Episodes
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Leaders from WrenchWay and ASE dive into the findings of the 2025 Voice of Technician Report. We discuss what technicians want from employers, preferred work schedules, desired pay structures, and more. We also compare the results with last year’s survey and share our thoughts on some surprising stats!
Download the 2025 Voice of Technician ReportAbout Our Guests:
George Arrants
Vice President, ASE Education Foundation
[email protected]
Matthew Shepanek
Vice President of Credential Testing Programs, ASE
[email protected]
Mark Wilson
Co-Founder & CEO, WrenchWay
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
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Brandon Ludwikowski, Co-Owner of Midwest Performance Cars, joins us to share his journey in automotive and as a flat rate technician. With strong shop leadership, a good shop fit, a positive attitude, and a desire to learn, Brandon's story is an inspiring example of what it really means to "work your way up" in the industry.
View the view version of the podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:
Brandon Ludwikowski
Co-Owner, Midwest Performance Cars
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
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Missing episodes?
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Energetic NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Driver, Steve Johnson, makes his first appearance on Beyond the Wrench. After starting as an auto technician, Steve founded the BAT-man (Be A Technician) Scholarship to help break down barriers and attract more technicians to the industry. In this episode, he also shares tips on building your brand and takes us through his early racing years.
Learn more or apply for the BAT-man Scholarship: https://www.stevejohnsonracing.com/scholarships
View the view version of the podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:
Steve Johnson
NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Driver
https://www.stevejohnsonracing.com/
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
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Tim Winkeler, President & CEO of VIP Tires & Service, joins us to discuss how they prioritize relationships in building their shop culture. VIP Tires & Service has used staff feedback to drive improvements, learning valuable lessons along the way. These include the power of feedback, the importance of closing the feedback loop, and focusing on long-term company health.
View the view version of the podcast on YouTubeAbout Our Guest:
Tim Winkeler
President & CEO, VIP Tires & Service
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
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In this recorded webinar, Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson, Co-Founders of WrenchWay, are joined by ASE President & CEO, Dave Johnson, to announce a new partnership with School Assist, the online platform that connects schools with industry. They discuss new product features, the growth of School Assist, and the progressive ASE and WrenchWay partnership.
School AssistWebinar SlidesPress Release: ASE & WrenchWay Join Forces to Reduce Technician ShortageASE Education Foundation Field Manager Map Upcoming Webinar: 2024 Voice of Technician Survey
Referenced Materials:
About Our Guests:
Dave Johnson
President & CEO, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
[email protected]
Mark Wilson
Co-Founder & CEO, WrenchWay
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
As a former technician, Larry Hourcle is now an Academy Instructor at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and a valuable voice for dealerships seeking growth. This episode explores Larry’s career transition, the importance of technician development, setting the right tone at the shop, and key career advice for technicians.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Larry Hourcle
Academy Instructor, National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Ray Clark, Director of Training and Development for Truck Country and Stoops Freightliner, shares insights on the industry's need to collaborate with schools. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students starting in middle school, discusses challenges in getting counselors to advocate for the trades, and highlights key elements for conducting effective advisory committee meetings.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Ray Clark
Director of Training and Development, Truck Country and Stoops Freightliner
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Brent Kindred, Vice President of The Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Association (WATDA) Foundation, addresses the status of the technician shortage and stresses the importance of industry involvement with schools to help fill the gap. He shares how the WATDA Foundation provides scholarships and summer camps for middle school students to ignite interest in auto and diesel careers.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Brent Kindred
Vice President, WATDA Foundation
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Nick Stafford, Talent Acquisition Lead at JX Truck Center, strives to serve each person he meets in their career journey. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students during the recruitment process, explains why the traditional “hard sell” recruiting approach is outdated, and shares insights on the growing number of sponsored students.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Nick Stafford
Talent Acquisition Lead, JX Truck Center
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Cole Strandberg, Managing Director at Focus Investment Banking and Host of the Collision Vision Podcast, discusses three future growth options for single-location shops. He highlights helpful Small Business Administration (SBA) resources and examines opportunities arising from retiring boomer shop owners.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Cole Strandberg
