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.

I hope y’all had a pleasant end of 2025 and a refreshing start to 2026. My family and I got sick with the flu just after Christmas, so our start to 2026 wasn’t very refreshing! But, I’m grateful we’re all just about over with this sickness. The new year always gets me excited. I love the feeling of a fresh start, new goals, and the feeling that I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to. I recently heard something very inspiring from Chris Koerner, which reminded me of those new year feelings. If you don’t know who he is, seriously, go check him out! In a recent video he posted on YouTube, he shared his GRIT framework. And man, it hit me SO hard. I watched the video multiple times while using my phone as a flashlight in the early morning hours when I stumbled across it, so I could quickly write down his genius insights. Chris describes himself as a Serial Entrepreneur (he’s started like 80+ businesses over the years), so this video was aimed at entrepreneurs and business owners. However, I see the principles applying just as appropriately in the world of Automotive Service. His GRIT framework describes what it is really like to start and run a business: - G — Grind. Every day is a grind. It’s hard to be an entrepreneur! - R — Risk. Everything is risky. You risk your time, money, and there’s an opportunity cost to starting and running any kind of business. - I — Isolation. It’s lonely! Entrepreneurship can isolate you from people, safety/security, free time, etc. - T — Turbulence. There are a lot of ups and downs, and wide wide swings. Emotional, Financial, you name it, it’s turbulent being an entrepreneur. I feel that the same is true being an automotive service technician. Whether you’re a mobile tech, a one-man-band or if you’re isolated in a toxic shop where everyone is out for their own interests and pays you no attention, it’s a grind, man. It’s a grind, every day is risky, you feel isolated, and the turbulence is real. But Chris gives a matching solution or antidote to each of these problems. He explains:

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!

You’re Invited – Live Lab Tomorrow! 🚨 Electrical problems don’t have to be a guessing game. Join us tomorrow at 1:30 PM EST for a LIVE lab where we’ll break down how to make electrical diagnostics quick, easy, and accurate. ⚡🔧 Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ A simple process to diagnose circuits in 30 minutes or less ✅ How to avoid common mistakes that waste time (and money) ✅ Real-world tips you can use in the shop right away Whether you’re a seasoned technician or just starting out, this session will sharpen your skills and give you new confidence on the toughest jobs. 📅 Date: Tomorrow – August 19th ⏰ Time: 1:30 PM EST 📍 Where: Live Online 👉 Reserve your spot now and join us for this hands-on, no-fluff training. Let’s make electrical diagnostics something you look forward to. See you there! Meeting Link: https://meet.google.com/jxr-mday-kso?hs=224

Today we're spotlighting @Brian Steinhauser . He's a great guy and he just joined this community! I recently had the chance to work with Brian, and he made an immediate impression. His technical knowledge is rock-solid, and he approaches diagnosis with calm, methodical confidence — no guesswork, no ego, just skill. What really stood out was how professionally he conducts his work. He communicated clearly, asked smart questions, and took real pride in getting the job done right the first time. Brian is the kind of technician who quietly raises the standard for everyone around him — and he deserves to be recognized. Most importantly, Brian shows pride in his work. You can’t teach that. It’s the mark of a true professional. So here’s to Brian: a technician who represents exactly what the automotive field needs more of — skill, integrity, and a standard of excellence that elevates everyone around him. Let's hear it for Brian!