Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

Recorded Live at ASTA 2025, we explore the rise of the automotive specialist and why the industry needs a language shift—calling instructors “educators” instead of “trainers” to reflect the complex, continuing education modern technicians require.

We also dive into the mobile diagnostics and repair market, discussing strategies for growth, high-complexity work, and the investments needed to compete. Looking ahead, the industry faces a technological turning point by 2030, with new vehicle architectures and ADAS calibration requirements threatening shops that fail to keep up.

The episode closes by emphasizing the power of networking, connecting with peers, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

https://astausa.org/pages/asta-expo

Rich Falco, Diag on Demand, Instructor at Carquest Technical Institute. Listen to Rich’s previous episodes HERE

Keith Perkins, L1 Automotive Training, Listen to Keith’s previous episode HERE.

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS

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

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/

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

– The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.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

Show Notes

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR

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/

Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com

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Show Notes

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR

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/

Connect with the Podcast:

-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/

-Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976

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

Carm Capriotto and Matt Fanslow dive into the increasing role of technology in the automotive industry and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach vehicle repairs and maintenance. They propose the term “Technology Specialist” for automotive technicians, emphasizing the importance of their expertise. This designation not only acknowledges their expertise in handling advanced vehicle technology but also elevates their professional standing. Changing the language and perception of technicians as professionals is crucial for the industry’s growth and success. Will you take part in this language movement?

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video
• The passionate discussion with Isaac Rodell and Rich Falco (00:00:17) Carm and Matt discuss the episode with Isaac Rodell and Rich Falco- Batteries, Diag Pay and Gwar, Oh My! [E108]: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/108
• The transformational episode with Bob Heipp (00:00:58) They talk about the episode with Bob, which was transformational and discussed physical and mental health, and how it can save lives. Exploring Relationships, Health, and Personal Growth with Bob Heipp [E109]: https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/109
• The proposal for a professional designation (00:07:23) Carm proposes the term “technology specialist” for automotive technicians, emphasizing the importance of investing in knowledge and skills in technology.
• The need for professional designations (00:08:47) Discussion on the different job positions in the automotive industry and the proposal for a professional designation for technology specialists.
• Respect and titles in the industry (00:10:22) Comparing the use of titles like “chef” in the culinary industry to the need for respectful titles in the automotive industry, such as “mechanical specialist” and “technology specialist.”
• Collaboration between technology and mechanical specialists (00:18:24) Exploration of the collaboration between technology and mechanical specialists, using the analogy of medical professionals working together in surgery.
• The need for professional designation (00:25:15) Comparing the automotive industry to regulated professions like doctors and plumbers, and the need for a professional designation in the industry.
• The importance of journaling and documentation (00:30:06) Discussing the benefits of journaling and documenting experiences and knowledge in the automotive industry, using tools like Google Docs.
• The role of mobile tech in shops (00:33:46) Exploring the benefits of having a mobile technician for shops that work on multiple car lines and may not have the car count to justify a dedicated technology specialist.
• Pay plans and hiring bonuses (00:35:43) Discussion on the fairness and impact of hiring bonuses on current technicians, and the need for better communication and compensation plans in the industry.

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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The Panel:

John Bridgwater and his wife own Wright’s Automotive Service in San Leandro, CA. John started to earn his ASE certifications early on and began networking with other technicians and shop owners. John was honored among eleven others as an Auto Care/ASE World Technician in 2015. In order to be considered for this award, you must hold at least 22 ASE certifications. John currently has 49 certifications and he is working on the 50th. John Bridgwater has a very interesting story on his rise to shop ownership. He started in 1987 and became a shop owner in January 2015. John actually was recruited by a shop in the bay area that he and his wife eventually purchased. He waited a long time for the right opportunity. John is also a technical trainer for an aftermarket company. Listen to John’s previous episodes HERE.

