Hey guys! I've been working on something that I'm excited to share with you after the new year, but I really wanted to get your input on a couple things. Please be brutally honest, I'd love to get a clear, raw view of what goes through your mind when you hear this, and what you would say to fill in the blank: “If an automotive technician truly understood __________, they would immediately realize flat-rate is optional — not inevitable.” Also, wanted to get your insights on these questions: 1) What do techs currently believe will save them?For example: “If I just get faster, I’ll make more” “If I just move shops, it’ll be better” “If I get one more certification, I’ll be valued” And which of these do you think is the most dangerous belief? 2) What do you think stuck techs incorrectly believe about themselves? Is it: “I’m not smart enough” “I’m just a wrench-turner” “I didn’t grow up around cars” “I’m not leadership material” Which one did you hear most on your darkest days? 3) What do techs who feel frustrated and stuck think prevents their success? Examples: “My shop won’t let me” “Management doesn’t care” “The industry is broken” “AI / EVs are killing this career” Which one do you think is dominant? I would seriously love to hear what you guys think! Please let me know what's top of mind. Hope y'all are having a great week!

Today we're highlighting our very own @Alek Bielenda ! I recently had the privilege of working with him on a vehicle inspection. Alek is the man!! Every so often, a technician walks into the shop with a level of drive that can’t be taught—only developed. That person is Alek, a rising technician whose commitment, pace of learning, and professional presence already set him apart. Alek may be newer to the field, but you wouldn’t know it by watching him work. He approaches every task with the same seriousness and curiosity you’d expect from a seasoned veteran. He doesn’t just complete the job—he studies it, breaks it down, and makes sure he understands the why behind every step. That mindset is what separates a good tech from a great one, and Alek is clearly on the latter path. What stands out most is his hunger to excel. In an industry where it’s easy to settle into routine, Alek refuses to coast. He’s constantly seeking additional technical information, clarifying systems, learning new diagnostic strategies, and sharpening his understanding of the vehicles he works on. Ask a question, and he’ll either know the answer—or he’ll hunt it down, verify it, and bring it back with clarity and confidence. But knowledge alone doesn’t make a top-tier technician. Professionalism does—and Alek brings that in full force. Whether he’s engaging with coworkers, approaching a repair order, or representing the shop, he shows respect for the craft and the people around him. He listens well, communicates clearly, and carries himself with the kind of reliability that customers and team members notice. These qualities—technical aptitude, rapid learning, and genuine professionalism—form a combination that’s rare in a newer technician. And they’re exactly why Alek is already earning trust, handling increased responsibility, and making measurable contributions to the team. Alek’s trajectory is obvious: he’s going places. His foundation is strong, his work ethic is sharp, even when his growth curve appears steep. What he’s building now—through repetition, curiosity, and consistent effort—will become the backbone of a long, successful career in the automotive industry.