ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Monro Inc. recently crowned Scott Buzzeo, an auto technician with Tire Choice Auto Service Centers in Las Vegas, as its top auto tech for 2023, outperforming 600-plus other Monro network auto techs who took part in the inaugural Monro Top Technician competition.
Buzzeo, an auto repair tech since 2007 and a Monro employee since 2019, won a cash prize, a trip to Tampa for the filming of the U.S. Auto Tech National Competition (USATNC) finals, and a trip to Moab, Utah, sponsored by Yokohama Tire Corp.
The Monro Top Tech event was held alongside the USATNC for Monro techs only, after Monro agreed to be a sponsor of the USATNC. That decision meant Monro's techs wouldn't be eligible for the larger USATNC event, Monro said.
Buzzeo's career in the auto repair industry began after his cousin got him a job at a local tire and service shop.
"I enjoy puzzles, and auto mechanics and auto electrical is like solving very difficult puzzles," Buzzeo said when asked what he likes most about being a technician. "My favorite part of the job is solving puzzles that other technicians can't solve."
The Monro Top Technician competition offered the company's most talented technicians the opportunity to showcase their automotive skills and precision. The challenge consisted of two rounds: an online qualifying quiz with questions from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) to test their general automotive knowledge, and an in-person challenge.
Of the 600-plus Monro auto techs who competed in Round 1, the 11 highest scorers in their zones moved on to the second and final round of the competition.
The USATNC then mailed identical test kits to the qualifying techs' stores. On October 4, they simultaneously opened the kits and completed the challenge, one that tested their ability in electrical wiring to simulate brake lights and turn signals.
The 11 contenders were livestreamed during the challenge so their teammates across the country could cheer them on. The results were judged by an outside, independent panel on time, accuracy, and workmanship.
"Our technicians are skilled professionals with tremendous pride in their profession," Monro President and CEO Mike Broderick said. "This was an exciting contest, especially watching the livestream as they raced the clock during their in-person challenge."
Runners-up were Randy Bureau of Monro Auto Service & Tire Center in Allison Park, Pa., and Shawn Hyde of Tire Choice Auto Service Centers in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The U.S. Auto Tech National Competition was held Oct. 28 and CBS Sports will air a program on the finals on Dec. 11.
The competition is owned and organized by Ideal Industries Inc., a Sycamore, Ill.-based global enterprise active in a wide range of industries, that goes to market under the Trades Nation identity.