Kevin Eckler, a Dad and a mentor along with wife Lisa, own Foreign Car Specialists, in Poughkeepsie, NY. Kevin has been named Albany, NY region’s ASE Tech of the Year 2019 and 2020. He was also voted Best mechanic in the Hudson Valley, which encompasses Westchester, Putnum, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Greene counties. Kevin is a 40 year veteran of the industry, and still has a love for it and simply cannot understand why anyone would tell a young person to get out while they can, instead of inspiring them to greatness! Kevin’s previous episodes HERE.

Richard Falco Jr. is an instructor for Carquest Technical Institute (CTI). He is an ASE Master Technician L1 with over 25 years in the auto repair industry. His technical experience includes Domestic, Asian, and European vehicles both at the dealership level and as a successful shop owner. He has instructed technicians and college students in all aspects of automotive repair and currently takes care of our customers, for CTI, throughout the southeastern U.S. Listen to Rich’s previous episodes HERE.

Paul Marquardt Started in this business in 1979 as a pump jockey and lube tech. Paul attended various training over the years, some of it daytime training 4 hours of travel time. He bought the business Northwoods Auto Techs, Rhinelander, WI, in 1990 and in 1995 expanded from 2 bays to 5 bays and became a NAPA Autocare center at the same time. He was the NAPA Stevens Point NAPA ASE Tech of the Year from 1999 through 2008 and was the National NAPA ASE Tech of the Year for 2010. Paul Joined the NAPA Autotech training team around 2011 as a contract trainer and have been doing that as well as keeping the business going. Learn of Paul’s Previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

• Many technicians and shop owners started pumping gas ‘Pump Jockeys’ at full-service stationsPaul and Rich pumped gas when they started. Groomed into the shop
• 1986 Ford was fuel injected. The learning curve happened after that.You learned about new tech via trial by fire
• You could diagnose carburetors with your ears and vacuum Gauge
• Many had great mentors that were very instrumental in teaching them
• Kevin worked at the dealer because he thought it was the mecca of technician jobsHe graduated top of his class from Rhode Island Technical Institute
• The dealer was the place you worked because it was considered a careerIt may not apply today
• Chrysler Caravan debuted in the 80sHad a Mitsubishi motor
• It set the pace for the future of SUV’s and Crossovers
• IROC-Z debuted in the 80sRich owned one
• When the phone rang in the 80s you had a high potential that they would become a customerToday it can lean toward pricing
• Pricing of parts was from different color sheets
• They don’t miss paper catalogs or manuals
• Paychecks went into race cars
• Boomboxes with 12 D cell batteries were the norm
• Some starting pay rates today are not as strong as some were in the 80s. Rich Falco’s story.
• Safety is very important. Gloves, use proper equipment so you protect your body. Hearing protection. Years later these professionals would have done it differently to protect themselves
• So many warnings about the new tech – It Won’t Last. Who knew!!!
• Have a different hobby than what you do for a living

Resources:

• A special thanks to John Bridgwater, Kevin Eckler, Rich Falco, and Paul Marquadt for their contribution to the aftermarket.
• Books Page HERE
• Listen to all Remarkable Results Radio, For The Record and Town Hall Academy episodes.

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Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

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

This episode is brought to you buy Shop Marketing Pros. Your guides are Kim and Brian Walker with a rich history as shop owners and industry veterans. When someone searches for a shop, who are they finding? Your competitors? It should be you! The good people over at Shop Marketing Pros know how to drive website traffic and make Google work for you! www.shopmarketingpros.com

Richard Falco Jr. is an instructor for Carquest Technical Institute (CTI). He is an ASE Master Technician L1 with over 25 years in the auto repair industry. His technical experience includes Domestic, Asian, and European vehicles both at the dealership level and as a successful shop owner. He has instructed technicians and college students in all aspects of automotive repair and currently takes care of our customers, for CTI, throughout the southeastern U.S. Listen to Rich’s previous episodes HERE.

Jim Cokonis

Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN. His primary responsibilities are to diagnose driveability and electrical/electronic issues, and perform most all programming, coding, initializing, adaptions, etc. Basically, if it needs to be figured out or has wires, it goes to Matt. He’s been a tech since 1996.

Matt is also a subject matter expert for ASE and has instructed at Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo.

