LeRoy Mace
Fleet Mechanic Shop Foreman
Tell us about yourself. What made you decide to become a service professional?
I love repairing vehicles, the challenge of getting it repaired in a timely manner, and the satisfaction that comes with a good repair. After college, I attended Pittsburg State University, then spent 2 years at a GM dealership, and 8 years as an Auto Mechanics Instructor at Northwest Kansas Technical College. Over the next 12 years, I owned/operated LeRoy's Automotive Inc. For the past 22 years, I have been a Fleet Mechanic, and Shop Foreman for 10 of those years.
Where/How did you get your training to get the knowledge you have today?
I grew up in my Dad's repair shop working under an experienced technician, then attended college, and numerous training classes and courses along the way.
How long have you worked as a service professional?
I have been a service professional for 46 years.
What role has being ASE Certified played in your journey?
ASE was required at the GM dealership I worked at. We had one year to obtain Master Certification.
Once Master certified, we were rewarded with higher wages. Master Certification was a requirement of being an Automotive Instructor at North West Kansas Technical College. I brought ASE testing to the technical college to save area technicians travel time, and the expense of driving to test centers. I was instrumental in getting our Automotive training program ASE Accredited by the ASE Education Foundation. I required ASE Certifications for the technicians that were employed at my shop. I have maintained ASE Certifications throughout my entire career to remain at the top tier of my profession.
What ASE Certifications do you currently hold?
Advanced Level Specialist
Master Automobile Technician
Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician
Master Truck Equipment Technician
Maintenance and Light Repair Technician
Undercar Specialist
What are some of the top challenges you do/did face as a service professional and how do/did you overcome them?
Challenges occur almost daily in the transportation industry. To overcome these challenges, I pull from as many resources that I can, and utilize my diagnostic skills.
Do you have any advice for today’s students who might be thinking about entering the automotive industry or becoming a service professional?
Electronics, Electronics, Electronics. Get all the training you possibly can!
What do you like most about being an automotive service professional?
The satisfaction of repairing a vehicle in a reasonable amount of time and repairing it properly the first time.
Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
I have been Master ASE certified for 46 years. My next recertification will mark 50 years as an ASE Master Certified technician. It has been a very rewarding career.