THA 083: What Separates the Outstanding Technicians

Your Learning Curve Never Sounded So Good The Panel: Kevin Eckler is a native New Englander who moved to New York State’s Hudson Valley with his parents back in the mid-1980’s. Kevin began his automotive career at the age of 14, pushing a broom in a mom and pop shop in Rhode Island, he attended a trade school, graduating at the top of his class and went right to work as a tech in a prestigious Porsche/Audi dealership in Cape Cod. Kevin continued his dealership work when he moved to NY and eventually came to work for two brothers who owned Foreign Car Specialists. When the owners retired in 1995, Kevin bought the business and the rest is history. Kevin’s previous episodes HERE. Matt Fanslow is the diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, MN. His primary responsibilities are to diagnose driveability and electrical/electronic issues, and perform most all programming, coding, initializing, adaptations, etc. Basically, if it needs to be figured out or has wires, it goes to Matt. He’s been a tech since 1996. Matt is also a subject matter expert for ASE and has instructed at Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo. Matt has participated on 18 ASE technical committees for the ASE Practice Test, A6, A7, A8, and L1 tests. He’s also done case studies for Standard Motor Products. Fanslow’s goal is to do everything in his power to improve the overall level of professionalism within the automotive and light truck repair trade and also raise the level of its public image. Hear Matt in these Remarkable Results Radio Episodes HERE. Wayne ‘Jerry’ Bishop began his automotive career as his Dad’s shop helper in the 1970’s. After graduating high school in 1979, he attended Florida Community College, studying Industrial Electronics. Having a good understanding of electricity gave him an edge working with his dad after school. Jerry has worked more than 30 years in the automotive repair industry, specializing in auto air and drivability. Before owning his own automotive service and repair business, he worked for Ford Motor Company, AutoNation USA, Daimler Chrysler / Jeep as well as a few large independent shops in Jacksonville Florida. After closing his business in 2004, he worked for American Honda. In 2006 Jerry joined Standard Motor Products as a Pro Training Instructor. He is an ASE Master Certified Technician with L1, L2 and L3 certifications. He also holds a State of Florida Emissions License. Jerry currently lives in Fleming Island Florida with his lovely wife and his daughter. He and his family enjoy cooking, fishing, bicycling and hiking. Wayne’s previous episodes HERE. Key Talking Points Outstanding does not equate to being an ‘A’ tech. An A...