Beyond the Wrench

Hosted by Jay Goninen

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Episodes

341

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

How can automotive and diesel shops run a better business and be more profitable? How can we make the aftermarket and dealerships more attractive to younger generations? Each week, Jay Goninen, VP of Industry Advancement at ASE, will sit down with shop owners, technicians, instructors, and professionals in the automotive and diesel industries to have them share their stories and insights. We’ll dive deep into what’s going on in shops and dealerships and what we can do to help drive the industry forward. The Beyond the Wrench Podcast is powered by ASE.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 4, 202657 min

Building ASE Tests: By the Industry, for the Industry

Matthew Shepanek, Vice President of Credential Testing Programs at ASE, breaks down why every ASE test is built by the industry, not behind a desk. Matt explains how subject matter experts write and validate every test question, how ASE’s new licensed test prep provider program helps techs find quality study materials, and how the new Flex Test remote option lets techs test on their own schedule. Watch the Video Recording on YouTube About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Guest: Matthew Shepanek, ASE , mshepanek@ase.com Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list Learn About Flex Test Remote Testing ASE Tests & Study Guides Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

October 28, 20261 hr 3 min

Support the Industry & Reach Future Technicians on ASE Connects (Webinar Replay)

Mark Wilson, COO of ASE, joins host Jay Goninen in this replay of last week’s webinar breaking down how ASE Connects helps shops and dealers build relationships with schools. In this episode, they cover how WrenchWay’s transition into ASE has gone in the first 100 days, how School Assist puts real instructor requests in front of local shops, the launch of student profiles, and how the Industry Data Exchange gives shops verified, anonymous pay and benefits data. Watch the full webinar recording About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Guest: Mark Wilson, ASE , mwilson@ase.com Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list Learn About the ASE Education Foundation Apprenticeship Grant Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

October 21, 20261 hr 1 min

Becoming ASE World Class & Paving the Way for Other Techs

Noah Nelson, Technical Editor at Motor Age Magazine and ASE Master Automobile Technician, is on his way to earning ASE World Class certification and bringing other techs along for the ride. In this episode, he covers how he went from turning wrenches to writing technical articles, the growth mindset driving his pursuit, and how he’s documenting each test to help others prepare. Watch the Video Recording on YouTube About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Guest: Noah Nelson, Motor Age Magazine , nnelson@endeavorb2b.com Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list Episode Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions Watch Noah’s videos on the Vehicle Service and Repair Video Network Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

October 14, 202637 min

Christian Brothers Automotive: Building Better Techs & A Better Industry

Live from the 2026 Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) Mastering the Difference (MTD) Conference, host Jay Goninen is joined by special co-hosts Cameron Giddings of Christian Brothers Automotive and George Arrants of the ASE Education Foundation. Together they sit down with two guests who are shaping the future of the industry. Brandon Steckler , industry trainer, founder of SWAT Training and Diagnostics, and 5th-year MTD instructor, explains how shop culture shapes success on flat rate and why he only teaches the basics. Dan Aldrich , Director of Automotive Technical Training at Christian Brothers Automotive, recaps the biggest takeaways from the CBA series. He covers where he wants to see the industry go and why MTD is one of the most energizing events in the industry. Watch Full Podcast on YouTube About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Co-Hosts: Cameron Giddings, Christian Brothers Automotive ; George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation Guests: Brandon Steckler, SWAT Training and Diagnostics & Dan Aldrich, CBA Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

October 7, 202654 min

Christian Brothers Automotive: Mentorship, Management, & Training

Live from the 2026 Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) Mastering the Difference (MTD) Conference, host Jay Goninen is joined by special co-hosts Cameron Giddings of Christian Brothers Automotive and George Arrants of the ASE Education Foundation. Together they sit down with three guests who are shaping the future of the industry. Greg Lee , Master Tech at CBA Mira Mesa, TX, is one of the first mentors in CBA's new Apprentice Career Tracks (ACT) program. He explains why he starts apprentices on big repairs and how he stays with them through every job. Leah VanWinkle , Service Manager at CBA Knoxville, TN, brings hospitality into the shop. She covers how she manages big technician personalities and protects shop culture. Andrew Fischer , an industry trainer and first-time MTD instructor, covers how he still wrenches full time and teaches from his own mistakes. Watch Full Podcast on YouTube About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Co-Hosts: Cameron Giddings, Christian Brothers Automotive ; George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation Guests: Greg Lee, Leah VanWinkle, and Andrew Fischer Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