Matt has participated on 18 ASE technical committees for the ASE Practice Test, A6, A7, A8, and L1 tests. He’s also done case studies for Standard Motor Products.

Fanslow’s goal is to do everything in his power to improve the overall level of professionalism within the automotive and light truck repair trade and also raise the level of its public image. Hear Matt in these Remarkable Results Radio Episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

• Future of trainingJust because of COVID-19 we should be re-thinking training
•  Virtual training is coming  
• For leader-led trainers, they have not been out for a few months and not sure when it will change
• How do we validate and confirm that knowledge transfer has taken place?
• Has our craft changed?Are we teaching old technology?
• Is distance learning going to be a key to the future? There are huge conversations being held everywhereShelves were stripped of webcams, headsets, monitors
• We need to learn Bluetooth, video switchers, cameras, streaming services. 
• The learning curve is there and the student uptake will need to be measured.
• Do we need to let some of our old training ideas and techniques die?We are teaching old curriculums through NATEF guidelines that are not in play today. Rebuilding Master Cylinders and Wheel Cylinders as an example
• Our advisors need to become more involved.
• The generations learn differently
• Do cell phones have a purpose in class or in shopsSome have not value
• Some realize that they are tools
• Career PathingConsidering the aircraft technician or FAA model to earn a certificate for an area of repairSchool, on-line, interaction, hands-on
• Multiple Choice Test
• Demonstrate to an accessory you know the skill
• Let’s get away from the sage on the stage (Anthony Williams) and downloading information to studentsThe teachers need to be sure the student is comfortable with the new knowledge.
• Education today in silos. Electrical. Front End. Brakes. Physics is physics
• Science unites thing
• We need new blood and new ideas as trainers in the industry
• Jim Cokonis: “I’m not here to herd cows, I’m here to make hamburger.”
• Using YouTube. Should we have a peer review team? “Google Scholar” to verify that the videos published have value to the industry with a review board that the repair and technique is safe and correct for vehicle owner
• On line training get the interaction that may not come from a leader-led class. Ego’s don’t get in the way
• Will boutique training catch on?Small, intimate, localized training. The trainer comes to the shop. Theory and hands-on
• Theater-style training with an audience and multi-camera shots with picture in picture streamed to students all over the world.
• Diag tools today have capabilities to get support, through the tool, to help techs find the solution.Will the tech learn with this ‘extra’ help?
• Will some techs learn a lot about the diag and the features of the tool?
• For quality training, there needs to be a supportive shop owner. It is harder for the tech

Resources:

• A special thanks to Rich Falco, Jim Cokonis, and Matt Fanslow for their contribution to the aftermarket.
• Books Page HERE
• Listen to all Remarkable Results Radio, For The Record and Town Hall Academy episodes.

Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email

Mobile Listening APP’s HERE

Join the Ecosystem – Subscribe to the INSIDER NEWSLETTER HERE.

Buy Carm a Cup of Coffee 

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 shop-ware.com

The 400th episode milestone for the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast would not have been possible without the support of aftermarket professionals who have embraced the podcast as an important educational and networking tool to not only grow themselves but their businesses.

The ability to listen to concepts, insights, trends and differing views stretches our ‘think’ and serves the reality that there are many ways to grow and prosper. Thanks for continuing to listen to the stories; the context of the aftermarket.  Carm

PS: Thanks to the sponsors of the podcast that also helped make this an enduring and significant educational tool.

The milestone panel:

Dwayne Myers is a partner in Dynamic Automotive in the greater Maryland area. Dwayne invests time in the industry with the Auto Care Association and serves on the education committee with CCPN (Car Care Professional Network). Dwayne was recently honored as one of only 17 outstanding individuals that qualified for the prestigious 2017 World Class Technician Award presented by The Auto Care Association and ASE. He is very passionate about hiring and sustaining a strong and engaged team. Listen to Dwayne’s previous episodes HERE.

