Beyond the Wrench

Jay Goninen

How can automotive and diesel shops run a better business and be more profitable? How can we make the aftermarket and dealerships more attractive to younger generations? Each week, Jay Goninen, VP of Industry Advancement at ASE, will sit down with shop owners, technicians, instructors, and professionals in the automotive and diesel industries to have them share their stories and insights. We’ll dive deep into what’s going on in shops and dealerships and what we can do to help drive the industry forward.The Beyond the Wrench Podcast is powered by ASE.

  1. Oct 14 ·  Video

    Christian Brothers Automotive: Building Better Techs & A Better Industry

    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.comCo-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)Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

  2. Oct 7 ·  Video

    Christian Brothers Automotive: Mentorship, Management, & Training

    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.comCo-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: FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

  3. Sep 30 ·  Video

    Christian Brothers Automotive: Growing the Next Generation of Technicians & Leaders

    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.comCo-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) Connect with us on social: FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTubeTikTok

4.7
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

How can automotive and diesel shops run a better business and be more profitable? How can we make the aftermarket and dealerships more attractive to younger generations? Each week, Jay Goninen, VP of Industry Advancement at ASE, will sit down with shop owners, technicians, instructors, and professionals in the automotive and diesel industries to have them share their stories and insights. We’ll dive deep into what’s going on in shops and dealerships and what we can do to help drive the industry forward.The Beyond the Wrench Podcast is powered by ASE.

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