Matt Martinez is a young man on a mission to be the best. His commitment to excellence as an automotive technician was recently demonstrated when he attained World Class Technician status before his 25th birthday. The World Class Technician recognition by ASE and the AutoCare Association is not easy to achieve, and to date only about 2000 technicians have done it. When you consider that there are about 800,000 automotive technicians in the United States, it’s a very exclusive club.

In this episode of the Team ASE podcast, we talk with Matt and his boss, Jeremy Reardon, Service Shop Manager at Westside Lexus in Houston, TX about the significance of Matt’s achievement and the importance of recognizing those highly qualified specialists who keep America moving. We’ll also talk about how Matt got started on his journey and how industry professionals like Jeremy get involved personally with their local Career & Technology Education programs to help attract, train and develop the automotive technical specialists we need to service and repair our technologically-advanced vehicle fleet.

Hear all about it as we talk with Matt & Jeremy about:

·         Matt’s first encounter with the automotive service industry and why he chose it as a career path.

·         The training he received at Cy-Fair High School in Harris County, TX.

·         Jeremy’s involvement in his local CTE Advisory Councils to find the technicians Westside Lexus needs.

·         What it means to be a World Class Technician and the requirements.

·         Matt’s achievement of World Class Technicians Status at age 24.

·         The importance of recognizing technicians for their achievements.

·         How the ASE tests have helped grow his technical knowledge.

·         The preparation Matt used to be successful on his ASE certification tests.

·         Matt’s role as a team leader and mentor at Westside Lexus.

·         The ongoing training automotive technicians receive.

·         Matt’s advice for those technicians just getting into the automotive industry.

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

One of the most significant challenges facing the automotive service industry is attracting and keeping the technical talent we need now and for tomorrow. It’s not a new challenge, but is a growing cause for concern. The good news is there is no shortage of new ideas for changing the image of our industry to reflect the high-tech nature of a technical career. Today’s automotive technician is as much a technology specialist as anyone engaged in the diagnosis and repair of our highly computerized vehicle fleet. 

In this episode of the Team ASE podcast, we talk with Carm Capriotto, founder and host of Remarkable Results Radio to explore his idea for an intellectual transformation of our auto repair service industry. Carm is a podcast pioneer and well-known speaker and host with a “purpose to advance the Aftermarket by facilitating wisdom through storytelling and open discussion.” Since launching Remarkable Results Radio in 2015, Carm has offered automotive professionals a wide variety of information to help build success and critical thinking on topics simple and profound. His most recent idea for elevating the image of the industry offers a new way to recognize those highly qualified specialists who keep America moving.

Hear all about it as we talk with Carm about:

·         His background in the automotive industry as part of an entrepreneurial family.

·         Discovering podcasting as a way to reach service professionals.

·         His ongoing quest for the next thing in the automotive industry.

·         The Rise of the Mechanical and Technology Specialist concept.

·         How using new language can impact the clients we serve.

·         Find Carm’s RISE declaration at www.remarkableresults.biz/rise

·         How using these new designations can help grow and keep your technical talent.

·         The positive feedback he’s received on the proposed language shift.

·         Helping clients recognize and appreciate the level of knowledge and training specialists provide.

·         Your opportunity to read, use and comment on Carm’s living document.

·         Why good ideas are meant to be shared.

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Team ASE is a group of individuals, companies and organizations who believe in the value of working together toward a common goal. That goal is the continuous improvement and evolution of the automotive service industry. One key element is the network of field managers working across the nation to assist and encourage CTE programs to achieve program accreditation. Another is the cooperation of several organizations that adhere to national standards in developing the technical talent the automotive industry needs for today and tomorrow. 

In this episode of the Team ASE podcast, we talk with Mike Cowles, Florida Field Manager for the ASE Education Foundation to explore how ASE and SkillsUSA work together to support each other’s efforts in building the future. He is one of many industry members who works closely with SkillsUSA in a number of ways that may surprise you. Mike retired to Florida in 2023 and continues his service to the industry as the Florida Field Manager for the ASE Education Foundation. 

Listen in as we talk with Mike about:

·         His background as an educator in a career & technical education (CTE) program and SkillsUSA State Director in Ohio. 

·         The SkillsUSA mission and purpose in the automotive industry.

·         The soft skills training SkillsUSA provides for employers.

·         How ASE works with SkillsUSA to support and promote career & technical education.

