Beyond the Wrench

Noah Nelson, Technical Editor at Motor Age Magazine and ASE Master Automobile Technician, is on his way to earning ASE World Class certification and bringing other techs along for the ride. In this episode, he covers how he went from turning wrenches to writing technical articles, the growth mindset driving his pursuit, and how he’s documenting each test to help others prepare. 

Watch the Video Recording on YouTube

About the Episode
Host: Jay Goninen, ASE, jgoninen@ase.com
Guest: Noah Nelson, Motor Age Magazine, nnelson@endeavorb2b.com 

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Episode Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions
Watch Noah’s videos on the Vehicle Service and Repair Video Network 

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ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:
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Live from the 2026 Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) Mastering the Difference (MTD) Conference, host Jay Goninen is joined by special co-hosts Cameron Giddings of Christian Brothers Automotive and George Arrants of the ASE Education Foundation. Together they sit down with two guests who are shaping the future of the industry.

Brandon Steckler, industry trainer, founder of SWAT Training and Diagnostics, and 5th-year MTD instructor, explains how shop culture shapes success on flat rate and why he only teaches the basics. 

Dan Aldrich, Director of Automotive Technical Training at Christian Brothers Automotive, recaps the biggest takeaways from the CBA series. He covers where he wants to see the industry go and why MTD is one of the most energizing events in the industry. 

Watch Full Podcast on YouTube

About the Episode
Host: Jay Goninen, ASE, jgoninen@ase.com
Co-Hosts: Cameron Giddings, Christian Brothers Automotive; George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation 
Guests: Brandon Steckler, SWAT Training and Diagnostics & Dan Aldrich, CBA

Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list

Join the ASE Connects Community
ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:
ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26)
ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools)
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Live from the 2026 Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) Mastering the Difference (MTD) Conference, host Jay Goninen is joined by special co-hosts Cameron Giddings of Christian Brothers Automotive and George Arrants of the ASE Education Foundation. Together they sit down with three guests who are shaping the future of the industry.

Greg Lee, Master Tech at CBA Mira Mesa, TX, is one of the first mentors in CBA's new Apprentice Career Tracks (ACT) program. He explains why he starts apprentices on big repairs and how he stays with them through every job.

Leah VanWinkle, Service Manager at CBA Knoxville, TN, brings hospitality into the shop. She covers how she manages big technician personalities and protects shop culture.

Andrew Fischer, an industry trainer and first-time MTD instructor, covers how he still wrenches full time and teaches from his own mistakes. 

Watch Full Podcast on YouTube

About the Episode
Host: Jay Goninen, ASE, jgoninen@ase.com
Co-Hosts: Cameron Giddings, Christian Brothers Automotive; George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation 
Guests: Greg Lee, Leah VanWinkle, and Andrew Fischer

Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list

Join the ASE Connects Community
ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:
ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26)
ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools)
Connect with us on social:
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Live from the 2026 Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) Mastering the Difference (MTD) Conference, host Jay Goninen is joined by special co-hosts Cameron Giddings of Christian Brothers Automotive and George Arrants of the ASE Education Foundation. Together they sit down with three guests who are shaping the future of the industry.

Pete Candelaria, Master Technician at CBA and one of the brand's highest-producing techs, shares how he mentors the next generation of technicians while pushing himself to earn ASE World Class status.

Caleb DeGarmo, Service Manager at CBA in Gallatin, TN, and the youngest entrant ever into CBA's Future Franchise Leadership Academy (FFLA), explains how the program has fast-tracked his leadership growth.

Jerry "G" Truglia, Director of Dorman Training and longtime MTD instructor, reflects on 50+ years in the industry, how vehicle technology has evolved, and why techs must continue to learn every day. 

Watch Full Podcast on YouTube

About the Episode
Host: Jay Goninen, ASE, jgoninen@ase.com
Co-Hosts: Cameron Giddings, Christian Brothers Automotive; George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation 
Guests: Pete Candelaria & Caleb DeGarmo, Christian Brothers Automotive; Jerry "G" Truglia, Dorman Training

Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list

Join the ASE Connects Community
ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:
ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26)
ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools)

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John Doonan, President of International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), breaks down why they see themself as the "heartbeat of the auto industry." In this episode, he talks about what makes IMSA's staff and drivers feel like one big family, how IMSA is helping build the next generation of automotive talent through a new career program with ASE, and how strong partnerships with companies keep the series stable.
Watch Full Podcast on YouTube

About the Episode
Host: Jay Goninen, ASE, jgoninen@ase.com
Guest: John Doonan, IMSA, Connect with John on LinkedIn

Links & Resources
Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list

Join the ASE Connects Community
ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more:
ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26)
ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools)
Connect with us on social:
Facebook
Instagram
X
LinkedIn
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