Generationally SpeakingFebruary 2014

David Kusa, Baby Boomer

What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?

As a child I was always taking things apart to see how they worked. My mom told me I should learn how to put them back together again.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Delaying my wedding by one year so I could stay in trade school longer and get more education.

Drink of choice?

Bourbon.

How did you get into the automotive service business?

I knew from a young age I wanted to have a job where I was able to fix broken things. In high school I decided auto repair and servicing was the direction I wanted to go.

Best vacation you’ve ever had?

The first time my wife, two daughters and I went to Maui, Hawaii.

What do you drive?

2002 Buick Century and and 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle convertible.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?

Ride my bicycle and watch some of my favorite movies.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?

No matter what type of career you are interested in, get the highest level of education you can. So many career paths that my age group entered with a high school diploma, community college degree, or bachelor’s degree will need the next level of education to achieve greatness. If you are interested in a trade, find the best trade school for your career. On-the-job training is over for those who want to move past an entry-level position. I do not consider a young technician for employment who does not have trade school training.

What do you like most about your work?

Working with my clients and customers, and the problem solving needed to repair today’s vehicles.

What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?

I wish I had stayed in a music program in high school and learned to play an instrument.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?

For techs who are 45 and older, I think they need to keep up with the current technology to stay relevant to their employers.

I have seen many “old school” techs think that the knowledge and experience they have gained over their career will keep them going until retirement, but they are getting left behind. For older shop owners, I think we need to keep up with current technology as well. Telematics and alternative fuel vehicles are going to change our market and marketing. Also, the changing cultural demographic in many areas of the country will be a marketing challenge as well. We must learn to work with other cultures, or lose market share.

Kevin Klein, Generation X

What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?

Stay true to yourself and good things will follow.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Going to school to become an automotive technician.

Drink of choice?

A good Indian pale ale like Racer 5.

How did you get into the automotive service business?

I’ve always loved cars and fixing things so the two went hand in hand.

Best vacation you have ever been on?

I once took a cruise to the Catalina Islands.

What do you drive?

A 2009 Scion TC.

If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?

I would probably take a drive down Highway 1.

What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?

Life is what you make of it so always strive to be your best.

What do you like most about your work?

The fact that no two days are the same and everyday presents a new
challenge.

What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?

Surf.

Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?

I see it very promising, but training is going to be essential to keep up with all the new technology.