Technician Spotlight
ASE Technician of the Year award winners are role models—demonstrating superior knowledge by scoring highly on the ASE certification tests and on-going commitment to professionalism. They have different backgrounds, work in different industry segments and are at different stages in their careers, but they all share a determination to be the best at their jobs. Two technicians that exemplify this are Colin Hoffard of Bel Air, Md., and Michael Michalik of Farmington Hills, Mich.
Young Technician, Experienced Pro Find Much in Common
Colin Hoffard, the Mitchell1/ASE Technician of the Future, wanted to get his degree in computer science, but educated himself by working on cars with his friends. Since cars were evolving and moving forward with new technology, he decided to take a different path and got his associate degree in Applied Science, Automotive Technology, with a Ford ASSET emphasis from the Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport) in May 2006.
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"I have to give credit to John Cuprison; he was my instructor in the Ford ASSET program at Penn College,” said Hoffard. “He opened my eyes and gave me a well-rounded understanding of the automotive industry. He taught me how to maximize my time and I would not be in the place I am if I would not have had training from him."
Since college, Hoffard has earned ASE Master Automobile Technician certification and currently works for BMW of Bel Air.
"ASE is a big part of the reason I am where I am today. I got my job with BMW because of the credibility I gained from being ASE certified. And if I were a hiring manager, I would first and foremost look for ASE certifications on technicians’ resumes. It not only shows drive but also proves they know what they are doing,” stated Hoffard.
Colin has been in the industry for 3 ½ years and is devoted to furthering his education and credentials. He feels that with the evolution of technology in cars his job is challenging everyday.
"I show up to work about a half an hour to an hour early every day because BMW puts out a section on our internal website called, ‘What’s New?’ I try to read up on those articles so that I am up to date on the newest technologies. These technology changes are what challenge me in my every day job."
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Karen Wagner (L) from Mitchell1 and Colin Hoffard
at ASE Awards Dinner.
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Colin Hoffard is not the only ASE Master technician challenged by the pace of technological change. Another technician who shared his views with us is Michael Michalik, the Acura/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year for 2007. Michael is currently employed as a foreman with Suburban Acura in Farmington Hills.
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Michael Michalik (L) and Acura’s
David Trent.
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Michalik said, "I think it is challenging every day for technicians due to the electronic interface between the driver and the car. I mean, just the fact that now you can get a map on your dashboard is a huge technological advancement."
Michalik, a seasoned professional technician, has been a foreman for the past seven years, but has 24 years experience as an automotive technician. He earned his Auto Service Degree from Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Mich. He was also the AutoNation/ASE Top technician in 1999.
"I think that ASE has always given me opportunities to not only show my service manager and customers that I care about my job, but also that I take my role very seriously as an automotive technician," said Michalik.
"Not only do I have to give credit to ASE, but I have to give credit to my first trainer at the auto dealership, Jerry Baurhenn, because he had a relentless attitude when he diagnosed cars. It was always his goal to find out exactly what was wrong, not just get close, but to pinpoint the problem. When he went to the customer to tell them what was wrong, he was 100 percent sure that he was correct,” said Michalik. “And that gave him a professional integrity that has influenced me all of these years."
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Training, Training, Training
As different as their backgrounds are, Hoffard and Michalik gave similar responses when asked what piece of advice they would give to other automotive technicians.
"If you want to be successful in the automotive industry you need to get as much training as you can and be a sponge while you are learning,” Hoffard advised. “Being ASE certified and the BMW STEP program is what got me where I am today. So my last bit of advice would be to get certified. It proves to prospective employers that you can do what you say you can do."
For Michalik, "The first and most important thing you need to do is make sure you have a full understanding of electricity and electronics, and then have a desire to be thorough with your work. The habits that you form as a young technician will advance you throughout your career. But while that is important in the beginning of your career, make sure to advance your knowledge with certifications. The credibility is just as important as developing good habits."
The future looks bright for both of these exemplary technicians.
Each year, ASE takes great pleasure in recognizing those individuals who have distinguished themselves in the annals of automotive service by scoring highly on the ASE certification tests. Together with our industry partners and award sponsors, we salute the best of the best.
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