Wisconsin Firestone mechanic earns TechForce 'Die Hard' award

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Erik Craddock, an auto technician at Firestone Complete Auto Care in Appleton, Wis., is one of five auto techs recognized recently by TechForce Foundation in the foundation's inaugural "Techs Rock" contest.

Scottsdale-based TechForce, a non-profit organization promoting careers in the transportation industry, sought to recognize working technicians who are striving to mentor and inspire the next generation of technicians, bringing excellence to their workplaces and communities, and demonstrating passion and commitment to the profession.

Besides Mr. Craddock, who earned the foundation's "Die Hard Tech" honor, the other winners were:

• Pay It Forward — Michael Cole, Kunes Country Ford, Delavan, Wis.;

• Rookie of the Year — Andrew Fields, Rob Sight Ford, Kansas City, Mo;

• Outstanding Mentor — Shane Conley, Suzuki Motors of America, Brea, Calif.; and

• Barrier Buster — Wayne Quiggins, Southern Cycles, Apopka, Fla.

Each winner received a $1,000 tool voucher sponsored by Snap-on Inc.

Mr. Cole also was judged the grand prize winner, receiving roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations to Scottsdale to enjoy Arizona Auto Week 2019 and be honored at the annual TechForce Foundation Summit.

The finalists were selected via online voting during December from among more than 250 techs nominated; more than 30,000 votes were cast, TechForce said.

"Our country's technicians are the backbone of the transportation industry and work diligently every day to keep America rolling," TechForce Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Maher said.

"They're skilled professionals who also give generously of their time and talent — both at work and in their communities — to inspire the next generation of qualified technicians. They deserve our appreciation and recognition."

Bogi Lateiner, owner of Bogi's Garage and 180° Automotive in Phoenix and a participating judge and TechForce board member, said: "These technicians are directly impacting their communities and their organizations and showing us firsthand that a career as a transportation tech is one that both they and the future techs who they're inspiring can take sincere pride in."

Die Hard Tech winner Mr. Craddock is an ASE Automotive Master Certified technician with the L1 Advanced level certification, TechForce said, and is a "die-hard stickler for making sure that every car that is repaired at his facility is done right the first time — even if he isn't the tech who serviced the vehicle."