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 Report

About 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:

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

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 YouTube

About 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:

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

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 YouTube

About 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:

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

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 YouTube

About 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:

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

Matt Eckman, COO, and Sara Presutto, HR Director of Big Brand Tire & Service, discuss how the company has grown to 230 locations while prioritizing customer service and employee care. Big Brand promotes from within, as seen in Matt’s journey from tire tech to COO. Learn about their referral program, how the company’s vision drives growth, and how management stays connected across locations through their “How’s it Going” assessment.

View the view version of the podcast on YouTube

About Our Guests:
Matt Eckman
COO, Big Brand Tire & Service
[email protected]

Sara Presutto
HR Director, Big Brand Tire & 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:

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

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.

Referenced Materials:

• School Assist
• Webinar Slides
• Press Release: ASE & WrenchWay Join Forces to Reduce Technician Shortage
• ASE Education Foundation Field Manager Map 
• Upcoming Webinar: 2024 Voice of Technician Survey

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