Rhandi McKoy
Mobile Diesel Technician
San Diego, CA

What is your position in the industry?

I am a mobile diesel technician for Cox Automotive Mobility, and my main client is DHL. My daily tasks include projects like repairing and maintaining fleets and performing preventative maintenance to help reduce unscheduled downtime.

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

The way things function and how to repair any damage has always fascinated me. Throughout my teenage years, becoming a service professional didn’t seem too far-fetched, as I was often around the environment. It seemed like a comfortable transition even though I have never really done any mechanical work. When I started to get serious about becoming a service professional, I quickly picked up the skills. I’m a hands-on learner and was able to see examples of what I was learning then execute them. I realized that my previous profession was not providing me with the comfort and lifestyle I desired and so when the opportunity to work with Dickinson/Cox Automotive presented itself, it was a perfect fit. From that point on it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey.

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

In 2019 I attended FleeTec Academy where I received my formal education and technician training. It was challenging, but I was up for it.

How long have you worked as a service professional?

This September (2022) will be my three-year mark with Dickinson/Cox Automotive as a service professional.

What role has being ASE Certified played in your journey?

Being ASE Certified has made me a more confident and competent technician. It is one thing to just do something without understanding the reasoning behind it, but with my ASE certification, I understand the components I am repairing. By reading the ASE books and taking the exams, I became more knowledgeable of all the working parts. With this knowledge I have the resources to overcome obstacles I may face in the field.

What ASE Certifications do you currently hold?

I currently have three ASE certifications: T-8 Preventative Maintenance, T-4 Brakes, and T-6 Electrical.

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

The biggest challenge I have faced thus far in the field was when I got my first assignment after leaving FleeTec academy in Indiana. The work environment was a big change—going from great leadership and proper instruction at the academy to my first job was tough, and almost enough for me to quit. But I reached out to previous leaders, mentors, and colleagues for advice and support through the challenging transition. When you are facing challenges or struggles it is important to remember to rely on leaders and colleagues you trust to help you work through those situations—whether it be something mechanical or personal.

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

Take pride in what you do and continue educating yourself after you go through your formal education. This is especially important in an ever-changing industry, like the transportation industry, to stay relevant. It is also important that when you come across a good opportunity, you seize it, because what you do or don’t do today will shape your future.

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

I enjoy the sense of pride and gratification of fixing something broken. I also like how big fleet companies focus on minimizing downtime. It is a priority to repair vehicles in a timely manner so both the technicians and the vehicles can do their job. Another aspect I enjoy about being a service professional is running into something new and different, and continuing to grow and learn.

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

When you transition into the industry, stay open and take it all in. You are going to grow and learn and become a better version of yourself, so be in the moment and embrace the opportunity.