Henry Evaristo
Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
Enterprise Holdings
NYC, NY

What is your position in the industry?

Currently, I work as a Supervisor for a car rental fleet maintenance facility for a major NYC airport.

Tell us about yourself. What made you decide to become a service professional?

My father was a service professional, so I basically grew up around the business. My earliest memories go back to when I was about 5 or 6 years old, handing my dad wrenches and sockets in the back yard. I fell in love with the business and decided to follow in my father's footsteps.

Where/How did you get your training to get the knowledge you have today?

Lincoln Tech laid down the ground work for my knowledge. The rest came from trying things I've never done before. I'm not afraid to tackle anything and that mindset has gotten me where I am today.

How long have you worked as a service professional?

I've been in the business my entire life, but professionally since 2007.

What role has being ASE Certified played in your journey?

Being ASE Certified has allowed me to expand my knowledge and my pay. In my last technician role, every ASE earned me an additional $1.50, so I made sure to get as many as I could. Becoming Master Certified led me to get promoted to a Lead Technician, and then further down the road to Supervisor, and currently looking at a promotion sometime this year. I wouldn't be as successful as I am today without ASE.

What ASE Certifications do you currently hold?

I currently hold A1-A9 certifications.

What are some of the top challenges you do/did face as a service professional and how do/did you overcome them?

My biggest challenges were based on my age and inexperience. I became Master Certified at 25, and it's hard for people that have been in the business as long as you've been alive to take you seriously. I never gave up, and I always tried my hardest and eventually proved myself to every single person I've ever worked with. I always tried harder than the best guy in the shop.

Do you have any advice for today’s students who might be thinking about entering the automotive industry or becoming a service professional?

It can be a very rewarding career! If you choose this path, put 100% into it. I used to come home from work and do research on random repairs on websites and YouTube. I bought a scan tool just to learn how to use it without the pressure of your boss breathing down your neck. Buy quality tools and learn everything you can.

What do you like most about being an automotive service professional?

The thing I love the most is that I have a skill that most people can't acquire. No matter my job title, I will always be able to turn a wrench anywhere in the world. And I will continue to hold my Master Certified title throughout my career.

Do you have any other comments you would like to share?

I just want to thank ASE again for being a part of my career success.