·         The support ASE provides by establishing standards used as guidelines by SkillsUSA at the regional, state and national levels.

·         The technical competitions SkillsUSA holds to spotlight the best of the best.

·         The custom testing ASE provides for the SkillsUSA competitions at all levels.

·         The involvement of ASE Education Field Managers in the SkillsUSA competitions and more.

·         How technicians and other industry experts can volunteer to be judges at the competitions.

·         What it means for the students who compete in SkillsUSA competitions.

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

One of the advantages of attending the ASE Education Foundation Instructor Conference is meeting individuals from around the country with interesting stories about how education and industry comes together to address the need for technical talent. Some of the members of Team ASE contribute to the effort by joining Advisory Councils to help instructors tailor their CTE programs to the needs of local employers. Others go a step further and actively provide employment for students in the form of internships or apprenticeships. Still others go all in by creating learning opportunities in their communities where none previously existed. 

In this episode, we talk with Tyson Sontag, a diesel technology instructor at Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale, Arkansas, who has an inspiring story of how one company put its full resources behind building a program to train future truck technicians in their local community. It’s a story of the kind of dedication and commitment typically found in those visionaries who build the future by investing their own talent and treasure today.

Hear all about it as we talk with Tyson about:

·         How McKee Foods partnered with a local school district in Gentry, Arkansas, to create a CTE program to address their need for truck technicians.

·         His time as a lead technician for McKee Foods and how it led to a career in teaching.

·         The success of his first class in the new program.

·         How that success led to a new $2.2 million dollar facility and resources.

·         His three years as a part-time CTE instructor and full-time truck technician.

·         How McKee Foods worked with his schedule to allow him to continue teaching in addition to his full-time duties.

·         McKee’s return on that investment with two excellent technicians and an ongoing internship program.

·         His new full-time teaching career and working toward his program accreditation with ASE.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

As with many other things in life that require a certain level of commitment and effort to achieve, it’s normal to ask “What’s in it for me?” It’s a fair question and one that I hear often when talking about professional credentials like ASE Certification.

Certification is all about helping you tell customers, employers, and other people about what you know while showing that you’ve gone the extra mile and put in the time and effort to be among the best in your profession. But there are other, more personal benefits which are often overlooked. In this second of a two-part interview, we’ll continue our discussion with Jonathan Couch, one of the newest inductees into the ASE President’s Club and a World Class Technician. 

When asking the question “What’s in it for me?” who better to talk about how ASE Certification can help advance your skills and knowledge than someone who has held more than 50 ASE Certifications in his career.

Hear all about it as we continue our talk with Jonathan about:

·         How ASE has benefitted him in his career.

·         Why ASE Certification is a reflection of how you invest in yourself.

·         Why employers are looking for a different type of technician today.

·         The importance of being aware of what’s coming.

·         The magnitude of change in automotive technology.

·         Why ASE Certification is a good way to evaluate your performance.

·         The advantage and relevance of a universal certification like ASE.

·         Living his dream at the Corvette World shop and Couch’s Automotive Racing Services.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

As it says on the ASE website, it’s one thing to just show up for work; it’s quite another to take control of your career, and get recognition for the knowledge and skills you’re developed over the years. That’s what ASE certification is all about: helping you tell customers, employers, and other people about what you know while showing that you’ve gone the extra mile and put in the time and effort to be among the best in your profession. That ASE certification patch you earn is proof of it.

There are currently 52 different ASE Certification areas and those who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment by achieving 50 or more certifications are invited for membership in the ASE President’s Club. Last year, six individuals were honored, and in this episode, we talk with Jonathan Couch, Owner of Couch’s Automotive Racing Services, about how ASE Certification has not just driven him to excel in his chosen profession, but also provided the opportunity to literally live his dream.

Hear all about it as we talk with Jonathan about:

·         How he got started in the automotive industry.

·         How his military service prepared him for what was to come.

·         Starting Couch’s Automotive Racing Services.

·         His background and experience as a CTE Instructor.

·         His achievement of World Class Technician status.

·         How ASE testing helped him expand his technical experience.

·         The time involved in achieving 56 ASE Certifications.

·         Using ASE Certification to evaluate his progress and identify weaknesses.

·         His desire to understand the work experience, not just technical knowledge.

·         Why work experience was instrumental in helping to pass the ASE tests.

·         Continuing the conversation in the next Team ASE episode.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

The ASE Education Foundation offers an annual Instructor Conference to provide training, professional development and networking opportunities for CTE instructors nationwide. The 2024 Instructor Conference is scheduled for July 15-18 in Minneapolis and offers something for every instructor to not just keep their technical knowledge up-to-date, but to also offer sessions to help improve their educational skills. One important aspect of the information shared is the keynote address in the General Session. The ASE Education Foundation selects speakers with an eye toward helping the instructors in attendance better understand themselves and the students they teach, particularly as it relates to the generational differences typically found in the classroom. 

In this episode of the Team ASE Podcast, we talk with Eric Chester, workforce researcher, author and award-winning speaker. Eric’s specialty is finding and keeping great employees. Eric was the keynote speaker at the 2023 Instructor Conference whose presentation offered important insights and information on our changing workforce.

Hear all about it as we talk with Eric about:

·         His background and experience as a teacher.

·         His message on how the workforce is changing.

·         His book Employing Generation Why

·         What employers are looking for in new talent today.

·         How the new generation is coming into the workplace.

·         The changes in how we work after the pandemic.

·         The gaps in communication between the generations.

·         The responsibility of teachers to students and industry.

·         What employers are looking for in core values.

·         The 8 “ate’s”.

·         The importance of communication and listening.

·         Why everything teachers do is being modeled.

·         The importance of celebrating success.

·         Find Eric’s books at www.ericchester.com 

·         You can register and learn more about the 2024 ASE Education Instructor Conference at www.aseeducation.org/events.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

One constant for those involved in automotive repair is ongoing training. Keeping up with rapidly advancing automotive technology is important for technicians, but doubly so for those CTE instructors who are tasked with preparing the next generation of automotive professionals for today and tomorrow. In fact, the ASE Education Foundation considers ongoing training so vital that it requires 20 hours of technical training per year as part of the accreditation process for CTE programs.

To ensure that instructors have access to this training, the ASE Education Foundation offers an annual Instructor Conference, usually held in July. But this conference offers a lot more than just training. Having a well-rounded instructor in the classroom is a hallmark of a quality CTE program, and the annual instructor conference provides something for every instructor to not just keep their technical knowledge up-to-date, but to also offer sessions to help improve their educational skills, develop effective networks, and interact with peers facing the same challenges every day.

In this episode of the Team ASE Podcast, we talk with Jennifer Holland, Assistant Vice President of Marketing for ASE, about what instructors can expect at the 2024 ASE Instructor Conference in Minneapolis, MN. 

Hear all about it as we talk with Jennifer about:

·         Her role with ASE overseeing marketing for ASE and its sister organizations.

·         The 2024 Instructor Conference being held July 15-18 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, MN.

·         The genesis of the ASE instructor conference in 2010.

·         Who attends the largest automotive instructor conference in the nation.

·         The trainers who provide education for the CTE instructors.

·         How much training is available at the conference.

·         The value of the networking available at the instructor conference.

·         The events available at the instructor conference to help improve an instructor’s teaching skills.

·         The major sponsors of the instructor conference and why they’re there.

·         How the instructor conference helps meet the challenges in the classroom.

·         The different training tracks for auto, truck, and collision programs.

·         Why anyone can attend the ASE Instructor Conference.

·         The opportunity to meet and interact with ASE staff face-to-face.

·         You can register and learn more at www.aseeducation.org/events.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

There have been a lot of changes at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for 2024. We’ve talked about some of them on the Team ASE Podcast already, but we still have a few more to cover. In this episode, you’ll meet Virginia Oden, the newest Assistant Vice President at the ASE Education Foundation. With more than 20 years’ experience in recruitment and retention, she is no stranger to Team ASE.

Virginia worked with Career and Technical Education for the State of Oklahoma, which is where she first encountered the ASE Education Foundation’s accreditation process through her work with the schools and by participating in Advisory Councils. From there, she expanded her experience working with automotive, truck, collision and even aviation career programs.

In her new role, Virginia works directly with the ASE Education Foundation Field Managers and spends a lot of time on the road at events across the nation, participating in the outreach to local CTE programs and educators as part of the ASE Education Foundation.

Hear all about it as we talk with Virginia about:

·         Her background in the education industry and how she has worked with the ASE Education Foundation prior to joining the organization.

·         Working with the ASE Education Foundation Field Managers as her primary responsibility.

·         The knowledge and experience she is learning from her team.