Managing Director, Focus Investment Banking
Host, Collision Vision Podcast
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Jason Garfoot, Global Portfolio Manager at 3M, started by custom painting motorcycle helmets for friends, which sparked his passion for the body and paint industry. Now at 3M, he is exploring “the science of why,” and gathering insights from forward-thinking industry leaders to continue to drive progress.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Jason Garfoot
Global Portfolio Manager, 3M
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Ryan Marrinan, Body Repair Trainer at the 3M Collision Repair Academy, began as a technician. Now, he helps shape future technicians by inspiring young people about automotive technology—explaining the “why” behind engineers’ designs and teaching technicians of all experience levels.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Ryan Marrinan
Body Repair Trainer, 3M Collision Repair Academy
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Deron Lundgren, Zone Retailer Aftersales Manager at Subaru of America, shares strategies for improving customer relationships and driving new business. He discusses techniques such as evaluating inbound calls, using role-playing for team coaching, and conducting clear communication with customers to enhance the service experience.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Deron Lundgren
Zone Retailer Aftersales Manager, Subaru of America
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Jay "Joern" Aebert, Master Technician, breaks down Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)—simplifying everything from setting up ADAS in your shop and mastering the core knowledge needed to operate the technology, to creating the ideal space and environment for repairs.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Jay Aebert
Master Technician
Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
David Boyes, President of Today’s Class, joins us to discuss how their company has made training more accessible for today’s technicians. Today’s Class focuses on the automotive aftermarket by creating personalized learning paths, adapting to ongoing industry advancements, and offering concise lessons that users can easily retain and build upon.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
David Boyes,
President, Today’s Class
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
From valet to Dealership Academy Instructor at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), Jim O'Donnell joins us to discuss financial management in a dealership. He highlights how 40-60% of gross profit comes from the fixed ops department, but it rarely gets the attention it deserves. Jim emphasizes the importance of focusing on fixed ops and offers tips for communicating financial information to the team.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Jim O'Donnell
Dealership Academy Instructor, National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Mike Wiant, Regional Sales Representative at Shelby American, is a catalyst in the auto industry, driven by a passion for inspiring students and engaging with local schools. From initiating exciting events like, "Drive a Shelby to School Day" and “AutoBlast,” Mike is dedicated to getting students excited about careers in the auto profession. His efforts also support schools and help foster strong relationships between shops and schools.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Mike Wiant
Creator, AutoBlast
Regional Sales Representative, Shelby American
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
As an ASE Master Automotive Technician, Robert Solei's positive attitude and happiness are contagious both in the shop and throughout this episode. He walks us through his career, highlighting his early years as an automotive technician, discussing a life-changing event that shaped his outlook today, and sharing his honest opinion on the flat rate pay system.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Robert Solei
ASE Master Automotive Technician
Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians, connect with schools, and support the auto and diesel industry? Learn about WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.
Auto, Diesel, or Tech Ed Instructors - Need help getting resources for your program and connecting with industry? We have free solutions for you on WrenchWay.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Bruce Spencer, Owner of Walt Eger’s Service Center, shares his journey from corporate life to shop ownership. He emphasizes the importance of hiring a COO, living by the shop's values, fostering friendly competition among technicians, and maintaining the right level of profit transparency with his team.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Bruce Spencer
Owner, Walt Eger’s Service Center
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.
Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program.Connect with us on social:
Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube TikTok -
Derek Thompson, an ASE World Class Toyota Technician at Walser Toyota, walks us through how Walser has prioritized their technicians, the expansion of their new shop, and how Derek has maintained his most important tool—his body—throughout his years as a technician.
View the video podcast on YouTube
About Our Guest:
Derek Thompson
ASE World Class Toyota Technician, Walser Toyota
[email protected]
About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122
WrenchWay Resources:
Technician Compensation Tool - See automotive, diesel, and collision technician compensation in your area at wrenchway.com/pay.
Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops to work at? Check out wrenchway.com/shops.
Shops & Dealerships - Want to find quality technicians and support the industry? Learn about WrenchWay Shop Memberships.
Instructors - Need help getting resources and connecting with industry? We have free resources for your program.Connect with us on social:
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