September 30, 202648 min

Christian Brothers Automotive: Growing the Next Generation of Technicians & Leaders

Live from the 2026 Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) Mastering the Difference (MTD) Conference, host Jay Goninen is joined by special co-hosts Cameron Giddings of Christian Brothers Automotive and George Arrants of the ASE Education Foundation. Together they sit down with three guests who are shaping the future of the industry. Pete Candelaria , Master Technician at CBA and one of the brand's highest-producing techs, shares how he mentors the next generation of technicians while pushing himself to earn ASE World Class status. Caleb DeGarmo , Service Manager at CBA in Gallatin, TN, and the youngest entrant ever into CBA's Future Franchise Leadership Academy (FFLA), explains how the program has fast-tracked his leadership growth. Jerry "G" Truglia , Director of Dorman Training and longtime MTD instructor, reflects on 50+ years in the industry, how vehicle technology has evolved, and why techs must continue to learn every day. Watch Full Podcast on YouTube About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Co-Hosts: Cameron Giddings, Christian Brothers Automotive ; George Arrants, ASE Education Foundation Guests: Pete Candelaria & Caleb DeGarmo, Christian Brothers Automotive ; Jerry "G" Truglia, Dorman Training Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

September 23, 20261 hr 0 min

IMSA, The Heartbeat of the Auto Industry

John Doonan, President of International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), breaks down why they see themself as the "heartbeat of the auto industry." In this episode, he talks about what makes IMSA's staff and drivers feel like one big family, how IMSA is helping build the next generation of automotive talent through a new career program with ASE, and how strong partnerships with companies keep the series stable. Watch Full Podcast on YouTube About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Guest: John Doonan, IMSA, Connect with John on LinkedIn Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

September 16, 20261 hr 0 min

How to Build Stronger School-Industry Partnerships with ASE Connects

Lisa Joseph, Director of ASE Connects Schools at ASE, breaks down how ASE Connects (formerly WrenchWay) is helping schools tap into free industry support, and how completing one quick form now enters schools into the $11k Snap-on giveaway. In this episode, she walks through the online platform, how the back-to-school form connects schools with local shops, and gives a sneak peek at Student Profiles coming very soon. Watch the Full Webinar on Demand Log in or Create an Account to Complete the Back to School Form to Enter the Snap-on Giveaway (Deadline 10/2) About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Guest: Lisa Joseph, ASE , ljoseph@ase.com Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list About the Back-to-School Giveaway Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

September 9, 202647 min

Milwaukee Pipeline 2026: How Ty the Car Guy Built Almost a Million Followers

Tyler Gallardo, known online as Ty the Car Guy with nearly 1 million followers, breaks down how he turned a mobile mechanic business into a full-time content career. In this episode, he covers his path into the trade, how he grew his business from the ground up, how his first videos unexpectedly took off, and how he handles negativity in the comments without letting it get to him. Watch the video recording on YouTube About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Guest: Tyler Gallardo, Ty the Car Guy , ttime.businessinfo@gmail.com Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list Milwaukee Pipeline Sponsor: Jasper Engines & Transmissions Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok

September 2, 202632 min

Milwaukee Pipeline 2026: Growth into Transportation & the Instinct to Build

Cole Conrad, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Milwaukee Tool, breaks down how Milwaukee Tool's growth into transportation trades wasn't a step-by-step plan—it was patience and instinct, one tool at a time. In this episode, recorded live at Milwaukee Pipeline 2026, Cole covers the shift into automotive as an all-in focus, how the team decides what's worth building next, and why trusting instinct over data was key to bets like the Hammer Chisel tool. Watch the video recording on YouTube About the Episode Host: Jay Goninen, ASE , jgoninen@ase.com Guest: Cole Conrad, Milwaukee Tool , Cole.Conrad@milwaukeetool.com Links & Resources Get notified of new episodes --> Join our email list Milwaukee Pipeline Join the ASE Connects Community ASE Connects brings shops, dealerships, and schools together in one structured network to strengthen the technician pipeline. By making it easier to connect, collaborate, and support students through job shadows, internships, and classroom engagement, ASE Connects helps schools build stronger programs and helps shops develop a more consistent, local source of future technicians. Learn more: ASE Connects Memberships for Shops & Dealers (Free trial for shops until 12/31/26) ASE Connects Memberships for Schools (Free for schools) Connect with us on social: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn YouTube TikTok