Pete Rudloff is a national automotive instructor/advisor, ASA volunteer leader, nationally published technical writer and owner of both Pete’s Garage, Inc. and Blue Collar Technologies, Inc. in Newark, DE. Pete has a passion for raising the bar for the auto trade and a reputation as a friend to the general auto repair shop with many calling themselves Pete’s customer. More than just a guy who fixes cars, Pete is out to change the auto trade and how vehicle owners view auto shops with his new FlexCheck Auto Digital Vehicle Inspection Software. Listen to Pete’s previous episodes HERE.

Maryann Croce of Croce Transmissions in Norwalk, CT and business adviser at smallbizvantage.com. Maryann and her husband Tony combined her banking career and his automotive technical skills and bought a transmission business 15 years ago. They have 4 bays, 4 techs and one service adviser

As so many in the aftermarket know when husband and wife’s and families, for that matter, run a great business there are a few secrets that make it all work. Maryann talks about two of the secrets to working together; knowing your role and trust. Link to Maryann’s Previous Episodes HERE.

Kevin Eckler is a native New Englander who moved to New York State’s Hudson Valley with his parents back in the mid-1980s.  Kevin began his automotive career at the age of 14, pushing a broom in a mom and pop shop in Rhode Island, he attended a trade school, graduating at the top of his class and went right to work as a tech in a prestigious Porsche/Audi dealership in Cape Cod.  Kevin continued his dealership work when he moved to NY and eventually came to work for two brothers who owned Foreign Car Specialists.  When the

owners retired in 1995, Kevin bought the business and the rest is history. Kevin’s previous episodes HERE.

Ryan Clo is a twenty-year veteran of the Automotive Service industry. He currently owns two specialized Automotive Service businesses located in Cincinnati, OH. Both businesses have systems and processes in place so that his presence is not required on a daily basis. Ryan’s first business, Dubwerx, has a 99% customer satisfaction rate while maintaining profitability and growth.

Ryan currently consults for the Institute of Automotive Business Excellence providing guidance to automotive businesses including on-site evaluations, off-site coaching, business plan development, and one-on-one coaching with owners and staff. He is known as the “Systems and Processes guy.” Ryan teaches several business management classes for the Automotive industry.

Ryan has also involved in the growing startup community in Cincinnati, OH meeting with other entrepreneurs regularly to discuss best practices and the future of business. Ryan volunteers his time serving on the editorial board for an industry magazine and two community non-profits in Cincinnati, OH. Listen to Ryan’s previous episodes HERE.

Richard Falco Jr. is an instructor for Carquest Technical Institute (CTI). He is an ASE Master Technician L1 with over 25 years in the auto repair industry. His technical experience includes Domestic, Asian, and European vehicles both at the dealership level and as a successful shop owner. He has instructed technicians and college students in all aspects of automotive repair and currently takes care of our customers, for CTI, throughout the southeastern U.S. Listen to Rich’s previous episodes HERE.

Tom Lambert, Automotive Manager at Shadetree Automotive. Tom Lambert got his start right at home.  His dad and uncles always had projects going on in the home garage.  During the summer vacation, his dad would have Tom remove engines from the vehicles that were being sent to the local machine shop for rebuilding.

In the past three and a half years, Tom and his dad have made strategic adjustments in the business.  They are now a $2.5 million dollar a year shop with 10% annual growth and profitability. They continue to improve every day.  Tom says he has the best team and a strong culture. In January 2017 Tom bought his dad completely out of the business.

Tom struggled for many years because he had lost his passion for the auto industry.  After receiving all the guidance and coaching over the past few years, he is rejuvenated and has more passion than ever and is currently doing everything he can to pay it forward to other local shop owners. Tom’s previous episodes HERE.

Christopher Peterson owns Northwest Automotive in Kalispell, MT. Here is his story. None of Christopher Petersen’s family members have been (to his knowledge) in the auto industry. His dad was an electrician that specialized in security systems.  Christopher remembers elementary school when the other kids on the block were playing football or basketball, right in front of his house. But not him. He was in the garage, reading his father’s college AC/DC theory book, and doing the tests at the end of each chapter.  He always thought that he would go into design because he loved building things. He even took 4 years of computer-aided drafting in high school.

