Mentorship is the Beginning of Leadership
About this episode
Dwayne Myers, CEO and co-owner of Dynamic Automotive, shares his journey from technician to leader and owner, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and intentional technician development. He discusses how investing in training and leadership skills beyond technical expertise creates a culture where employees want to grow and stay long-term. Dwayne highlights adapting leadership styles to connect with different generations, fostering consistent communication, and building systems that support career growth. The conversation offers valuable insights into leadership challenges, personal growth, and strategic business expansion in the automotive service industry.
Dwayne Myers, CEO of Dynamic Automotive, discusses why mentorship is the foundation of leadership and how his team focuses on growing their own technicians through a structured apprenticeship program. From investing in local schools to intentionally developing and nurturing talent, he explains why this approach is key to addressing the technician shortage.
Watch the video and follow the slides here
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
- Guest: Dwayne Myers, Dynamic Automotive, [email protected]
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Lear
"I kept reinvesting my own efforts to Lear. I didn't just stay as a technician."
Lear is a big company that makes car seats and electrical parts for cars.
Lear Corporation is a major automotive supplier specializing in seating and electrical systems for vehicles worldwide.
A-S-T-E-A
"I look and see what classes they pick when they go to a vision, or they go to APEX, or they go to A-S-T-E-A"
A-S-T-E-A is a group that helps people learn how to work better in car jobs.
A-S-T-E-A is an organization that provides training and educational programs for automotive professionals, focusing on technical skills and leadership development.
APEX
"I look and see what classes they pick when they go to a vision, or they go to APEX, or they go to A-S-T-E-A"
APEX is a place where people learn new skills to work better in car companies.
APEX is an organization offering advanced technical and leadership training programs for automotive professionals.
apprenticeship program
"...talk about your apprenticeship program and the development of young people. And then we'll kind of tie it back into that, the patient's piece..."
An apprenticeship program is like learning a job by working with someone who already knows how to do it. You get to practice and learn step-by-step.
An apprenticeship program is a structured training approach where individuals gain hands-on experience and skills in a trade or profession under the guidance of experienced mentors.
automotive program
"...we've always invested in our local school system. From day one, we actually helped them start an automotive program. They had a failing diesel program that was going away..."
An automotive program is a class where students learn how cars work and how to fix them. It helps people get ready for jobs working with cars.
An automotive program in schools is an educational curriculum focused on teaching students about vehicle maintenance, repair, and automotive technology, often preparing them for careers in the automotive industry.
CTE
""...me and Jose are both on CTE, which is the local community college, and the entire CTC program...""
CTE means classes that teach you skills for certain jobs, like working on cars or computers, to help you get ready for a career.
CTE stands for Career and Technical Education, which are programs designed to prepare students for specific trades, professions, or careers, including automotive technology.
CTC program
""...the entire CTC program, which I believe they have 23 programs. Anything from Homeland Security, IT...""
CTC is a place where you can learn different job skills like fixing cars or working with computers to help you get a good job later.
CTC refers to Career and Technical Centers, which offer multiple vocational programs including automotive, IT, Homeland Security, and more, aimed at workforce development.
automotive IT integration
""...pretty soon automotive is going to be more IT than it is mechanical. You know, why not pull some of that talent over as well?""
Cars today use a lot of computer technology, so working on cars now means knowing about computers and software too.
Automotive IT integration refers to the increasing role of information technology in vehicles, including software, electronics, and networked systems, making automotive work more IT-focused.
ASC Connects
"Between the technician shortage, disconnected school relationships and lack of trustworthy workforce data, it makes it difficult for shops to plan higher and grow. That's where ASC Connects comes in. Created in partnership with Wrenchway, ASC Connects is a membership design specifically for shops like yours to help you build a stronger technician pipeline by connecting with schools, empowering you with tools and data to improve your recruiting, retention and performance. With ASC Connects, you can connect with local schools through school assist, start building relationships and support the programs that educate our future technicians."
ASC Connects is a program that helps car repair shops find and keep good mechanics by working with schools and giving helpful tools.
ASC Connects is a membership program created to help automotive shops build a stronger technician pipeline by connecting with schools and providing tools and data to improve recruiting, retention, and performance.
Wrenchway
"That's where ASC Connects comes in. Created in partnership with Wrenchway, ASC Connects is a membership design specifically for shops like yours to help you build a stronger technician pipeline by connecting with schools, empowering you with tools and data to improve your recruiting, retention and performance."
Wrenchway is a company that helps car repair shops find and keep good mechanics by giving them useful tools.
Wrenchway is a company that partners with ASC Connects to provide tools and data to automotive shops to help with technician recruitment and retention.
transmission pan bolt
"the very first jobs I did as a true technician was used a air ratchet on a transmission pan bolt and snapped it immediately."
The transmission pan bolt holds the cover that keeps transmission fluid inside. If you tighten it too much, it can break, causing problems.
A transmission pan bolt is a fastener that secures the transmission fluid pan to the transmission housing. These bolts need to be tightened to specific torque values to avoid damage or leaks.
flex plate
"I can tell you right now, I put a used engine in one time, I forgot to put the flex plate, it wasn't on there. I put the whole thing in and then I went under, there's no flex plate."
The flex plate is a round metal part that helps connect the engine to the car's transmission so the car can move. If it's missing, the car won't work properly.
A flex plate is a metal disc that connects the engine's crankshaft to the torque converter in an automatic transmission. It transfers engine power to the transmission and often has teeth for the starter motor to engage.
Chevrolet Monza
"So what was your first car? First car, 1977 Chevy Monza with a V8 in it. That's how I learned how to break stuff really good."
The Chevrolet Monza is a small car from the 1970s that sometimes had a powerful V8 engine. It was a fun car to drive and a good way to learn about cars.
The Chevrolet Monza was a compact car produced by Chevrolet in the 1970s. The 1977 model could be equipped with a V8 engine, making it a sporty and engaging car for its time.
Chevrolet Spark
"...d have been a fun one. It was fun. It started the spark, which when I, I, you know, have to sideroad you..."
The Chevrolet Spark is a small, easy-to-drive car that’s good for getting around town. It doesn’t cost much and uses little gas, making it a popular choice for people who want a simple, budget-friendly car.
The Chevrolet Spark is a compact city car known for its affordability and efficiency. It's significant as an entry-level vehicle that offers practical urban mobility with a small footprint and good fuel economy, often discussed for its value in congested city environments.
technician shortage
"I said, well, when I grew up, you looked at a high school parking lot, you saw Mustangs, Camaros, a Monza, we could work on our own cars. Now you're seeing BMWs, Lexus, Teslas, they can't work on those things. How do you fall in love with an industry that you can't truck? That's where the school systems are so important."
There aren't enough people who know how to fix cars because new cars are harder to work on and fewer young people are learning these skills.
The technician shortage refers to the lack of skilled automotive technicians entering the workforce, partly due to the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and fewer young people learning to work on cars themselves.
Chevrolet Camaro
"you looked at a high school parking lot, you saw Mustangs, Camaros, a Monza, we could work on our own cars."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a well-known American car that is fast and looks sporty. Many people like to fix and customize these cars themselves.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its aggressive styling and strong performance. Like the Mustang, it has been popular among car enthusiasts who enjoy working on their own vehicles.
Ford Mustang
"you looked at a high school parking lot, you saw Mustangs, Camaros, a Monza, we could work on our own cars."
The Ford Mustang is a famous American car that many people like because it is fast and looks cool. People often like to fix and work on these cars themselves.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and sporty design. It has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics for decades.
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