In this webinar recording, WrenchWay and ASE introduce the School Assist All-Star Awards—a new program recognizing schools and shops making a real impact in promoting automotive and diesel careers. David Johnson, President & CEO of ASE, joins WrenchWay Co-Founders Jay Goninen and Mark Wilson to talk about the award criteria, the importance of strong school-shop partnerships, and how these relationships support shop retention and recruitment.

View the Webinar Video
Learn More About School Assist

About Our Guests:
David Johnson
President & CEO, ASE

Mark Wilson
President & CEO, WrenchWay

Sponsor:
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Gary Uyematsu, National Technician Training Manager at BMW North America, joins us to discuss the continuous learning it takes to succeed as a technician and how BMW approaches technician training. He also highlights some industry disconnects, like career counselors not fully understanding technician careers, along with the unique challenges of teaching and developing today’s technicians.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guest:
Gary Uyematsu
National Technician Training Manager, BMW North America
[email protected]

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Help Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with School Assist, powered by WrenchWay & ASE.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Darin Damron, SE Regional Vice President at Jasper Engines & Transmissions, is back to share what he’s seeing from the highest-performing shops. He highlights the common traits these shops share—like their commitment to continuous learning, focus on hiring and keeping the right people, and putting people first. Darin also covers valuable training resources and materials every shop owner and manager should have on their radar.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

Shop Owner & Manager Training Resources:

• Jasper Shop Owner Success Series by Elite Worldwide
• The Cross-Check Method by Aaron Clements
• Southern Automotive Service Association’s Pit Stop Power Boost Class

About Our Guest:
Darin Damron
SE Regional Vice President, Jasper Engines & Transmissions
[email protected]

Sponsor:
Jasper Engines & Transmissions

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Help Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with School Assist, powered by WrenchWay & ASE.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Jennifer Holland, Assistant Vice President of Marketing at ASE, walks us through the incredible growth ASE has experienced over the years as a staple in the automotive industry. She highlights how ASE has reimagined its marketing efforts, gives an inside look at the organization today, and shares the impact their annual Instructor Training Conference has on helping instructors stay current with training and build their professional network.

Learn more about the 2025 ASE Instructor Training Conference on July 21-24: https://aseeducationfoundation.org/events/ase-instructor-training-conference

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guest:
Jennifer Holland
Assistant Vice President of Marketing, ASE
[email protected]

Sponsor:
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Victoria Thomas, CFO & Owner of Kellymoss Inc., talks about how dreaming bigger has helped drive their business success. She shares her morning routine, why leaders can’t outwork their to-do lists, and how she’s learned to delegate parts of the business to focus on bigger goals.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guest:
Victoria Thomas
CFO & Owner, Kellymoss Inc.
[email protected]

Sponsor:
Jasper Engines & Transmissions

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Help Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with School Assist, powered by WrenchWay & ASE.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Kurt Fenzel, EV & ADAS Instructor at I-CAR, shares how he's staying ahead of the rapidly evolving automotive technology by providing the right education to technicians. He reflects on his time as a high school automotive teacher, offers tips on managing the challenges of ADAS and other advanced technologies, and discusses the space and equipment needed to properly calibrate these high-tech vehicles.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guest:
Kurt Fenzel
EV & ADAS Instructor, I-CAR
[email protected]

Sponsor:
Jasper Engines & Transmissions

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Help Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with School Assist, powered by WrenchWay & ASE.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Bill Demaree, Corporate Director of Fixed Operations at Tom Wood Automotive Group, shares how intentional habits have helped grow their stores. He discusses the importance of hiring and firing based on company values to shape the culture, embracing technology to improve staff efficiency, and how stepping into different roles at stores has helped him identify areas for growth.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guest:
Bill Demaree
Corporate Director of Fixed Operations, Tom Wood Automotive Group
[email protected]

Sponsor:
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Joe Burda, I-CAR Instructor, surveyed over 100 auto collision technicians to understand what motivates them to join the industry. In this episode, he shares insights from the survey, explores common trends among respondents, and discusses how the industry can attract the right talent to address the ongoing workforce shortage.

Download Auto Collision Face-to-Face Industry Survey Summary

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guest:
Joe Burda
Instructor, I-CAR

Sponsor:
Jasper Engines & Transmissions

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Mollie Hughes, Service Operations Program Lead at Audi, discusses the Audi Twin Cup competition, which highlights the industry's top technicians, service advisors, and brand specialists. Mollie shares insights into the competition's structure and memorable moments from past events.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guest:
Mollie Hughes
Service Operations Program Lead, Audi
[email protected]

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Josh Arnold, Team Lead at Subaru of Austin, joins us again for his fifth appearance on Beyond the Wrench. Nearly a year has passed since Josh moved to a new shop out of state, and during that time, he’s made several key changes in both his personal and professional life. In this episode, he shares his experience moving tools, starting fresh, and adopting healthier habits to take better care of both his mind and body as a technician.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guests:
Josh Arnold
Team Lead, Subaru of Austin

Sponsor:
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:

For Technicians & Students

• Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
• Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

• Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships. 

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

• Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok