Johnathon Bemis is the Lead Master Technician at VIP Tires & Service, known for its comprehensive tire and auto repair services in the New England area. Notably, Johnathon is the recipient of the prestigious 2024 AAPEX Technician of the Year Award, recognizing his exceptional skills and dedication in the industry. Johnathon's automotive journey highlights the importance of perseverance and continuous learning in adapting to the fast-evolving automotive industry.

In this episode…

The automotive industry is experiencing rapid technological advancements, requiring technicians to continually learn and adapt. What does it take to become a world-class technician in this field?

According to Johnathon Bemis of VIP Tires & Service, becoming a world-class technician requires a supportive employer who provides a platform for success, continuing education, and a positive work culture. VIP encourages its technicians to pursue certifications, pays for training, and fosters a collaborative environment where technicians can network and share ideas. Johnathon also emphasizes the importance of using all resources available for diagnostics, including online searches, and the need to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques. 

On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge chats with Johnathon about his career path, the importance of certifications, and rapid changes in automotive technology. They also discuss the importance of a positive work culture and what it takes to be a successful technician in the modern automotive industry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• [03:07] Why Johnathon Bemis made an unexpected career switch at the age of 32
• [04:27] How Johnathon achieved 29 ASE certifications in record time
• [05:54] The rapid changes in the automotive industry since 2010
• [08:59] Tips on leveraging Google for faster vehicle diagnostics
• [13:09] How an economic downturn led Johnathon to automotive success
• [18:46] The supportive culture fueling VIP's employee success

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Johnathon Bemis 
• VIP Tires & Service 
• Tire Business
• TJ White on LinkedIn
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Tread Partners

Quotable Moments: 

• "I'm not really one to seek out the limelight and be the center of attention."
• "This industry changes so fast. If you're not learning, you're staying behind."
• "Cars don't talk back."
• "I enjoyed working on cars in my yard, so I figured, what the hell?"
• "Use everything at your disposal — you're that much further ahead."

Action Steps: 

1. Keep pursuing certifications and continuing education: Continuous learning is vital in the fast-evolving automotive industry, helping you stay relevant and efficient in your role. 
2. Leverage technology and online resources: Utilizing tools like Google and technician forums can save time and improve diagnostic accuracy, allowing you to address customer issues more effectively. 
3. Build a supportive network: A strong network provides knowledge sharing and emotional and professional support crucial for long-term success.
4. Embrace change in the industry: The automotive sector is rapidly advancing with technologies like EVs and cloud integration, requiring technicians to adapt quickly to stay competitive.
5. Nurture a positive work culture: A healthy culture leads to enhanced job satisfaction, increased productivity, lower turnover, and a more cohesive team.

Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by Tread Partners. 

At Tread Partners, we provide digital marketing for multi-location tire dealers and auto repair shops. 

By using our strategy, branding, and marketing services, we help shops sell more tires and put more cars in bays.

We’ve helped companies like Action Gator Tire, Colony Tire and Service, and Ulmer’s Auto Care Center bring extreme growth in paid leads, ROI, and searches. 

So, what are you waiting for?

Visit www.treadpartners.com or email [email protected] to learn more.