From there, Christopher bounced around a few types of shops. He wanted to experience many different brands.  He worked in a euro shop for a while and then each of the domestic brands.  Christopher was Master Honda certified (as well as ASE Master, and L1). Honda was the first real home he felt.

A back injury put a serious hamper on being a line tech and he went back to the service advisor world.  But this time he was an SA at a dealer. He hated it. Not only did the bean counters in the corporate structure only see employees as percentages and production numbers, they saw customers the same way. Christopher didn’t feel he could really help people the way he thought they should be helped.

So it was time to find his own way….after 20 years doing it for other companies, Christopher started to do it his way. Link to Christopher’s Previous Episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points:

Kevin Eckler

• He was moved by so many ideas and concepts shared that he was motivated to joining a local high school advisory board, he hired a business coach is redoing his lobby

Ryan Clo

• The information age gives us a lot of power. However, if you don’t implement it is just information.
• Take the steps necessary, but don’t re-invent the wheel ask for help. Don’t let your ego get in the way.
• Find the seminar, the coach the peer to help you. So many willing to help you up your game.
• Once you get there you’ll be asked for your help.

Maryann Croce

• So many players of the aftermarket are represented in the podcast makes for many different ‘One Things’ to take away.
• It breaks down the silos in our industry by uniting the words into one whole industry perspective.
• Being an example of professionalism in the industry is your role.
• It is easy to get stuck and feel overwhelmed. Stop and listen to the stories told and get your self unstuck.

Dwayne Myers

• Dwayne had a great take-a-way in an episode that changed him when he realized he was a developer of people.
• The network of listeners shares the podcasts and stories as the concepts and strategies are discussed.
• Bringing the ideas to your team and get their buying and possibly implementation.
• Big take-a-ways from Academy comments from your listener is just as powerful.
• Measure yourself against yourself and not other peoples.

Peter Rudloff

• If you’ve only learned one thing you are doing it wrong.
• Pete learned that his way is OK. He is unconventional and yet is very successful.
• He also knows that his way isn’t the only way. He learned about how many other people do it.
• The podcast has shown Peter that the industry is OK. We are a good and honorable trade. He is proud that he is an auto mechanic.
  • Our trade is valuable to the country.
• Listeners can see alternative futures by listening to others and their glimpse of their visions.

Richard Falco

• You can see career pathways through the different interviews.
• Jorge Menchu’s episode 241 was a huge ‘thing’ for him on the concept of how to learn and fill in the blanks.   Listen to Jorge’s episode HERE.

Christopher Peterson

• See’s the podcast as facilitating different methods of learning.
• He shifted his view in not seeing other shops as competition.
• An episode with Steve Miller and his book ‘Uncopyable’.
  • What separates your shop from others.
• Learn to ask questions.
• Keep the list in the whiteboard and stick them up.

Tom Lambert

• We don’t have a shortage of hard-working people in our industry.
• We are so busy working hard that they do not have time to stop and try something new.
• You don’t know what you don’t know.
• Invest in learning via, the RRR podcast, classes, which business coach, etc.
• Tom found it cathartic to be on the show.

Overall

• Many in the industry are willing to help.
• Everyone’s goal is to help all ships rise. Pay it forward.

Resources:

• Thanks to Kevin Eckler, Pete Rudloff, Ryan Clo, Rich Falco, Tom Lambert, Maryann Croce, Dwayne Myers, and Christopher Peterson for their 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 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. With 2,500 exhibiting companies, you’ll see the latest products, parts and technologies for your business. The event also offers advanced training for shop owners, technicians, warehouse distributors (WDs) and auto parts retailers, as well as networking opportunities to grow your business. AAPEX 2019 will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5 through Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. More than 48,000 targeted buyers are expected to attend, and approximately 162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from 135 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX 2019. For information, visit aapexshow.com

The Panel

Richard Falco Jr. is an instructor for Carquest Technical Institute (CTI). He is an ASE Master Technician L1 with over 25 years in the auto repair industry. His technical experience includes Domestic, Asian, and European vehicles both at the dealership level and as a successful shop owner. He has instructed technicians and college students in all aspects of automotive repair and currently takes care of our customers, for CTI, throughout the southeastern U.S.

