ASE names 2022 auto techs of the year

LEESBURG, Va. — The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recognized 52 auto and heavy-duty technicians — including nine employed in the retail tire and auto service sector — as the top technicians at their respective employers or tech service providers.

ASE Technician of the Year honorees are submitted by their employers based on rigorous criteria, including ASE test scores, on-the-job performance and community activities.

Among those recognized are technicians employed by Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO), Pep Boys and TBC Retail as well as by Big O Tires, Midas International and SpeeDee Oil Change.

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Top techs include (listed alphabetically by name, followed by the nominating entity):

• Jerry Blasingame, master technician, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, Vallejo, Calif.;
• Jacob Boone, TBC Retail/NTB, Washington, Mo.;
• Michael Todd Cooper, master technician, Pep Boys, Hemet, Calif.
• Scot East, master technician, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Proper, Texas;
• Margarette Langdon-Lewis, master technician, NAPA Auto Care (BJ's Automotive Diagnostic Center), Belfast, Maine;
• John Myers, master technician, Pronto Auto Service Network (Pep Boys), Corona, Calif.;
• Lorenzo Ramos, master technician, Midas International (Leeds West Groups), Greenwood Village, Colo.;
• Kenneth Vieira, master technician, TBC Retail/Tire Kingdom, Hollywood, Fla.; and
• Steven Whittenberg, Big O Tires (MFA Oil), Jefferson City, Mo.

In addition, Nicholas Barajas, a master M/H truck technician at the TravelCenters of America location in Madison, Ga., was that company's winner in the heavy-duty category.

Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) said East has worked as a technician in its Firestone Complete Auto Care network for more than two decades. During that time, he has gained his ASE Master certification as well as specialist certifications in advanced engine performance (L1), automobile parts (P2) and undercar/exhaust systems X1).

East, who followed in his father's footsteps to achieve his ASE Master certification, was also named 2016 Technician of the Year for BSRO's McKinney, Texas, Area.

"Scot's work ethic and personal passion is everything we look for in an ASE Master Technician: dedication to growth, respect for others, and a commitment to serving our customers with excellence," BSRO President Marko Ibrahim said.

"He is not only a mentor to other teammates but a hero to so many in his community through his important work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We are honored to recognize Scot's dedication and thank him for elevating our business with everything he does."

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Established in 1972 as an independent, non-profit organization, the ASE upholds and promotes high standards of service and repair through the assessment, certification and credentialing of industry professionals. There are approximately 220,000 ASE-certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools, and colleges throughout the country.

During her 14-plus years with BJ's Automotive, Langdon-Lewis has led the way in the organization and formation of the NAPA AutoCare Business Development Group (BDG) for Mid-Coast Maine, spearheaded an apprentice program at her shop, and serves on the NATEF Certification Board for the automotive repair program at Waldo County Technical School.

According to NAPA, she is an advocate for any training and certification opportunities for herself and her technicians, including NAPA Autotech Training programs.

She also is involved with the Waldo County Tech Center, an active member of the Mid-Coast School of Technology Alumni for the automotive program and a member of the NATEF panel that takes part in the certification process.

Langdon-Lewis has developed her own apprentice program at BJ's Automotive and has mentored mentor several female students studying automotive repair in both secondary and post-secondary institutions.

She is in line to take over the business when current owner Joel Knight retires.