Lyman High School’s Auto Program Wins Big with ASE Connects
The technician shortage continues to impact the automotive, diesel, and collision industries nationwide. And if the industry wants to solve it, shops and schools can’t operate in silos—they need to work together. The good news? Many shops already want to be part of the solution. According to the 2026 Voice
5 Steps to Train and Retain New Technicians
Donald Favors, Auto Tech Instructor at Lowell High School, joins us to talk about the five steps he developed for technician retention in his “Pathway to Retention” program. In the episode, he walks through each step in detail—from connecting with local schools to providing technicians with financial education—and shares his
Northwest Auto Care Alliance Partners with ASE Connects to Strengthen the Technician Pipeline
The Northwest Auto Care Alliance (NWACA) is partnering with ASE Connects—reinforcing its commitment to supporting the next generation of automotive technicians across the Northwest. Representing a strong network of independent repair shops and industry professionals, NWACA has long prioritized workforce development and education. This partnership builds on that foundation by
Motivating Students & Helping Them Succeed
Gerrot Jacobson, Automotive Instructor at Hawkeye Community College, joins us to talk about how he challenges and motivates students in the classroom every day—giving them a safe place to fail so they can learn, grow, and keep moving forward! He also shares his path into the automotive industry and why
ASE Connects Welcomes TruVideo as a Featured Partner
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and WrenchWay are proud to announce TruVideo as the newest Featured Partner of ASE Connects—a national initiative focused on strengthening the technician pipeline and elevating automotive, diesel, and collision careers. TruVideo is the leader in communication technology for the transportation industry, providing
Simulating a Flat Rate Pay Plan in the Classroom
David Kocher, Automotive Instructor at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, joins us to explain how he introduced a simulated flat rate pay plan to help students understand how flat rate works early in their careers. David walks us through his background, the ins and outs of the incentive-based system he’s
VIP Tires & Service Joins ASE Connects as a Founding Member to Support Building the Technician Pipeline
We’re proud to announce that VIP Tires & Service has joined ASE Connects as a Founding Member, enrolling all 77 of their locations across the Northeastern United States. By bringing every store into the initiative, VIP Tires & Service is demonstrating a clear, company-wide commitment to supporting a stronger, more
Second Generation Shop Ownership
Brad Templin, COO at Scott's U-Save Tires & Auto Repair, discusses his journey into second generation shop ownership and what the transition looked like taking over his family’s business. He shares why he chose not to take the easy path back into the industry, the importance of proper succession planning,
ASE Connects Partnership Drives Student Interest in Automotive Careers at Covington High School
The technician shortage continues to impact the automotive and diesel industries nationwide. According to the 2026 Voice of Technician Report, 38% of technicians expect to leave the profession within the next five years, either due to retirement or career change. While recruiting efforts are important, the long-term solution won’t come
Mentorship is the Beginning of Leadership
Dwayne Myers, CEO of Dynamic Automotive, discusses why mentorship is the foundation of leadership and how his team focuses on growing their own technicians through a structured apprenticeship program. From investing in local schools to intentionally developing and nurturing talent, he explains why this approach is key to addressing the