Keith Perkins has been in the industry about 13 years, serving in various capacities, including; machine shop experience as a cylinder head machinist, cylinder block machinist, lead engine assembler, and engine performance tuner. Outside of the Machine shop, he has been a diagnostician at independent shops, contract trainer for independent shops and parts suppliers, a General Manager of a parts store and he has supported over 200 shops as a Nissan/Infiniti technical information specialist.

Keith is a member of the Trained By Techs group and currently serves as diagnostician, programming and security specialist for Christian Brothers Automotive, he also operates a diagnostic, programming and security training company (L1 Automotive Diagnostics and Programming). Keith holds 14 ASE certifications, and also serves as a “Subject Matter Expert” for the ASE A1 test. Keith has a passion for supporting professionalism in our industry, as part of that he pushes young and seasoned techs to get ASE certified. Keith says out of all his certifications and accomplishments he is most proud of his “Value of Life Award” he received for successful life-saving efforts on a civilian while in the line of duty during his hiatus from the automotive industry with the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Tomi Oliva is the owner and operator of San Jose Automotive Center in Chicago, IL. He grew up working in the family business. The primary business back then was tire related, but they did venture into some general repair.

This is when Tomi realized what he was going to be when he grew up. For Tomi, the tire side of the business was a chore but once he got a taste for the repair and technical side of the automotive service business, he knew his professional direction. Tomi was hooked. So much so that he went against his father’s wishes and attended UTI Glendale Heights where he graduated in 2004. After graduating, he worked for a Nissan Dealer for a while before returning to Chicago to take over his Father’s Tire Business.

If you guessed that Tomi would probably convert the tire shop into a full general repair business, then you guessed right. San Jose Automotive Center is now an automotive general service business and has been since 2015.

About two years ago, Tomi started attended technical training and meeting others that shared his same passion for diagnostics. The relationships that Tomi developed from these courses and training events have opened doors to some awesome opportunities. To say that Tomi is satisfied with his career choice and industry involvement would be an understatement, but he’s just getting started.

Mario Rojas picked up a wrench for the first time 10 years ago, after watching someone do a brake job. He landed a job at the local repair shop a couple of years later after doing brakes, belts, hoses, and suspension work out in the street. That shop sent him to a small electrical theory class and he became fascinated with it. He studied every magazine, every YouTube video he could get his hands on and one by one took and passed his ASE tests. Once he received his L1 certification, he was fortunate enough to find a reputable shop. They allowed him to create a YouTube channel. His goal is to share with and motivate techs of all ages but to especially motivate the younger techs in the industry. He hopes to share as much knowledge as possible in the same fashion that he was fortunate enough to acquire it.

Key Talking Points:

• We need to stop the loss of our talent and engage the technicians of the industry through building a strong network.
• Many technicians don’t know about another level that they can aspire to.
• Many don’t know that being a lead diagnostician can be profitable.
• Techs do side work because they are not being compensated properly.
• Trained By Techs is working tirelessly to reach technicians that have not been to training.
• They have an open mike weekly on the zoom meeting platform.
• As a technician who works for a shop that does not pay for training, you will have to pay for your training. Come back to the shop and share and show the owner the value you’ve received and that all in the shop can benefit and will be split your next training investment with you?
• Do our shop owners really know what is going on in training classes?
• Every technician class should also be attended by shop owners and service advisers.  
• There is a need to create a manifesto for techs that will outline and create a training commitment inside their shop. It is time to pull a training commitment from shop owners.
• Part of being hired at a shop you must require training.

Resources Mentioned:

• Thanks to Keith Perkins, Richard Falco, Tomi Oliva and Mario Rojas for their 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.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email    Events    Speaking

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

The panel:

Brin Kline is owner of Assured Auto Works in Melbourne, FL.  His career in automotive repair spans 17 years with nearly 8 years as an owner.

