Building True Leadership in the Shop

02/26/25 • 55 min

1 Listener

Chris Craig, Fixed Operations Content Owner at RockED, shares insights from his new white paper and upcoming book on technician training and leadership. He discusses the difference between an appointed leader and a true leader, understanding younger generations, and how to balance multiple personalities in the shop. Chris also highlights the importance of communication and provides tips for young technicians aspiring to be in managerial roles.
View White Paper - Wired For Success: Amplifying Technician Skills
Join the Book Waitlist - “Becoming a Better Service Professional” by Chris Craig
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guests:
Chris Craig
Fixed Operations Content Owner, RockED
[email protected]

Sponsor:
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:
For Technicians & Students

Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

About Our Guests:
Chris Craig
Fixed Operations Content Owner, RockED
[email protected]

Sponsor:
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:
For Technicians & Students

Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

Previous Episode

Thriving as a Young Technician

Naomi Kraemer, a first-generation technician, shares her journey from overcoming insecurities as a young tech to becoming a Main Line Technician at Subaru of Olathe. She reflects on the challenges of landing her first shop job, the invaluable experience gained while shadowing master technicians, learning about when to ask questions, and the initial shock of tool costs.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guests:
Naomi Kraemer
Main Line Technician, Subaru of Olathe

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:
For Technicians & Students

Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social:

Next Episode

Intentionally Recruiting Today’s Auto Technician

Brad McKinney, Director of Talent Acquisition at Cavender Auto Family, shares a crash course on recruiting technicians in today’s market. With the technician shortage and technicians having the upper hand, your shop needs to stand out. Brad offers tips on effective communication during the hiring process, avoiding overselling candidates, and preparing managers for interviews.

Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!

About Our Guests:
Brad McKinney
Director of Talent Acquisition and Training, Cavender Auto Family
[email protected]

About Our Host:
Jay Goninen
Co-Founder & President, WrenchWay
[email protected] | 608.716.2122

WrenchWay Resources:
For Technicians & Students

Compare & Explore Technician Pay: View salary information for automotive, diesel, and collision technicians near you at wrenchway.com/pay.
Find Your Ideal Shop or Dealership: Looking for the best places to work? Discover and research the best shop or dealership for you at wrenchway.com/shops.

For Shops & Dealerships

Hire Top Talent & Assist Schools: Connect with skilled technicians, engage with schools, and help elevate the auto and diesel industry with WrenchWay Top Shop Memberships.

For Auto, Diesel, & CTE Instructors:

Support Your Program & Connect with Industry: Get resources and equipment for your program and grow your industry partnerships with WrenchWay's free solutions for schools.

Connect with us on social: