Generationally Speaking – November/December 2015
See what makes us different … and the same!
In this issue, we feature Richard Martens, owner, and Jordan Troxel, technician, of Ron’s Auto Repair Center in Ames, Iowa.
Richard Martens
Baby Boomer
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
Take your time to do the job right.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
To go into business with my wife and partner.
Drink of choice?
Black coffee.
How did you get into the automotive service business?
Started working on an Ag tractor on my dad’s farm. Spent 20 years as an Ag tech, and then purchased Ron’s Auto.
Best vacation you’ve ever had?
Trip to the Smoky Mountains when the children were in school.
What do you drive?
Toyota Prius and Chevy Silverado 1500.
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
Drive the countryside like a picker and find an old tractor to restore.
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
You don’t have to attend a four-year college. That’s not your only option. There is a high demand for employees in trades. Those only need a two-year degree.
What do you like most about your work?
Helping people, solving their car-care needs.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Do body work and paint.
Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?
The cream will rise to the top. Shops that don’t keep up with change, in both thinking and tools, will be left behind. A shop needs to be customer friendly and in tune with customer needs.
Jordan Troxel
Generation Y
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
Never give up, be honest and work hard.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
Investing in myself: skills, trade and knowledge.
Drink of choice?
Ice-cold lemonade.
How did you get into the automotive service business?
I went to trade school fresh out of high school. I’ve always been mechanically inclined and interested in how things work.
Best vacation you have ever been on?
A trip to all of the southern states and Mexico.
What do you drive?
Chevy Monte Carlo SS.
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
I would try very hard to do nothing. Movies on Netflix, popcorn, couch.
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
Invest in yourself. Be open-minded to learning new things. Read more books, articles and magazines. Work hard.
What do you like most about your work?
A healthy environment, my co-workers and working in a very efficient shop.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Speak different languages.
Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?
It’s going all-electric. Hybrid technology is growing more and more, and they’re starting to implement more electric cars.