Brin knows that the automotive repair industry is ever changing.  Diagnosing and repairing automobiles of today have many more requirements for up to date training than they did in years past.  Today, a technician must network with and befriend other likeminded individuals, commit a lot of their personal time to craft their skills so they can confidently, efficiently and accurately diagnose the issues that they face on a daily basis.

Brin’s journey to becoming an advocate for improving the automotive repair industry at the national level began when he started to attend conferences and training.  At these events, he rubbed shoulders with amazing people who, recognize the need for a national automotive repair industry step-by-step protocol for entry-level recruitment and training, continuing education events, and conferences, sharing of case studies, and helping businesses grow.

One of Brin’s favorite professional moments was being able to attend the 2016 Spring NASTF meeting at the Sheraton in Overland Park, KS. The topic was attracting and retaining technicians.

Brin feels that being a shop owner of a company with great potential is not what gives him a voice. He believes that being an enlightened industry professional is what gives him a voice.

Enlightenment through training, networking with like-minded professionals, collaborating, sharing ideas, knowledge and our experiences with each other, removing pride and egos, getting involved, receiving help and helping each other is the way to a better future and a better industry.

Brin enjoys building case studies for most of the issues that he diagnoses. He has plans of sharing them with training companies, trade magazines and at some point, possibly presenting them himself. Find previous episodes featuring Brin HERE.

Chris Martino has spent 20 years behind a wrench. He currently works at Skumi Garage in Huntington NY, Chris spent the last 4 years retraining in electrical diagnosis with a heavy emphasis on lab scope usage and theory. Chris bought hi first business when he was 22. and ran it until 2008, when the crash happened. His current focus is on European vehicles.

Chris started sweeping floors in his local repair shop right after high school. After fixing his first vehicle he became hooked on auto repair. He watched every job being done and jumped in when he could. At the end of the day Chris would run through the whole day over in his head to figure how he could improve it the next time. He pushed himself to become the absolute best at everything he did. When Chris bought his own place, he had to give himself a crash course in diagnostics. He did the best he thought he was capable of.

After Chris closed his business down, he started to realize that his way of doing things was not the way to go. He was no longer happy with being “kinda sure” a car was diagnosed properly. He knew nothing of training in his area, so he hopped online. There was so much information available, and he absorbed it like a sponge.

Chris heard about the 2017 CAN conference on a youtube video. He knew he had to go. It was there that he met the group that would become the Trained By Techs team. Tomi Olivia, Brin Kline, Brian Culotta, Justin Miller, Tanner Brandt, Richard Falco, Mike Robinson and others. They talked about some of the frustrations and shortcomings of the current generation of training. After a discussion online, in which it became clear that some people weren’t familiar with a certain testing technique, what was to become TBT was born. Justin Miller put everything in motion. He shot a short video and put it online and it caught fire. The response was great. They all got together and came up with a game plan, and the rest of the story is history.

Vision 2018 came around, and Chris wanted to attend. Unfortunately, financial problems came up and he just didn’t have the money to attend. Justin Miller donated some money towards the fee, the rest of the guys came together and raised the money for airfare and hotel etc. This is what the group is about. Different people coming together from all around the country to make our industry better as a whole. Chris says,  no ego, no drama.

Justin Miller is the owner of JM Diagnostics from Salt Lake City, Utah and an ASE designated Master Technician. He has paid his dues and worked in the automotiveindustry for almost 25 years now. He realized some years back that his body was not going to hold up much longer at the physical pace he had become accustomed to. Seeing it difficult to change careers completely, he decided to invest in his natural diagnostic abilities within the same industry. This internal drive he possesses has made him the top technician that he is today. “How” and “why” are the questions he constantly asks himself and must find the answers to.

A little over 2 years ago, he reached out to his peers in social media for help finding training events. It became clear that he must attend Vision in Kansas City. That event changed him. A class that he attended, taught by John Thornton, opened his eyes to so much more than he ever dreamed. He absorbed as much as he could but needed more!

