Justin Funk
Owner - FNK Classic Cars
What is your position in the industry?
I am a classic car restorer and mechanic by day and crew chief for a transit bus fleet by evening.
Tell us about yourself. What made you decide to become a service professional?
I took what was supposed to be a summer job in 1993 working at Pep Boys as a low level tech and ended up staying over 10 years finishing out as service manager. I went on to run service departments, stores and districts for other companies in my nearly 30 year tenure.
I only intended to work thru the summer of 93 in the auto industry as I had aspirations to be on radio. It was supposed to pay for gas and beer but I fell in love with working on and around cars and stuck with it.
Where/How did you get your training to get the knowledge you have today?
All of my training and knowledge came on the job. I learned from other mechanics as I went and eventually started on the ASE certification path to prove to myself, my peers and my employer that I actually knew what I was doing and was good at it!
How long have you worked as a service professional?
I have been a service professional for 29 years.
What role has being ASE Certified played in your journey?
Early in my career it was about proving my knowledge to myself and my employer. It was about bragging rights and then about getting pay raises. Currently, my transit fleet work requires me to maintain a master certification for employment. It also shows well on my toolbox for my day work.
What ASE Certifications do you currently hold?
A4R Suspension & Steering Recert
A5R Brakes Recert
C1R Automobile Service Consultant Recert
G1 Auto Maintenance and Light Repair
H2R Diesel Engines Recert
H3R Drive Train Recert
H4R Brakes Recert
H5 Suspension & Steering
H7 Heating Ventilation & A/C
P2R Automobile Parts Recert
S2 Diesel Engines
S3 Drive Train
T4 Brakes
T5R Suspension & Steering Recert
T6R Electrical/Electronic Systems Recert
T7R Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Recert
T8 Preventive Maintenance & Inspection (PMI)
What are some of the top challenges you do/did face as a service professional and how do/did you overcome them?
Keeping up with the fast and ever changing repair landscape. It is critical to keep up with the latest tech and industry changes in order to stay sharp and relevant.
Do you have any advice for today’s students who might be thinking about entering the automotive industry or becoming a service professional?
It's no longer just about grabbing a wrench and getting your hands dirty. Critical thinking and proper diagnostic skills are needed in order to be a top notch tech.
What do you like most about being an automotive service professional?
Steady work and great pay. I also love seeing the look on a clients face when they get their car back looking better than before and/or running better than ever!
Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
I started a YouTube channel about a year ago to share my love of classic cars with others. I enjoy the auto and repair industries immensely and hope to reach others to bring a little joy into their day. You can take a peek at it if you'd like... Just click the link below and you will find my smiling face there!