NOVEMBER 2024 TECHNICIAN OF INFLUENCE WINNERS
ROOKIES
Service Technician
Blake joined Altruck International and has been a great addition to our team in Goderich. He consistently puts forth incredible effort, upholding the highest standards for the company and customers, which has been a blessing for the dealership.
Since his arrival, Blake has gone the extra mile to ensure customers have the best possible experience with their truck service or repair, whether through service calls or shop work. For example, when a customer's truck needed to run the next day and he didn't have the correct parts, Blake returned to the shop to get the right parts and installed them, despite having already put in his hours for the day.
Blake is on track to become Master certified through International. His work is of such high quality that I trust it completely, knowing the customer won't need to return for the same issue. He has become a leader in the shop, always willing to share his knowledge and experience. Blake has quickly become a top producer, with no comebacks since April 2023, while also completing nearly 100 hours of training.
Blake's dedication is evident as he ensures trucks are ready on time and assists students with their tasks. He is an all-around good person who fits right in at the shop, always coming in and leaving with a smile. His positive attitude and willingness to help make him an invaluable team member. From the summer BBQ to daily operations, Blake's presence is greatly appreciated.
Service Technician
Keith Tomlinson, our rookie tech at Rush Truck Centers, has been with us for just a few months but is already exceeding all expectations. He consistently goes above and beyond to assist our customers. For instance, when we asked if he could drive across the country to support a client, he did so without hesitation and delivered outstanding results.
Keith completed all the OEM training in record time, allowing him to quickly get up to speed and make an immediate impact. He is a dedicated worker who excels at every task we assign to him. Keith has great customer service skills and can make even our toughest customers smile.
Outside of work, Keith is passionate about restoring old motorcycles and Jeeps. He recently moved here from Ohio to support his fiancée, who is studying to become a veterinarian at K-State. Keith's dedication and enthusiasm make him a valued member of our team.
VETERANS
Service Technician
Andrew leads by example in his role at Kirby International. As the day shift foreman, he arrives early every day and ensures everyone is prepared for their tasks. When customers need detailed explanations, he takes the time to clarify the technical aspects and progress.
Andrew knows customers seek a trustworthy technician and shop, so he is always open and honest with them. Other technicians rely on his expertise for diagnosing issues, and he frequently assists with challenging tasks. He is dedicated to maximizing uptime, striving to get each customer back on the road as quickly as possible, and motivates his colleagues to do the same.
Andrew is always willing to stay late or start early to get a customer back on the road, often offering his services without being asked. For example, when a customer had an A26 engine failure in the U.S. on a Friday evening, Andrew offered to come in over the weekend to complete the job. The truck was towed to our shop in Canada, and Andrew replaced the engine, getting the truck back on the road by Monday evening. The customer was impressed and appreciative of Andrew's initiative.
Andrew takes the time to show customers the issues with their trucks, explaining the different options available. He gives advice as if it were his own truck and is patient with customers who need extra time to understand. It is evident that Andrew wants the customer to trust him, and the rest of the technicians, but understands that it sometimes needs to be earned. He is willing to do what it takes to earn the trust of each customer.
As a born leader, Andrew leads by example. He is always the first to complete required training and holds other technicians accountable for their training. He never needs to be asked to complete training and is always willing to help others. "Comeback" is not in Andrew's vocabulary, as he ensures every truck has a quality inspection before it is returned to the customer.
Andrew is a great team player. If another technician has asked how to do something, Andrew is not afraid to take the time to help them out, and make sure they know the proper way of completing the task. He often brings in coffee and donuts for his coworkers and works to ensure a positive atmosphere.
Service Technician
Shaun has been with Ward International for nearly 10 years, consistently going above and beyond. He loves product training and applying his knowledge. Starting as a lube tech, he advanced to onsite tech and now diagnoses and repairs trucks in the shop. Shaun has completed extensive training, including International, Cummins, and Allison courses, with hands-on training scheduled for December.
A recent example of Shaun’s dedication occurred on a Friday evening when a customer called in urgently needing a liftgate repair. With both road technicians occupied with other jobs, Shaun volunteered to step in, despite being at the end of his shift, to ensure the customer received the support they needed.
As an onsite technician, he was trusted with valuable assets and always maintained them well. Today, he is relied upon for precise diagnostics and repairs, ensuring tasks are completed correctly. If Shaun says he is going to do something, it will be done.
Shaun is constantly a top producer in the shop and is in the top for efficiency. Shaun will also take extra steps to make sure he has verified the customer's concern. He prides himself in making the correct repair the first time, and since he holds a CDL license, he is able to test drive and verify his own repairs. Shaun is very independent but will also help the rookies when they need it.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Shaun has worked hard to earn everything he has. He has a great sense of humor and is always willing to help others. Shaun is dedicated, hardworking, and eager to expand his product knowledge.
