T2's Partnership Pathway

In this episode of the Partnership Pathways Podcast, powered by NAPA and presented by Tomorrow’s Technician, John Stratton, an automotive instructor at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES in New Hartford, NY, discusses the evolving nature of automotive education and the challenges facing the industry. Stratton explains that BOCES is a Board of Cooperative Educational Services that allows small school di...

From Farm Boy to Global Executive: The Journey of ASE CEO Dave Johnson

What does it really take to inspire and equip the next generation for success in the rapidly evolving automotive industry? In this episode of Tomorrow's Technician's Partnership Pathways Podcast powered by NAPA, Chadwick Groom, an extraordinary automotive instructor, shares his powerful journey and innovative approach. From the pivotal role of his own instructors to fostering deep mentorships, Cha...

Doug Kaufman speaks with Rebecca Levey, owner of Metropolitan Garage in Fairbanks, AK, as she shares her inspiring journey, highlights her unique leadership style and explains how she's cultivated a thriving automotive shop in a challenging environment. