing the new “Beyond the Shop” series that will feature the passions of your industry peers and professionals.

In April 2017, Pete (aka GuardDog) and Chris (aka Ninja) Meier, began Bikers C.A.R.E. “C.A.R.E.” stands for “Child Abuse Response Effort,” and describes their vision – that is, to do everything possible to end child abuse in ALL of its forms and to come to the aid of children and families victimized by abuse.​​

Pete Meier, Creative Director, Motor Age, and industry trainer. Bikers C.A.R.E Inc. Listen to Pete’s other episodes HERE

Show Notes

• Bikers C.A.R.E Inc– Helpline (813) 609-2457
• 3 Pillars of Bikers C.A.R.E. Mission- Educate, Restore, Protect
• The United States has one of the worst records in how it protects its kids. We have 1500 children dying every year as a result of neglect or physical abuse.
• It doesn’t take numbers to make a difference, it just takes a willingness to make a difference
• Utilizing social media to reach out and seek help
• It’s not the guy in the overcoat standing outside the schoolyard. It’s the uncle, it’s the soccer coach, it’s the youth leader at church, and sometimes it’s the family itself
• Provide resources for therapy and resources for domestic shelters, it’s all about having resources with us as well as helping 
• Protect your children from cyber predators online; check with their phones and computers 
• Whether it’s law or not, you should consider yourself a mandatory reporter.
• The average age of a sexual abuse victim is eight years old
• If you notice attitude changes in your kids, check on them
• Spend more time with your kids rather than them spending more time with phones and computers, make time for them, and go for a walk, go for a bike ride, go for a car ride etc.

Connect with the Podcast:

Aftermarket Radio Network

Subscribe on YouTube

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Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Check out today’s partner:

Learn more about NAPA AutoCare and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com

The proverb ‘A little knowledge is a dangerous thing’ expresses the idea that a small amount of knowledge can mislead people into thinking that they are more expert than they are, which can lead to mistakes being made. When it comes to repairing EV/Hybrids, the era of being a parts changer, I’m told,  is nonexistent. We recorded live at Dorman with G Truglia and Pete Meier, 2 out of 4 trainers for a weekend of hands-on training.  Listen to their perspectives on EV/Hybrid repair and training and why critical thinking is more important than ever.

G Jerry Truglia, ATTS: Automotive Technician Training Services, Technician Service Training. Listen to G Jerry Truglia’s other episodes HERE.

Pete Meier, Creative Director, Motor Age, and industry trainer. Bikers C.A.R.E Inc. Listen to Pete’s other episodes HERE

Key Talking Points

• Tips and tricks with EV/Hybrids- you must understand electric
• Using a meter- where to put it, what scale to put it on and what the readings mean
• You either fix it right, or you fix it wrong- there is no middle ground or a gray area
• Information is key- batteries, computer systems, motors, etc
• You have to have logic and critical thinking when working with high voltage
• Changing a battery isn’t so simple anymore 
• Commitment to training and education- reading publications, attending live hands-on  classes
• Challenges- technicians do not receive support from the shop owner
• Transferring information from the brain to your hands- no longer a parts changer to fix problems. Comprehensive understanding.  
• How many shops are doing EV/Hybrid the right way?
• 60 volts can stop your heart and kill you
• “A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

Connect with the Podcast:

Aftermarket Radio Network

Subscribe on YouTube

Visit us on the Web

Follow on Facebook

Become an Insider

Buy me a coffee

Important Books

Check out today’s partners:

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2022. Mark your calendar now … November 1-3, 2022, AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR.

Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management getshopware.com

Key Talking Points

• Hybrid training- virtual training brought in a new group of people with free videos and easy access to top instructors. The median income for technicians is $45,000. It starts with the business owner raising rates and paying for training. 
• Participate together- get the team together for online webinars 
• Cons of virtual- you can’t read the audience virtually, dead air.
• Live classes- make it interactive and fun. If you don’t make it fun you’ll lose them especially if it’s their first time going to training. Create a short ‘post test’ for after the training. 
• Implementing training immediately or it will be lost- recorded videos can be rewatched. 
• Consider signed agreement/reward system for training to hold employees accountable.
• Basics are the most important or you won’t be able to grasp the high-end training
• Sponsors- brand exposure, the content is led by the trainer
• Do the salespeople need to be the ones to elevate shop owners? 
• Classes vs seminars- in classes you are learning in order to implement

Connect with the show:

Aftermarket Radio Network

Subscribe on YouTube

Visit us on the Web

Follow on Facebook

Become an Insider

Buy me a coffee

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.  AAPEX 2021 is in the record books and lived up to presenting leading-technical and business management training from some of the industry’s best and brightest. Now set your sights on Las Vegas in 2022. Mark your calendar now … November 1-3, 2022, 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

Pete Meier began writing for Motor Age magazine in 2006 as a free-lance contributor and joined the magazine full-time in 2010 as Technical Editor. He is an ASE certified Master Automotive Technician, with over 35 years of experience working on a wide variety of brands. He is experienced in the classroom and training center, both as a training developer and presenter. His ten years of experience producing video content and streaming webinars have also helped develop skills in video production from concept to final product. Listen to Pete’s other episodes HERE

G Jerry Truglia is well known for his automotive training through his company ATTS: Automotive Technician Training Services, where he covers topics ranging from hybrid vehicles, electricity, to Heavy Duty Truck repair. G is also a very proud founding member of the non-for profit Technician Service Training group. G Jerry Truglia Previous Episodes HERE.

• On-Line training will have a more significant role
• Listen to his story when he presented at MACS about who is the ‘Industry’
• Motor Age just announced a LIVE Webinar: ‘Addressing AAS Calibration for Modern Service and Body Shops’
  • Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 2 PM Eastner
• Trends Pete sees

• 678 Students from Technicians to Technicians
• Vendors and top trainers in this yearly event
• Variety of topics with Scott Brown, Pete Meier, Steve Scott and others

Pete Meier is an ASE certified Master Technician and sponsoring member of iATN. He has over 35 years of practical experience as a technician and educator, covering a wide variety of makes and models. Now, as Director of Training for the UBM Advanstar Automotive Group, which includes Motor Age, ABRN, Aftermarket Business World and Dealer News, his primary goal is to bring working technicians the information they need to succeed. Listen to Pete’s previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

• They are blessed that many of their contributors are working techs.
• They serve 100,000 shops in the United States which is why the accuracy of every article is critical.
• Pete needed new tires for this truck because in his own shop he does not have a tire machine.
  • Purchased online with a 35% off coupon and set the appointment.
  • Went to get tires changed- wanted alignment checked and had to ask to have it done
    • Missed service opportunity
    • No process for customer service  
• Training for techs
  • If you are employed at a shop that will not support time off for training or assistance in funding for training, there are a lot of other shops that will. Go find them.
  • The only way to keep passion and rise in the industry, find a shop that mirrors your same passion and goals
  • Shop owners- need to be a part of the industry advisory council for local high schools and colleges.  
• Manage your customer service- test your culture
  • Phone shop your locations
  • Ask female to shop business to see how they are serviced

Resources:

• Thanks to Pete Meier for his contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

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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

Subscribe to a mobile listening app HERE.

Carm with G Jerry Truglia, President TST

Since being in the aftermarket for fifty years, Pierre Respaut has a steep history as an automotive shop owner, dealership mechanic/technician and trainer.

Pierre worked at BMW and Ferrari dealerships and owned “Ultimate Cars”, a BMW specialty repair shop for 30 years. After he closed the shop he was recruited to help improve a VW dealership from 2010-2012. 

Pierre was also a contract trainer for Bosch and is involved in various capacities, with STS, TST, the BIMRS tech and support groups (BIMRS.ORG). Our interview covered his role as VP of the Board os TST: Technicians Service Training a 501(c) (3) corporation.

Pierre tells the story of how TST got started as an off shoot of STS from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The Northeast chapter was doing so well they continued under the guidance of G Jerry Truglia.

While at the 14th Annual Big Event in Tarrytown, NY, I had the opportunity to interview Pierre and talk about the TST event. We also highlighted his storied career. He shares many great stories including the one about being a red line driver for his BMW customers to be sure the car delivers top performance.

Here are a few talking points from our interview:

• 14^th Annual TST Big Event held in March 2017
  • 460 Registered for the one day event this year
  • Training classes on:
    • Electrical World Class Diagnostics with Tom Rayak.
    • Update on R1234YF from Peter Coll.
    • CVT Driveability with Wayne Colonna.
    • Engine & Turbocharger Diagnostics with Mark Warren.
      

      Donny Seyfer and Carm Capriotto

    • Keynote from Scott Brown from iATN.
• Attending the Big Event were participants from 19 states and Canada.
• He is doing some mobile diagnostics from time to time and helping a friend start two shops in New England.
• Worked on an exotic collection of cars that sat too long in storage to prepare them for auction to include a $1MM Mercedes.
  • Pierre says, “Sometimes you have to machine parts to repair a collector car.”
• Advice from Pierre. Be Curious. Ask Why does it Work. Never Stop Learning.
  

  Mark Warren and John Anello

  • When you get a license to fly a plane. They tell you, ‘This is your license to learn’  This is  a good philosophy for the automotive business.
• Strength of Big Event and TST is networking. Reaching out to the people you meet at the event to help you when you get in trouble on vehicle problems.

Pierre was also featured in episode 90 along with G Jerry Truglia and Pete Meier in a round table discussion on technician training.

TST Seminars Website

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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

Jorge Menchu grew up in Kansas City, MO. At an early age, his go-cart brought upon his passion for loving cars and mechanics. This in turn developed a passion for learning.

When it started.
His learning techniques have been with him since seventh grade when he discovered and then understood patterns. He credits Leonardo Da Vinci for that gift.

Focus on learning.
Jorge’s goal is to help young folks to realize their own success and failure. As he developed his learning strategy, he realized that schools never teach the techniques of learning.

Where have you seen Jorge.
He’s taught at AAPEX and Vision just to name a few venues. Many technicians have either seen Jorge in person or on video. Many who have seen his colored wiring diagrams and teachings in electrical circuits have made great strides in their diagnostic skills.

AES Wave.
Jorge is President of AES WAVE.com.

Legacy.
Jorge Menchu has a very large Google listing. If you want to partake in some of Jorge’s training, you’ll find some You Tube video’s for your reference.  He has worked with peers throughout the industry like Pete Meier, Scott Brown and John Thornton.

The episode highlight is Jorge’s three pathways to learning. These fundamentals can change your ability to learn and understand. They are:

• Self-Awareness
• Learning Awareness
• Building a Structure of Knowledge

Jorge explains the key to being an expert in your field. He also talks about:

• How we make ourselves smarter.
• That everything we do in the automotive realm is all about ‘mechanics’.
• Simplicity: It’s not just how something works, but it is how EVERYTHING works.
• That you need to become your own best trainer.

An Italian Polymath.
Leonardo Da Vinci inspired him and he speaks about simplicity and how everything works in a process. Also learn about his famous DAD who was a virologist and helped change the world.

The beauty of this episode being evergreen and always there for you.
This may require multiple listens because there is so much to learn. Don’t forget you can download the episode on your computer or a jump drive for later consumption.

AES Wave Website

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

In a continuing series on Technician training welcome to part two of a Face To Face Video Podcast.

Professional automotive trainers G Jerry Truglia from ATTS, Pete Meier from Motor Age and Pierre Respaut in a great dialogue about technician training. See their bios below.

There are two ways to enjoy this round table discussion. You can watch the video replay below or listen to the audio only podcast when you are traveling, commuting or when you can’t be in front of a screen. The podcast is available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and of course listen above.

What’s in it for you?

Listen to what the pro’s are saying about the state of technician training today and what to do about it.

Understand why on-going training is the #1 critical need for techs today.

Learn why the industry needs manufacturer support for affordable training.

Realize the value for having a strong training culture.

Appreciate why basic electrical knowledge is critical if you want to repair today’s vehicles.

Learn how TST was able to divert funds from manufactures to reduce the cost of the 13^th annual ‘Big Event’ Training in March 2016.

Go to YouTube and view.

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

When these three amigos get together to talk ‘shop’ it makes for a fun and exciting episode with even a few belly laughs. Don’t forget you can catch the audio only and/or the video replay, whichever you prefer. Now here we go with Technician Training Part 2 and G Jerry Truglia, Pete Meier and Pierre Respaut.

You know G Jerry Truglia. He’s a You Tube Training guru and well known for his automotive training through his company ATTS: Automotive Technician Training Services. G’s training covers a wide range of subject from hybrid vehicles, electricity, to Heavy Duty Truck repair. G is also a very proud founding member of the non-for profit Technician Service Training group (TST). TST is a 501(c)(3) educational not-for-profit and is devoted to the following since its inception. And there is an important annual event coming up in March 2016 we will talk about. (Episode 70)

Pete Meier. You know Pete as the Director of Training for UBM Advanstar Automotive Group of publications. Specifically, … you’ve read Pete in either Motor Age, ABRN, Aftermarket Business World or Dealer News. His primary goal is to bring working technicians the information they need to succeed. Pete is an ASE certified Master Technician and sponsoring member of iATN. Pete pulls on his 35 PLUS year’s practical experience as a technician and educator. (Episode 36 & 59)

You know Pierre Respaut because he recently provided training for Bosch and his involvement in various capacities, with STS, TST, the Bmmer tech and support groups. He has almost 50yrs in the automotive business having worked at BMW, Ferarri and VW dealerships. I owned “Ultimate Cars”, a BMW repair shop for 30 yrs.

 Watch Video Replay Below

ATTS Training

TST Training

Watch the replay or listen to the audio only podcast. Podcast is available on iTunes and Stitcher Radio and of course listen below.

Welcome to Episode 60 a rebroadcast of a Face To Face Video Podcast using the BLAB platform for Live Video Conversations. We had a lively discussion on technician training best practices with these industry leaders:

• Pete Meier. Director of Training for UBM Advanstar Automotive Group of publications. Specifically … you’ve read Pete in either Motor Age, ABRN, Aftermarket Business World or Dealer News. (Listen to Pete in his own ON-POINT episode # 36) …. His primary goal is to bring working technicians the information they need to succeed. Pete is an ASE certified Master Technician and sponsoring member of iATN. He has over 35 year’s practical experience as a technician and educator.
• Bill Hill. Owner of Might Auto Pro in Medina, OH (Listen to a great episode with Bill episode #21)  He owns a 19 bay, 10,000 sq ft shop for 17 years. He employs 13 associates that includes 5 techs, 2 service writers, 1 customer service specialist along with a customer service assistant and a shuttle driver. In 2013 Bill was recognized by Ratchet & Wrench as the Top Shop Owner, Nationwide. Bill has co-authored two books ‘How to Buy a Great Used Car’ and ‘Whatever happened to great customer service?’
• Dwayne Myers co-owner of Dynamic Automotive in Liberty town, New Market and Urbana, Maryland and is featured in episodes 2-3 & 4. Dynamic was a top 10 automotive shop in 2014 from Motor Age.  Dwyane and his partners Jose Bueso and Lee Forman were recognized this fall as the 2015 small size company recipient of the ‘Head Of The Class’ award from the Auto Care Association Education Committee. This award recognizes companies that continually invest in their employee education and training.

Pete Meier the Director of Training for the UBM Advanstar Automotive Group of publications goes ON-POINT here in episode 36. I’m sure you’ve read Pete in either Motor Age, ABRN, Aftermarket Business World or Dealer News. His primary goal is to bring working technicians the information they need to succeed.

Pete is an ASE certified Master Technician and sponsoring member of iATN. He has over 35 years practical experience as a technician and educator.

I met up with Pete at NACE/CARS 2015 in Detroit in July 2015 and heard him on a panel discussing … ‘Growing New Talent’. We brought the theme of that discussion to the podcast but covered a lot more areas to include new technology, Toyota’s move to Fuel Cell vehicles, and vehicle safety through technology and Pete got into how we all must make a difference for our industry and not just talk about improving or fixing the issues that plague us. Sometimes Pete says we can be handicapped by our own actions.

Pete was very forthcoming and I love the part when he talked about trade schools and in one instance where an instructor impressed upon his students that they must learn to ‘Talk Car’.   What a concept … This is an eye opener and oh so true.

Link to Pete’s Articles