·         Her time spent at conferences across the nation to see how other states deal with the same challenges faced by everyone.

·         How she looks forward to learning and sharing best practices and working with the students in CTE programs across the country.

·         What she sees as the biggest opportunities in automotive education.

·         How seeing the big picture will help in her role with the ASE Education Foundation.

·         An invitation to share your ideas and comments directly by emailing Virginia at voden@aseeducation.org

·         What drives her to improve automotive education. 

·         Her passion on promoting the dedication, talent and knowledge required to be an automotive technician in the 21st Century.

·         What gives her the most satisfaction in everything she does.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Matt Shepanek is a man who wears many hats. One of them is as President of the ASE Training Manager’s Council (ATMC). We often talk about the different facets of ASE and the ATMC is certainly one of them. It’s a valuable resource for everyone involved with training in the automotive industry.

Founded in 1984 as the Automotive Training Manager’s Council, their mission as a non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting the advancement of training and professional development within the automotive service industry. Over the years, that mission has expanded to include the entire transportation industry, including auto, truck and other segments such as farm and aviation.

Each year, the ATMC hosts an annual conference with content specifically aimed at training providers. The 2024 ATMC Annual Conference will be April 16-18 in Peachtree City, Georgia, just south of Atlanta. It’s a valuable networking and training event with insights into best practices for delivering training and an opportunity to learn about and anticipate emerging trends. 

And there’s more. Hear all about it as we talk with Matt about:

·         His background in the industry and how he first discovered ATMC.

·         The value he experienced as a member of ATMC.

·         His role at ASE working with training and professional development.

·         The plans for the 2024 ATMC Conference in Peach Tree, GA.

·         What the agenda covers each day of the conference.

·         The wealth of information that will be shared to the trainers attending.

·         How to find out more on the 2024 ATMC Conference at atmc.org

·         How ATMC provides national standards for training providers.

·         The ATMC Benchmark Survey and how it tracks trends in training.

·         The Excellence in Training Award and how to submit candidates.

·         Interested in learning more about ATMC membership? Just visit www.atmc.org

 Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Instructors at ASE-Accredited CTE programs are required to take 20 hours of technical training per year as part of the accreditation requirements. This training helps instructors keep up with the latest automotive technology. There are a variety of ways instructors can obtain this training, but each year, the ASE Education Foundation hosts their Instructor Conference to provide an opportunity to receive all 20 hours, if an instructor needs to catch up before the end of the year. 

The trainers at the instructor conference represent technical experts from both independent training organizations and major vehicle manufacturers to ensure those preparing tomorrow’s technical talent are kept abreast of the latest automotive technology.

The 2024 ASE Education Foundation Instructor Conference will be held July 15th through the 18th at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We’ll have more information on the 2024 event later this year, but in this episode, we’ll talk with Kyle Gerondale and Bob Hall, two technical training leaders from BMW, who attended the 2023 event in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides some insight into the type of training information educators will experience, along with some interesting information on learning opportunities being offered to students graduating from secondary and post-secondary accredited CTE programs.

Hear all about it as we talk with Kyle and Bob about:

·         The presentation on BMW’s Standards of Learning and how they differ from traditional training methods.

·         The BMW Fast Track program for secondary and post-secondary graduates.

·         How the BMW STEP program helps students find jobs at BMW dealerships nationwide.

·         The qualification process students go through to qualify for both programs.

·         Their role at BMW as Technical Training Leaders.

·         How the cost of BMW education is covered for students accepted into the program.

·         The importance of BMW’s involvement in helping to mentor and train the instructors at accredited programs.

·         Their experience teaching at the ASE Instructor Conference.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Dan Baumhardt is the Director of Light Vehicle Test Development at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. A recent announcement from ASE announced a significant change to the Advanced Level L1 and L2 tests beginning in January 2024. The change involves moving to a paperless format for the Composite Vehicle documents that test candidates use while taking both the L1 and L2 tests at a Prometric test center. These documents will now be included in the test delivery platform in an electronic PDF form.

Dan also explains how this change will allow test takers to use Prometric's ProProctor test delivery platform as an option during recertification. ProProctor, a proctoring solution that allows technicians to take recertification tests remotely, requires that no books or papers be present during testing. 

Hear all about it as we talk with Dan about:

·         His role at ASE as Director of Light Vehicle Test Development.

·         The movement of the Composite Vehicle document from printed to an electronic PDF format.

