It’s a privilege for me to be invited by the editor of Government Fleet Magazine, Nichole Osinski, to come on board and share my thoughts with its most precious commodity

— you, the reader.

This being my first post for Government Fleet Magazine, I thought I would introduce myself to you so that you will learn that you and I share a common bond. That common bond, as you will come to find out, is that we are all in the automotive and truck industry, and I am not just some guy writing an article whose face you see along with this column every few months.

Building Experience and Education

I have spent plenty of time in this industry, starting out in a service station (back when they really were service stations) in Whittier, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. I was fortunate enough to work for two knowledgeable guys (Jay and Allan) who were willing to share their knowledge of cars with me and wouldn’t get upset (most of the time) if I damaged something.  

Of course, parts weren’t as expensive then as they are now.  After working there for a short period of time, I decided I wanted to make automobile and truck diagnosis and repair my career.

I continued my journey through my high school and college years (I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology from California State University, Fresno) while at the same time working part-time in different service stations and independent shops, continuing to learn the different skills necessary to become proficient in the trade. 

I was very fortunate to be able to work for people who were quite willing to share their knowledge with me.

And the rest, as they say, is history. I have over four decades of experience as a hands-on working technician, service advisor, shop foreman, service manager, and owner, in shops ranging from small to medium-sized independent shops and service stations (30 years) to dealerships (13 years). 

Hands-On Experience to Leadership

I currently provide vehicle technician technical training and consulting services, on most vehicle makes and models, for private businesses and fleet operations (26 years) for my company, Automotive Technical Support Services (ATSS). Last, but certainly not least, I write diagnostic articles for industry trade magazines. 

Along the way, I’ve obtained ASE Master Technician Status in both the Automobile and Heavy Truck Categories, as well as obtaining certifications in additional categories A9, L1, L2, L3, F1, EV1, and EV2.  I earned a certification from the State of California as a Licensed Advanced Emissions Specialist. 

While working at a Ford dealership, I became an eight-time award-winning Ford Motor Company Certified Senior Master Technician, Powerstroke Diesel Engine Specialist, Hybrid and EV Specialist, and CVT Transmission Specialist. 

It was at this time that I was selected by Ford to serve on two separate Ford Technician Advisory boards, traveling to Detroit countless times to consult with Ford Engineering on issues such as vehicle serviceability, service publications, parts distribution and availability, future products planning, and technician training, retention, and recruitment.

A Philosophy of Sharing Knowledge

Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?  All of the awards and accolades are meaningless to me if I cannot pass on to you the experiences and information I have learned along my journey, which is why I enjoy teaching and also writing. 

I acquired this attitude, this willingness to share, I suppose, from all of the people I encountered in this industry who were more than willing to help me out along the way. At every stop I have made during my journey, I have taken a little something from each experience, which I feel has made me a better person, a better technician, and a better instructor and consultant. 

What I will share with you in upcoming issues is an assortment of educational topics that I hope will be of interest to you; I will also share with you tips that will add to your personal development.  I will give you information that you can immediately put to use in your everyday work environment that will make you more efficient and profitable. 

I will also provide you with numerous technical tips and shortcuts that I have learned or developed myself throughout the journey, which will make your jobs easier. My goal is to stimulate your thought processes in order to help you develop your own personal diagnostic strategy. 

This month’s tip regards attendance at fleet events as a fleet professional. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only share your experiences with others, but to learn from others as well. A big takeaway from attendance at a fleet event is the networking opportunities and contacts you can make. Never underestimate the value of making networking connections at these events, such as Government Fleet Expo. 

You can NEVER know enough about our industry! You might think to yourself: “What would I have to share?” Trust me, there are many individuals out there who can benefit from your experiences and knowledge, even though to you it may appear insignificant. So put yourself out there and give yourself and others a chance to grow!

What to Expect in Tech Corner

What will you have to look forward to in future columns?  I plan on delving into a variety of subjects. The following is only a small sample of what you will have to look forward to. I will address electrical diagnostics. This column will include voltage drop testing, Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s Laws, and how they apply to electrical diagnostics, and how to organize complex wiring diagrams in order to simplify circuit diagnostics. 

This column will later be followed by a column covering electronics diagnostics. One month I will cover diagnostic strategies for success, in which I will uncover the secrets to becoming an expert diagnostics technician. Some of these will be taken from personal experiences, and some will be tips I have learned from others. 

Another column will analyze actual case studies of different diagnostic situations in order to help you become more skilled in diagnosing a variety of scenarios.

Also upcoming will be topic issues specific to a particular vehicle line, for example, there will be columns in which I discuss Ford F150 Lightning topics, as well as topics on other hybrid and electric vehicle platforms from other vehicle manufacturers.  

There will be columns covering a variety of no-start, hard start, and performance problems. My Mode $06 column will teach you practical applications of Mode $06 data, particularly as it pertains to intermittent concern diagnosis. Anti-Lock Brake System Diagnostics will be a basic overview of anti-lock brake system theory, operation, and strategies. There will be many others.  Stay tuned.

That said, I feel that this is not my column, it is our column. If you have an observation on a topic I cover, or have a concern or criticism, please make sure you contact me. I highly encourage a dialogue of communication.  

If there is some topic you would like me to cover, and I feel I am qualified to cover it, I will do so. I will never pretend to know something that I don’t. My credibility and integrity are two personal attributes that I value highly.

Let our journey continue. Thanks for coming along!