Proactively Growing the Industry’s Technician Pipeline
Beyond the Wrench
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 small actions today can have a lasting impact on the technician workforce.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Lew Olivier, MN State Transportation Center of Excellence, llewellyn.olivier@dctc.edu
Links & Resources
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- Nitro-X Summer Camps
- Investing in the Future: Measuring Employer ROI in Early Talent Development
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Raising the Standards & Respect for the Repair Industry
Beyond the Wrench
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 making young techs learn “the hard way."
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Ryan Kooiman, Standard Motor Products, rkooiman@smpsfa.com
Links & Resources
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About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Taking Technical Skills Beyond the Bay
Beyond the Wrench
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.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: John Melendez, JDM Collision, john@jdmcollision.com
Links & Resources
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About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Building Trust Between Shops & Customers
Beyond the Wrench
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.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Marc Poulsen, AutoNet TV, mpoulsen@autonettv.com
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Building Future Technicians with Tom Wood University
Beyond the Wrench
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 prepare students for real-world success in the industry.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guests: Bill Demaree & Aaron Blount, Tom Wood Auto Group
Links & Resources
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About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Who Is Jay Goninen? The Man Behind Beyond the Wrench
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 five years of hosting Beyond the Wrench.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Josh Arnold, Subaru Senior Master Technician, Connect on LinkedIn
- Guest: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
Links & Resources
- Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Free Soft Skills Training for Future Technicians by RockED + WrenchWay
Beyond the Wrench
Chris Craig from RockED joins WrenchWay to discuss their partnership offering free soft skills training to schools and students. They talk about why soft skills matter for today’s technicians, what training is available on the RockED app, and how schools and students can get free access to the training.
View the full webinar video and slides
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Chris Craig, RockED, chris.craig@rocked.us
Links & Resources
- Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
- Get free soft skills training for your school or students: rocked.us/solutions-tech-schools
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
Connect with us on social:
From Med School to Founding Tekmetric: Lessons in Leadership
Beyond the Wrench
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 automotive repair shops nationwide.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Sunil Patel, Tekmetric, spatel@tekmetric.com
- Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
Connect with us on social:
Hiring Under 18: Lessons From a Shop That Does It Right
Beyond the Wrench
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.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: John Perez, Sonic Automotive, john.perez@sonicautomotive.com
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Inside the Evolving SEMA Show 2025
Beyond the Wrench
Tom Gattuso, Vice President of Events at SEMA, shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning the SEMA Show 2025. He talks about how the show continues to evolve, what goes into making it run smoothly, and his best advice for first-time attendees.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Tom Gattuso, SEMA, tomg@sema.org
- Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list\
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Milwaukee Pipeline Series: A Look at the New Impact Wrench & Ratchet
Beyond the Wrench
Eric Rusch, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, breaks down two exciting new products technicians will love—the M12 FUEL™ Subcompact Impact Wrench and the M12 FUEL™ Gen 2 Ratchet—live at the Milwaukee Pipeline 2025 event. He shares key product features, how Milwaukee Tool has evolved to meet industry needs, and why it’s so rewarding to see these tools come to life for mechanics.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Eric Rusch, Milwaukee Tool
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Milwaukee Pipeline Series: Solving Shop Lighting Challenges
Beyond the Wrench
Jason Isaacs, Director of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, dives into shop lighting—how Milwaukee Tool develops durable products, key lighting solutions for technicians, and advice on the best lights for those just starting their careers.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Jason Isaacs, Milwaukee Tool
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Milwaukee Pipeline Series: Transitioning From Technician to Shop Owner
Beyond the Wrench
Recorded live at Milwaukee Pipeline 2025, Chris Enright—Founder & Owner of Enright Automotive and content creator—shares his journey from technician to shop owner and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode, we dive into making the transition from tech to owner, the ROI of technician training, the power of clear communication, and more.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Chris Enright, Enright Automotive, enrightauto@gmail.com
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Milwaukee Pipeline Series: Hand Tools Designed with Technicians in Mind
Beyond the Wrench
Recorded live at the Milwaukee Pipeline 2025 event, Leah Balto, Group Manager of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool, joins host Jay Goninen to walk us through Milwaukee’s latest hand tool kits, explain how the team studies technicians in real-world settings to inspire smarter innovations, and share how Milwaukee Tool is investing in solutions that support technicians’ long-term health.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Leah Balto, Group Manager of Product Marketing, Milwaukee Tool
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Webinar Replay: Building Effective Educational Partnerships
Beyond the Wrench
In this recorded webinar, Tom Wozniak, Diesel Instructor at Madison College, and John Gustafson, Shop Owner at Gustafson Brothers, share both the school and shop perspectives on building stronger partnerships. They discuss where shops should start, how to get the most out of advisory committees, the importance of consistency, and the power of serving on school boards to be a voice for the industry.