·         How test takers will use the electronic document during testing.

·         How updates to the ASE tests are vetted for accuracy in measuring knowledge.

·         The way to download an electronic copy of the composite vehicle document at:  https://www.ase.com/ase-study-guides

·         Why it’s important to understand how to find the information in the document.

·         What technicians should do to prepare for taking the L-Series tests.

·         Why the composite vehicle documents were created.

·         How often the L-Series tests are updated.

·         The new ProProctor testing option that makes taking a recertification test more convenient than ever.

·         How to find more details and information on the ProProctor testing at: www.ase.com/proproctor

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

One of the most common words used to describe those individuals who make up Team ASE is passion. Another is experience. It’s not unusual to find someone who has a family background in the automotive industry standing in front of a training session passing along their knowledge. In this episode, you’ll meet a trainer who specializes in looking ahead to what’s next and the new opportunities emerging in the automotive industry.

Pam Oakes has more than 33-years of professional experience as a fourth-generation auto technician. She’s a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in automotive app engineering, business intelligence, technical training and an Automotive App Engineering Consultant at autoINENG.io, a company that provides innovative solutions for the automotive industry. Her qualifications are both impressive and an indication of the type of trainer typically found at the ASE Education Foundation Instructor Conference. Pam is a certified and recognized SME authority in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and sensors. She is a member of the National Science Foundation/National Council of Autonomous Technologies (NCAT) advisory committee, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Active Safety ADAS Sensor Calibration Task Force, and the Mobile Air Climate Society (MACS) 609 instructor/test proctor. She has also developed Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams for L4 (ADAS) and A7 (HVAC) certifications. Pam's mission is to share her knowledge and expertise with technicians, consumers, and businesses, and to help them navigate the rapidly evolving automotive technologies.

Hear all about it as we talk with Pam about:

·         Her role at autoINENG.io as an automotive applications engineer.

·         The ADAS training she offered at the Instructor Conference.

·         Her family background in the automotive service industry.

·         How she started and grew her own repair business.

·         Getting hooked on the passion of training others.

·         Taking advantage of the opportunities in the automotive industry.

·         The coming future automotive technology.

·         Why she thinks offering her knowledge to instructors is important.

·         Her views on opportunities arising in the industry for technicians.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

One of the most important roles in Team ASE is filled by those individuals who dedicate their knowledge, skills and talents to preparing the technicians we need for today and tomorrow. In this episode, we talk with one of the automotive instructors who knows all too well just how important those technicians are to the future success of repair shops across the nation. Melissa Williams is an automotive instructor at James Rumsey Technical Institute in Martinsburg, West Virginia. She’s been in the automotive industry for 18 years, the last 12 as an instructor. We talked with Melissa at the 2023 ASE Education Foundation Instructor Conference, which she’s attended for the last five years to enhance her technical knowledge by taking advantage of the annual training available to CTE instructors. Melissa has done it all, going from technician to shop owner to automotive instructor in her career, and she uses that experience in the classroom every day.

Hear all about it as we talk with Melissa about:

·         How she got into the industry after serving in the US Army.

·         Her passion for learning new things and automotive technology.

·         The experience working as a technician in a dealership and an independent repair shop in Claxton, GA.

·         How life led her to an instructor position in West Virginia.

·         Her role at Rumsey Technical Institute.

·         How a simulated workplace helps exposes her students to different options.

·         The resources ASE Accreditation provides for her students.

·         Becoming an Evaluation Team Leader (ETL) to help other programs achieve accreditation.

·         Why ASE Certification has been an important part of her career.

·         Using networking opportunities to find new ideas.

·         Her experience as a woman in the automotive industry and as a CTE instructor.

·         How she worked hard to achieve all of her goals.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Team ASE has many supporters helping to build the future. Among them are many vehicle manufacturers, with specific training programs available to ASE-Accredited Career and Technical Education schools preparing the technicians of today and tomorrow. But they don’t stop there. Some go the extra mile by providing training for CTE instructors at the ASE Education Foundation annual Instructor Training Conference. Each July, both secondary and post-secondary instructors have an opportunity to keep up with advancing automotive technology by attending training classes sponsored by various vehicle manufacturers. It’s a commitment to make sure we have the technical talent we need in repair shops across the nation. We caught up with Joe Myers, Technician Development Manager, at the 2023 Instructor Conference to find out what kind of technical information Toyota shared this time around.

