Channel Title: WrenchWay Channel Description: Promoting & Improving Technician Careers in the Automotive, Diesel, & Collision Industries Everyone loves to talk about the growing technician shortage. Not only are fewer students enrolling in technician programs, but existing technicians are retiring and leaving the industry at alarming rates. However, what has actually been done to help solve this massive shortage? At WrenchWay, we believe that in order to combat the technician shortage, technicians, shops, and schools need to work together and do their part. WrenchWay makes this easier by providing solutions that help highlight top shops, make the job search process easier for technicians, and get more students interested in the industry. Learn more: https://wrenchway.com <video> Climbing the Ranks in the Shop Description: 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. About Our Guest: Brandon Ludwikowski Co-Owner, Midwest Performance Cars brandon@midwestperformancecars.com About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at https://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. #careergrowth #mechanic #podcast </video> <video> The Walser Way—Live Recording of Beyond the Wrench Podcast Description: When: Tuesday, January 14th, from 11am–1pm CT / 12pm–2pm ET Where: Live streaming on WrenchWay’s Facebook, LinkedIn & YouTube In this live episode of the Beyond the Wrench podcast, we’ll explore how Walser Automotive Group has earned its reputation as one of the nation’s top dealership employers. We'll dive into their commitment to continuous improvement, strategies for enhancing workplace culture, and why being a top employer is key to their mission. Join us live to learn how Walser turns their vision into action, what sets them apart, and how you can apply these insights to your own organization. Plus, ask your questions directly to the Walser team! About Our Host Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay 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 </video> <video> Technicians Rate Our "Make Mechanics Cool Again" T-Shirt #shorts Description: Would you buy this shirt? Would you wear this shirt? #mechanic #skilledtrades #solid #auto #autotech #autoshop #dealership #mechanictok #shorts </video> <video> Bridging the Auto & Truck Skills Gap Description: 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. About Our Guest: Brent Kindred Vice President, WATDA Foundation bkindred@watda.org About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at https://wrenchway.com/pay. Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out https://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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/. 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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/. #skillsgap #automotive #diesel </video> <video> Beyond the Wrench Podcast Clip: Many school technical programs are being cut. #skillsgap #techschool Description: Brent Kindred, Vice President of the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Association (WATDA) Foundation, shares a sad but true story about many school technical programs—they are being cut. Check out the full podcast episode to hear how the WATDA Foundation provides scholarships, summer camps for middle school students, and more to ignite interest in auto and diesel careers to help fill the gap! Listen now: https://wrenchway.com/blog/bridging-the-auto-truck-skills-gap/ #technicianshortage #mechanic #skilledtrades #podcast #skillsgap #techschool #shorts </video> <video> We all need a #mechanic friend! Are you the one they call? Description: #mechanic #autotech #cars #automotive #friend #itsgonnabeme #shorts #tiktok #lifeofamechanic #fixingcars </video> <video> What do you wish the public knew about the automotive industry? #mechanic #shorts #publicopinion Description: Steven Lehl from Zimbrick European highlights the advanced technology in auto careers that most people are unaware of. #auto #mechanic #mechanicsoftiktok #dealership #shorts #tiktok #desel #autotechnician </video> <video> What tools have you bought but never really used? #mechanic #tools #auto Description: An oldie but a goodie! #technician #mechanic #autotech #dieseltech #collision #mastertech #tools #snapon #skilledtrades #shoplife #shoplifeasamechanic #femalemechanic #askamechanic #shorts #autotools #balljoint </video> <video> My thoughts while working this holiday season... #shorts Description: #autoshop #working #mechanic #holidayseason #mechanichumor #automotive #autotech #shorts </video> <video> Engaging Young Minds in Diesel Description: 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. About Our Guest: Ray Clark Director of Training and Development, Truck Country and Stoops Freightliner RayClark@truckcountry.com About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at https://wrenchway.com/pay. Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out https://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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/. 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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/. #diesel #mechanic #studentrecruitment </video> <video> Career Advice for Aspiring Technicians Description: 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. About Our Guest: Larry Hourcle Academy Instructor, National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) lHourcle@nada.org About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at https://wrenchway.com/pay. Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out https://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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/shops. 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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/schools. #technician #careerteched #automotive </video> <video> NHRA Driver Helping to Attract Technicians Description: 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 About Our Guest: Steve Johnson NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Driver https://www.stevejohnsonracing.com/ About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at https://wrenchway.com/pay. Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out https://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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/. 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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/. #nhra #racing #scholarship </video> <video> Relationship-Driven Culture Description: 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. Learn more about working at VIP Tires & Service: https://vipauto.wrenchway.com/shops About Our Guest: Tim Winkeler President & CEO, VIP Tires & Service TWinkeler@vipauto.com About Our Host: Jay Goninen Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay jayg@wrenchway.com | 608.716.2122 WrenchWay Resources: Salary Comparison Tool - See pay information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at https://wrenchway.com/pay. Technicians & Students - Looking for the best shops or dealerships to work at? Check out https://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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/. 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 at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/schools. </video> <video> We heard mechanics are doing yoga now! Here’s Val’s best shot. 😆 #shorts Description: #mechanic #autotech #yoga #mechanictok #dieselmechanic #shorts #tiktok </video> <video> What was the top branding tool for racing teams in the '80s? Find out on Beyond the Wrench! Description: NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle driver Steve Johnson, a former auto tech, shares insights on building your brand, the early days of his racing career, and how his BAT-man (Be A Technician) Scholarship is helping bring more technicians into the industry. Listen now: https://wrenchway.com/blog/nhra-driver-helping-to-attract-technicians/ #racing #nhra #sponsorship #automotive #podcastclip #shorts @stevejohnsonracing @nhra </video>

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Promoting & Improving Technician Careers in the Automotive, Diesel, & Collision Industries

Everyone loves to talk about the growing technician shortage. Not only are fewer students enrolling in technician programs, but existing technicians are retiring and leaving the industry at alarming rates. However, what has actually been done to help solve this massive shortage?

At WrenchWay, we believe that in order to combat the technician shortage, technicians, shops, and schools need to work together and do their part. WrenchWay makes this easier by providing solutions that help highlight top shops, make the job search process easier for technicians, and get more students interested in the industry.

Learn more: https://wrenchway.com

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