Watch the full recording here: https://wrenchway.com/events/back-to-school-building-effective-educational-partnerships/
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guests: Tom Wozniak, Madison College, TWozniak@madisoncollege.edu & John Gustafson, Gustafson Brothers, john@gustafsonbros.com
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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When Service Advisors Put Technicians First, Everyone Wins
Beyond the Wrench
Rena Rennebohm, CEO of Empowered Advisor, shares why shops thrive when service advisors put technicians first. With years of experience coaching advisors, Rena explains how stronger collaboration between advisors and technicians leads to better shop culture and performance. She also dives into challenges such as high service advisor turnover, the lack of respect advisors often face, and why she believes nearly 50% of shops are short-staffed at the front.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Rena Rennebohm, Empowered Advisor, rena@empoweryouradvisor.com
- Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
Connect with us on social:
Leading with Accountability & Influence
Beyond the Wrench
In this episode, Dave Anderson, President of Learn to Lead, gives leaders actionable strategies for handling tough situations while earning trust and respect. He shares practical advice on holding even high-performing team members accountable, making confrontation conversational, and avoiding the loss of credibility.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Dave Anderson, Learn to Lead, dave@learntolead.com
- Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
Connect with us on social:
Turning Wrenches for the Secret Service
Beyond the Wrench
Lenny Fumarolo shares his journey from working in NASCAR to becoming a Protective Armored Specialist for the United States Secret Service (USSS). He breaks down how others can follow in his footsteps, what daily repairs and maintenance look like in such a high-security role, and how tools, uniforms, and the overall environment differ from typical shops.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Lenny A. Fumarolo, United States Secret Service
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Helping Shop Owners Build Profitable, Fulfilling Businesses
Beyond the Wrench
Darrin Barney shares his journey from running a family-owned shop with his brother to becoming CEO of Elite Worldwide. He talks about the early struggles of building a profitable business and the importance of having the right team in the right roles. Darrin also opens up about buying the company that changed his life and how he now helps shop owners build more successful businesses—and better lives.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Darrin Barney, Elite Worldwide, d.barney@eliteworldwide.com
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Building the Future Technician Workforce
Beyond the Wrench
Lauren Reinhold, Director of Training & Education at Kirk NationaLease, shares her journey from technician to teacher to leading a technician training and apprenticeship program. She discusses how connecting with students on a personal level helps them succeed, and she breaks down key parts of the program she's building. Lauren also highlights the disconnect between industry and education that’s impacting the technician shortage.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Lauren Reinhold, Kirk NationaLease, lauren_reinhold@knl.cc
- Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Career Survival Tips for New Technicians
Beyond the Wrench
Curtis Gardner, Audi Master Guild Technician at Sewell Audi of North Houston and Founder of Gnarred LLC, shares what young technicians need to know to build a respectful and lasting career. With 15+ years of experience, he covers common mistakes, how to survive your first months in the shop, and why discipline and strong workflows matter.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Curtis Gardner, Sewell Audi of North Houston & Gnarred LLC, curtis@gnarred.com
- Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
Connect with us on social:
Mentoring vs. Training Technicians
Beyond the Wrench
John Roberts, Shop Foreman at Metro Toyota, didn’t plan to be on the podcast—but his insights were too good not to share. In this episode, John breaks down the powerful difference between training and mentoring, shares how he builds confidence in his team, and explains why becoming a top-tier technician takes more than just skill—it takes the right mindset.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: John Roberts, Metro Toyota, jroberts@metro-toyota.com
- Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Where Racing Passion Meets Customer Trust
Beyond the Wrench
Marc Erickson, National Sales at AutoMeter Products, Inc., grew up in a drag racing family and naturally found his way into the automotive world. Over 20 years ago, he started at AutoMeter, and his passion for the brand has only grown. In this episode, Marc discusses the importance of credibility and honesty with customers, offers an inside look at AutoMeter’s brand and customer service, and shares stories from his first drag race to meeting some famous industry names.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Marc Erickson, AutoMeter Products, marc_erickson@autometer.com
- Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
Connect with us on social:
How Mentors & Mindset Unlock Technician Career Growth
Beyond the Wrench
In this episode, Dan Aldrich, Director of Automotive Technical Training at Christian Brothers Automotive, dives into what sets top technicians apart—a growth mindset paired with strong mentorship. Dan explores why soft skills are just as crucial as technical skills, how mentorship can transform many careers, and why investing in yourself is key to moving forward in the industry.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Dan Aldrich, Christian Brothers Automotive, dan.aldrich@cbac.com
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Taking Auto Shop Online: How to Reach More Students Virtually
Beyond the Wrench
Bryan Robbins, Owner & Lead Instructor of Hot Rod High School, is bringing auto tech education to students at home through online lessons and take-home kits. What started during COVID now reaches homeschooled students and beyond. Bryan shares his journey of following in his dad’s footsteps as a teacher, how Hot Rod High School found success, and how he pitched shops Shark Tank-style to gather funds.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, jayg@wrenchway.com
- Guest: Bryan Robbins, Hot Rod High School, robbinsb6886@gmail.com
- Sponsor: ASE - Automotive Service Excellence
Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
Connect with us on social:
Proactively Growing the Industry’s Technician Pipeline
1:04:26
Raising the Standards & Respect for the Repair Industry
1:02:40
Taking Technical Skills Beyond the Bay
1:02:41
Building Trust Between Shops & Customers
59:38
Building Future Technicians with Tom Wood University
59:59
Who Is Jay Goninen? The Man Behind Beyond the Wrench
49:08
Free Soft Skills Training for Future Technicians by RockED + WrenchWay
55:33
From Med School to Founding Tekmetric: Lessons in Leadership
58:08
Hiring Under 18: Lessons From a Shop That Does It Right
1:02:42
Inside the Evolving SEMA Show 2025
1:04:53
Milwaukee Pipeline Series: A Look at the New Impact Wrench & Ratchet
27:17
Milwaukee Pipeline Series: Solving Shop Lighting Challenges
46:54
Milwaukee Pipeline Series: Transitioning From Technician to Shop Owner
46:54
Milwaukee Pipeline Series: Hand Tools Designed with Technicians in Mind
43:53
Webinar Replay: Building Effective Educational Partnerships
1:02:24
When Service Advisors Put Technicians First, Everyone Wins
1:01:36
Leading with Accountability & Influence
59:31
Turning Wrenches for the Secret Service
1:15:13
Helping Shop Owners Build Profitable, Fulfilling Businesses
1:07:26
Building the Future Technician Workforce
1:04:59
Career Survival Tips for New Technicians
1:05:51
Mentoring vs. Training Technicians
1:05:17
Where Racing Passion Meets Customer Trust
58:00
How Mentors & Mindset Unlock Technician Career Growth
1:00:15
Taking Auto Shop Online: How to Reach More Students Virtually
1:09:38