Hear all about it as we talk about:

·         His class on an overview of the Toyota BZ4X Electric Vehicle.

·         Highlights on the BZ4X cooling system.

·         The type of training instructors need to prepare new technicians for EV’s.

·         How EV’s use existing technology in electric vehicles.

·         Why EV safety training is the most important place to start.

·         The moving target of future EV maintenance & repair.

·         How existing skills are transferrable to EV service, diagnosis & repair.

·         Why electrical systems will become more complex going forward.

·         What typical maintenance will be the same for EV’s.

·         Joe’s advice to secondary and post-secondary instructors.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Heraclitus, a Greek Philosopher, is recognized as the first to say “The only constant in life is change.” That statement is not just a fundamental truth, it particularly applies to the automotive industry and those who work in it. On January 1st, 2024, a leadership change will take place at one of the most well-known organizations within the automotive service industry, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence when CEO Tim Zilke and Senior Vice President Trish Serratore officially begin their retirement. Back in August, Episode 2 of The Team ASE Podcast interviewed Dave Johnson and Donna Wagner, the incoming CEO and VP who will be succeeding Tim and Trish, and in this episode we’ll complete that circle by talking with Tim and Trish about their time at ASE, some of their accomplishments, and their plans for the future.

Hear all about it as they talk about:

·         Tim’s 32-year tenure with ASE and the changes he’s seen.

·         The shift to computer-based testing.

·         Trish’s experience meeting and interacting with the technicians.

·         The pride she saw in those ASE-Certified automotive professionals.

·         The growth from four to more than fifty ASE certification tests.

·         How ASE works with certified professionals throughout their career.

·         The industry organizations operating under the ASE umbrella.

·         The growth of Entry-Level testing for students.

·         The annual technician recognition program ASE provides.

·         The support and commitment ASE receives from the industry.

·         How a diverse board of directors and governors helps make it all work.

·         Their plans for after retirement.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Team ASE more than anything else is made up of individuals with a passion for improving themselves and the automotive service industry. They do this in a variety of ways, from promoting excellence with their personal commitment to professional certifications, to sharing the knowledge they gained with todays and tomorrow’s technicians. Those dedicated to ongoing training are the often-unsung heroes in our industry, whose contributions of time and treasure are a large part of the team building our future. In this episode, we talk with Scott Brown, co-owner of Connie & Dick’s Auto Service Center in Claremont, CA, and one of the leading technical trainers in the industry. We caught up with Scott at the 2023 ASE Education Foundation Instructor Conference in Atlanta, where he offered a unique training experience to automotive instructors preparing the next generation of technical talent.

Hear all about it as Scott covers:

·         His 40 years of providing expert service to generations of customers.

·         His class on Visual Tools for ADAS Instruction.

·         How he uses visual tools in training on complex automotive systems.

·         Why automotive technology will keep advancing in all vehicles.

·         Keeping automotive technology instructors & students ahead of the curve.

·         How he works with two apprentices in his shop to grow their experience.

·         Scott’s history of training on different topics.

·         How he uses real-world events in his training content.

·         Why he is passionate about sharing knowledge and training.

·         His goal of helping all in the automotive service industry to rise together.

·         His experience working with cutting-edge technology.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Since 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required all A/C service technicians who handle or purchase refrigerant for mobile A/C service and repair to be certified according to the EPA Section 609 Rule. This Section 609 Certification is offered by ASE, but it’s a little different from their regular certification process and should not be confused with the regular A/C certification tests. In this episode, we talk with Dave Cappert, the Administrator of the ASE Section 609 Certification Program, to get his thoughts on how the program began, how it works and why anyone who services automotive A/C systems should have this important credential.

Listen in as we talk with Dave about:

·         His role at ASE in the special testing department.

·         When and why Section 609 was created as part of the Clean Air Act.

·         How it helps in managing refrigerant emissions.

·         Why the ASE Section 609 certification is a training program.

·         What the Section 609 does and doesn’t cover.

·         Where you should display your Section 609 credentials.

·         How to take the Section 609 certification test.

·         All about the major revision in 2015.

·         The best way to prepare for the Section 609 certification test.

·         Dave’s work in offering the free ASE Webinars on a variety of topics.

