The Auto Care Association and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recently announced the newest recipients of the World Class Technician Award. This annual accolade recognizes professional technicians who have achieved ASE certification in 22 specific areas.
Out of the estimated 887,000 technicians in the U.S., about 250,000 hold ASE certification, yet only 2,289 have achieved the distinguished title of World Class Technician over the past three decades.
The 2024 class of World Class Technicians includes individuals from across the nation, each with a unique story and a shared dedication to automotive excellence.
- Andrew Christopher Nelson, Detroit, MI
Brady Huebsch, Fargo, ND
Brian Morris, Helena, MT
Brian Shaffer, Foley, MO
Bryan Gold, Chicago, IL
Byron Layton, Terre Haute, IN
Casamir Galinaukas, Hingham, MA
Christopher A. Lutzweiler, Greensboro NC
Christopher Darin Higgins, Moorhead, MN
Clint Krueger, Dalbo, MN
Clyde Weathers, Bonne Terre, MO
Cody Bishop, Hyannis, MA
David Elswick, Rockville, MD
Dean Leslie, Simpsonville, KY
Dee Pontious, Salem, MA
Derek Charles Williams, Commerce City, CO
Derek Thompson, Minneapolis, MN
Don Pitre, Mount Vernon, MO
Edward Allocco, Sarasota, FL
Gregory Monnier, The Colony, TX
Gustav Cariglio, Danbury, CT
Jacob Schoessler, Grimes, IA
James Heyser, Downers Grove, IL
Jamie Bruce, Athens, GA
Jason Bougie, Shapleigh, ME
Jason Currie, Jericho, VT
Jeffrey Kent Brown, Stonecrest, GA
Jeffrey Parris, Nashville, TN
Jess Anderson, Stacy, MN
Joe Yancey, Winter Haven, FL
Josef Oswald, Conroe, TX
Joseph Mobley DeLoach, Augusta, GA
Joshua D. Olson, Victorville, CA
Joshua Lee Stephens, Joplin, MO
Justin Adams, St. Louis, MO
Justin Ernest Munoz, San Antonio, TX
Karl Koenigstein, Piedmont, SC
Kevin Taylor Bryant, Augusta, GA
Kyle Hadley, Springfield, MA
Kyle Slater, Grand Blanc, MI
Lance Newcomb, Commerce City, CO
Larry W. Yates, St. Peters, MO
Lyman Parsell, Nashville, TN
Matthew Keresey, Portland, ME
Matthew Klebeck, Knoxville, TN
Matthew Russell, St. Petersburg, FL
Michael Mastalski, Painesville, OH
Michael Shuker, St. Louis, MO
Mike Reynolds, Charleston, SC
Norman Ng, Basking Ridge, NJ
Patrick Roehrer, Columbus, OH
Paul Mihalick, St. Louis, MO
Paul Murray, Appling, GA
Randy Riggan, Hamilton, OH
Richard E. Shetler, Orrville, OH
Richard M. Davis, St. Louis, MO
Ryan C. Mason, Pekin, IL
Ryan Stazak, Addison, IL
Sergio Chaira, Tucson, AZ
Steven Loglisci, Roselle, NJ
Taurayi Sewera, Harare, Zimbabwe
Timonthy Walz, North Richland Hills, TX
Travis Karpf, Antigo, WI
Victor Avila, Wake Forest, NC
William Leavell, Katy, TX
The Auto Care Association conducted surveys with this year's award recipients to learn about their career paths, motivations and the significance of this achievement.
“It has always been a personal goal of mine to be the best at what I do. Attaining ASE World Class Technician Certification provides me a valuable tool to incorporate into the toolbox of my career,” said Chaira, of UPS/Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ.
“Sometimes people don't have paid work experience or a resume to show what they may know or have experience with," said Klebeck, of Harper Infiniti in Knoxville, TN. By becoming ASE certified you demonstrate that you have the knowledge and experience in many areas, not just the ones that pay you 9-5 or show up on your resume. This helps to demonstrate your broad experience and how well-rounded of a technician you are.”
“When I was told there was another level above master technician called ‘World Class Technician,’ I made it a personal goal to get to this level," said Monnier, of Davids Automotive in The Colony, TX. "It is important to stay on top of today's modern technology. To work on today's cars, one needs curiosity, patience and information. Becoming a World Class Technician is like giving myself a little pat on the back along with helping to spread the word in getting the younger generation interested in this business.”
“Becoming a World Class Technician is a status that I believe shows your dedication to excellence in the industry," said Schoessler, of Christian Brothers Automotive in Grimes, IA. "I strive to be as knowledgeable as possible to help teach and inspire those around me. Becoming a part of this exclusive group of technicians is something I can truly be proud of.”
For more information about the Auto Care Association’s World Class Technician certification qualifications, timing and recognition, visit the association’s World Class Technician webpage.