Understanding the imminent shift in the industry, he began a knowledge quest and attended as many training events as he could; including CAN in Chicago in 2016 & 2017, AVI/APEX/SEMA in Las Vegas, ATE in Seattle, Automechanika in Chicago and Vision again in 2017.

At Automechanika held in Chicago in 2017, he met a diverse group of like-minded individuals. They agreed to keep in touch and communicate until they would be joined again at the next CAN Conference. They began networking and talking on a daily basis.

All this time, Justin was devoting many hours helping other technicians posting in Facebook groups looking for direction. As Justin was making suggestions for a particular posting, another person didn’t understand the testing procedure Justin was describing.

In an attempt to make it clear for everyone involved, he decided to make a video ;to clearly show how the test is completed. The response was surprising; he received great feedback and requests for more videos from his peers. At this time he approached his group with an opportunity to join him in making videos from their own experiences.

This group together has formed “Trained by Techs” and is producing videos in a wide variety of subjects to help the common technician expand their personal knowledge. It is apparent for those searching, that certain information is not easily accessible for the average technician. Understanding that many are greater than one, together they are striving to improve the industry and the stigma associated with “auto mechanics”.

Brian Culotta lives in Willoughby, Ohio and works at Dave’s Auto Care. He is the  Shop Foreman/Diagnostician/Master Technician. Brian holds ASE certs: A1-A8 (master) L1, L3. He has 15 years experience and has held a wrench ever since he was a baby. His father is a retired Mechanic of 50 years and his mother has owned/operated a radiator shop for over 20 years.

Brian attended Auburn career center (Junior/Senior year of High-school) and studied automotive technology. He also attended Universal Technical Institute and studied Automotive technology/Diesel Technology/Truck Refrigeration/ Industrial Hydraulics/ Ford FACT Program.

Brian started his journey like most technicians in the industry very early following in the footsteps of his parents. Growing up he was a shadow to his father. Later, in his teenage years, he spent a lot of time working at his mother’s radiator repair shop.

Brian is extremely passionate about bettering the industry and bettering himself. He attends as many training seminars as he can work into my budget and schedule.

Tanner Brandt began working on cars at age 15 at Wayne Technical and Careers Center. He took two years of automotive technology at their campus. During that time Tanner worked nights and weekends at a repair shop as well as at a race shop.

From there he went to Monroe Community College. This is where his interest was sparked for the diagnostic side of the trade. From there the rest has been history. He attends training conferences throughout the US to learn from others and network. He has a deep interest in making our field more professional and bettering the industry for everyone.

Going to large training conferences allows Tanner to network with other like-minded individuals and find out what changes others want to see in the industry as well. Recently he has been involved with the rest of the Trained By Techs group to help bring time sensible training videos to the masses. He wants to be able to continue to help repair shops and technicians on diagnoses of vehicles as well as learn how to do so.

Where To Find Trained By Techs.

Their videos live on their YouTube Channel that’s appropriately called Trained By Techs. They usually share the link to their YouTube videos on Closed Automotive Diagnostic Facebook Groups.

They can easily be found on a lot of the better technical Facebook groups and we’re often attending the best training events.

Talking Points:

• Started as group message for Automechanika attendees, of about 10 people
  • They started to encourage each other as a tool to solve problems together.
  • The camaraderie was to better yourself and your business.
  • Turn your job into careers through having a network of friends and attending conferences together.
• Hours technicians need per year for training
  • 100 hours: 40 hours of hands-on at conference training.
  • Networking at a conference is priceless and necessary to grow your career.
• Attending classes
  • Offer honest feedback to the instructor.
  • Learn at least one takeaway from every class.
  • Don’t be afraid to start a dialogue with class and instructor, get involved to get most out of class.
  • Thank the instructor for the training.
• Daytime training
  • An ideal time for people to learn
  • Invest into turning your technician’s job a career
  • Pay for training and no loss of wages.
• Online training another option.
• Trained by Techs
  • FB videos and YouTube Channel
  • Solving problems/figuring out issues
  • It started helping other technicians
• Events like Vision are career changing.

Be socially involved and in touch with the show:
Facebook   Twitter   Linked In   Email    Events    Speaking

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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