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
Who Is Jay Goninen? The Man Behind Beyond the Wrench
In this special episode, the tables turn as Beyond the Wrench host Jay Goninen takes the hot seat! Guest host and longtime friend Josh Arnold, a technician himself, interviews Jay about his roots in the family auto shop, the journey to co-founding WrenchWay, and his favorite memories from the last
From Med School to Founding Tekmetric: Lessons in Leadership
Sunil Patel shares how his path from medical school to shop owner to Founder and CEO of Tekmetric shaped his approach to leadership. He discusses how a personal shop struggle inspired Tekmetric, why staying focused on your vertical drives success, and the leadership lessons he’s learned building a platform for
Hiring Under 18: Lessons From a Shop That Does It Right
John Perez, Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition at Sonic Automotive, shares how they built a junior apprenticeship program for students under 18. From earning executive buy-in to keeping kids safe in the shop, John breaks down how they’re developing the next generation of technicians by starting earlier than most. Watch