Beyond the Wrench

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
• X
• 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
• X
• 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
• X
• 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
• X
• 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
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Brad McKinney, Director of Talent Acquisition at Cavender Auto Family, shares a crash course on recruiting technicians in today’s market. With the technician shortage and technicians having the upper hand, your shop needs to stand out. Brad offers tips on effective communication during the hiring process, avoiding overselling candidates, and preparing managers for interviews.

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

About Our Guests:
Brad McKinney
Director of Talent Acquisition and Training, Cavender Auto Family
[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
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Chris Craig, Fixed Operations Content Owner at RockED, shares insights from his new white paper and upcoming book on technician training and leadership. He discusses the difference between an appointed leader and a true leader, understanding younger generations, and how to balance multiple personalities in the shop. Chris also highlights the importance of communication and provides tips for young technicians aspiring to be in managerial roles.

View White Paper - Wired For Success: Amplifying Technician Skills
Join the Book Waitlist -  “Becoming a Better Service Professional” by Chris Craig

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

About Our Guests:
Chris Craig
Fixed Operations Content Owner, RockED
[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
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Naomi Kraemer, a first-generation technician, shares her journey from overcoming insecurities as a young tech to becoming a Main Line Technician at Subaru of Olathe. She reflects on the challenges of landing her first shop job, the invaluable experience gained while shadowing master technicians, learning about when to ask questions, and the initial shock of tool costs.

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

About Our Guests:
Naomi Kraemer
Main Line Technician, Subaru of Olathe

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
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

Joe Toscano, keynote speaker, author, and technology expert of “The Social Dilemma” Netflix documentary, discusses his journey of returning to his automotive roots to become COO of Gateway Auto. He touches on tips for choosing the right shop software, protecting customer data, and creating strong passwords for better online security.

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

About Our Guests:
Joe Toscano
COO, Gateway Auto
Host, LeadFoot Automotive Podcast
[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
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok

The highly anticipated final part of our live Beyond the Wrench episode with Walser Automotive Group is here! In this episode, we dive deeper into what makes Walser’s culture stand out. Our guests discuss how they hire for cultural fit, emphasize the importance of first impressions with recruits, and leverage school visits and community relationships to attract new talent.

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

About Our Guests:
Sherry Schultz
Chief Human Resources Officer

Lindsey Trett
Director of Talent Acquisition

Jon Olstad
Technician Production Manager

Rick Dotte
Heavy Line Technician

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
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• TikTok