·         Sign up for the webinars at www.ase.com/webinar-subscribe

·         Where you can find all the information you need at www.asecampus.com 

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Last year, ASE celebrated their 50th anniversary providing certification credentials for automotive professionals. In the last half-century, ASE has become the gold standard for automotive technicians and a host of other individuals in the automotive service industry who keep America moving. But a lot has changed over the years, and ASE keeps evolving to meet the needs of those professionals working on advancing automotive technology. One of those evolutions has been the move away from paper-and-pencil testing to leverage modern computer technology and provide a variety of choices for those seeking to achieve ASE Certification. 

To help bring us up to speed on these new options, we talked with Matt Shepanek, Vice President of Credential Testing Programs. Listen in as we talk with Matt about:

·         Matt’s role at ASE and his professional training background in the industry.

·         The three testing options available to automotive professionals to recertify their credentials.

·         The standard computer-based testing process for first-timers.

·         The ASE Renewal App using a smart phone.

·         How the Pro-Proctor option offers increased convenience

·         Advice on the best way to prepare for taking an ASE test.

·         What study materials are available and the ASE Practice Tests.

·         Where you can find all the information you need at www.ase.com 

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Corey Glassman is a familiar face in the automotive service industry. He’s an expert on pretty much anything electrical and was part of the team that developed the new ASE Electric Vehicle (EV) tests. Corey’s extensive electronic experience in the military and his 31-year career at FLUKE Corporation designing electrical test equipment make him one of the leading experts on electrical safety and automotive diagnostic equipment. He’s been an instructor, technician and the Global Training Manager at FLUKE.

Listen in as we talk with Corey about:

·         What the ASE EV tests are and how they work.

·         The different levels of the EV tests.

·         Who the different levels are designed for in the shop.

·         How the knowledge measured in the EV tests help improve shop safety.

·         Why the EV tests are important for maintenance technicians working on EV’s.

·         How the EV tests are put together and what standards they meet.

·         The extensive work put into developing the EV tests by ASE.

·         The subject matter experts who were part of the development team.

·         What knowledge the EV tests measure.

·         Where you can view and download the standards at www.ase.com/ev

·         The information on taking the EV tests online.

·         How best to prepare to take the EV tests.

·         What’s next in ASE certification of EV technicians.

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Bogi Lateiner is a familiar face in the automotive service industry. She’s a technician, former shop owner, host of All Girls Garage on Motor Trend TV and a champion for women in the technical trades. She’s also a spokesperson for ASE and one of the trainers at the ASE Education Foundation Instructor Conference this year. The automotive industry is changing and the number of women working as technicians is growing. We caught up with Bogi at the conference to get her thoughts on how we can change the culture in what has been typically a male-dominated workforce to be more welcoming to those young women thinking about a career in the automotive industry. She offers some advice for those training the next generation of technicians, as well as those already working in shops across the nation, and shares some of her experience to help better understand how we can change our culture to improve professionalism and evolve our industry for the workforce of today and tomorrow.

Listen in as we talk with Bogi about:

·         Her background and experience in the automotive industry

·         How she’s working to make the automotive industry the best it can be

·         Her thoughts on women in the automotive industry

·         The ways to change the culture to improve professionalism and industry image

·         Why some well-intentioned comments can have the opposite effect

·         What automotive instructors and trainers can do to help women succeed in the industry and the classroom

·         How doing nothing is sometimes the best course of action

·         Why being there for someone is the most important support you can offer

·         How communication skills can be the most important part of building teamwork

·         Creating a more professional, respectful and welcoming industry

·         How to find Bogi’s “With Her Two Hands” podcast

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Timmy Martin is the automotive CTE program instructor at Red Oak High School in Texas. He was one of the instructors attending the ASE Education Foundation Instructor Conference held each year over the summer to provide training and other benefits to CTE instructors from across the nation. This year’s event hosted more than 350 representatives of ASE Accredited secondary and post-secondary auto, truck and collision programs. Timmy was among those who heard presentations from speakers offering advice on improving their instructional skills, along with technical training sessions provided by sponsors and top industry trainers who generously donated their time to ensure the instructors were able to meet and exceed the annual 40-hour training requirement for accreditation. It’s just one of the ways the ASE Education Foundation supports CTE training programs and the instructors who are so important to preparing the technicians and other automotive professionals our industry needs now and for the future.

The Team ASE podcast was there and caught up with Timmy to talk about his experience with ASE Accreditation held by the Red Oak program and the value it provides. In upcoming podcasts we’ll be featuring interviews with some of the presenters, speakers, instructors and celebrities that were also there and shared their knowledge, insight and inspiration with everyone. 

