How School Assist Is Connecting Schools to Grow the Next Generation of Auto Body Professionals
In Minnesota, a high school automotive instructor and a post-secondary collision instructor— just 30-minutes apart—had never crossed paths. That changed when School Assist by WrenchWay & ASE brought them together. What began as a simple online connection quickly turned into an engaging, hands-on classroom visit that energized students exploring collision
How Racing Legends Inspire Future Technicians
Steve Johnson and Larry Dixon Jr., legendary drag racers, join us to share their paths in racing and how they’re helping inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and technicians. During the episode, Steve and Larry share their racing journeys, why everyone in life needs mentors, and how the BAT-man
Top 5 Most-Viewed Beyond the Wrench Episodes of 2025
2025 came and went in a flash—and what’s even crazier, we celebrated FIVE YEARS of the Beyond the Wrench podcast! We couldn’t have done it without our listeners. Your plays, follows, ratings, reviews, and support are what keep this podcast growing and help us bring meaningful conversations to the automotive,
Proactively Growing the Industry’s Technician Pipeline
Lew Olivier, Director of Outreach at the MN State Transportation Center of Excellence, joins us to discuss growing the next generation of technicians. Lew explains how events like Nitro-X spark student interest in technical careers, what shops can do as a first step to get involved with schools, and how
ASE Introduces ASE Connects: A New Initiative to Strengthen the Technician Workforce Pipeline
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is proud to announce the launch of ASE Connects. This new initiative, in partnership with WrenchWay, is a nationwide effort to bring shops, dealerships, and schools together to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing issues. “There are many groups out there
Raising the Standards & Respect for the Repair Industry
Ryan Kooiman, Director of Training at Standard Motor Products, joins us to talk about banding together to raise the professional standards in the repair industry. He covers the balance between technical curiosity and shop profitability, the importance of credentials like ASEs, and why mentorship is better for the industry than
Taking Technical Skills Beyond the Bay
John Melendez, Owner of JDM Collision, discusses the immense value of carrying technical skills into management and other industry roles. He covers his evolution from technician to industry leader, the lasting impact of effective mentorship on the next generation, and how leveraging certifications directly drives higher pay. Watch the Full
Building Trust Between Shops & Customers
Marc Poulsen, National Accounts Manager, shares how AutoNet TV helps shops build trust with customers and why it’s essential. Learn why showcasing ASE-certified technicians matters, the public’s misconceptions about the technician role, and the challenges of explaining maintenance and complex repairs to customers. Note: We experienced a small technical issue
Building Future Technicians with Tom Wood University
Bill Demaree and Aaron Blount join us to share how Tom Wood University brings high school students into the dealership for hands-on automotive learning. They discuss the “why” behind the program, the importance of ownership support in building a marketplace of future technicians, and how they structure the curriculum to
WrenchWay & ASE Launch the 3rd Annual Voice of Technician Survey
WrenchWay and ASE are very excited to announce the 3rd annual Voice of Technician Survey is now open! About the Survey The purpose of this survey is to gather feedback about what it’s like to work in the automotive, diesel, and collision industries and identify opportunities for improvement. The survey