Hear all about it as we talk with Timmy about:

·         Timmy’s background in the automotive industry and how he got into teaching.

·         The Red Oak HS dual-enrollment program

·         His experience in teaching in both accredited and non-accredited programs

·         The recognition his program receives from accreditation

·         Why he thinks accreditation is important and how it has helped his personal growth

·         The roadmap and resources available to help achieve accreditation

·         The many values of accreditation and how it involves his school administration

·         How the students benefit from accredited programs

·         Why employers recognize the value of hiring a student from an accredited program

·         How program accreditation enhances dual-program relationships

Stay tuned for more thoughts and advice on the many facets and opportunities available through a career in the automotive service industry as we continue our Team ASE podcast series, and thanks for listening!

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

The ASE Education Foundation hosts an Instructor Conference each year over the summer to provide training and other benefits to CTE instructors from across the nation. This year’s event hosted more than 350 representatives of ASE Accredited secondary and post-secondary auto, truck and collision programs. Those in attendance heard presentations from speakers offering advice on improving their instructional skills, along with technical training sessions provided by sponsors and top industry trainers who donated their time to ensure the instructors were able to meet and exceed the 40-hour training requirement for accreditation. It’s just one of the ways the ASE Education Foundation supports CTE training programs and the instructors who are so important to preparing the technicians and other automotive professionals our industry needs now and for the future.

If you were not able to make it to Charlotte this year, the Team ASE podcast was there and in upcoming podcasts we’ll be featuring interviews with some of the presenters, speakers, instructors and celebrities who shared their knowledge, insight and inspiration with everyone. We’ll start with an interview with ASE’s incoming CEO and VP of Industry Relations. As you may have heard, Tim Zilke, ASE’s current CEO has announced his retirement, along with Trish Serratore, ASE’s Senior Vice President. Both are retiring at the end of the year. After an extensive talent search, the ASE Board selected Dave Johnson to succeed Tim as President & CEO. Donna Wagner joins Dave as Trish’s successor. We sat down with Dave and Donna and in this episode, you’ll have the opportunity to meet them and learn a little about what’s next at ASE. 

Hear all about it as we talk about:

·         Dave’s background and history in the automotive industry.

·         His experience as an executive at Ford Motor Company

·         How Donna Wagner began her automotive career, saying the industry found her

·         Her experience as a professor at Northwood University

·         Dave’s role in the introduction of the aluminum F-150 pickup truck

·         How both Dave and Donna have a technician connection

·         Dave’s vision for the future direction of the industry in electrification and what it means for ASE

·         ASE’s unique role within the automotive industry

·         The challenges facing our industry in finding the technical talent we need and helping consumers connect with quality automotive service.

·         The importance of celebrating and recognizing those individuals who work behind the scenes

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com

Episode 1 - Welcome to Team ASE

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Team ASE podcast was created for automotive technicians, shop owners, automotive instructors and industry supporters. It's also for those thinking about a career in the automotive industry. The Team ASE podcast talks about the importance and opportunities of STEM careers and technical education, technical information and the value of ASE certification and ASE Education Foundation accreditation to the industry and the consumers we serve. 
 
 It takes a team to build the future, and with every bi-monthly episode, the Team ASE podcast will introduce you to those individuals whose passion and dedication make them part of Team ASE. The work they do to support and improve the automotive service industry doesn't just help them make a living, it helps them make a difference! If you want to know more about how we're working to improve the professionalism, technical knowledge and career opportunities for automotive professionals everywhere, the Team ASE podcast is for you!

Our first episode introduces the Team ASE podcast and host Tony Molla. Listen in as we talk about:

·         What is the Team ASE Podcast?

·         Brought to you by ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

·         What the Team ASE podcast does to help shop owners, technicians, CTE students, and others working in the automotive industry grow in their careers

·         The passionate, dedicated individuals in the automotive industry working to make automotive service and repair better for consumers and automotive professionals

·         What’s now, what’s new and what’s next in automotive technology

·         About your host, Tony Molla and his experience with opportunities in the automotive industry

·         How the Team ASE Podcast shares the stories of the many who have found success and professional growth with their choice of a STEM career

·         Meet the CTE instructors who are training the next generation of automotive professionals for today and tomorrow

·         How to find more information on the ASE website at www.ase.com

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com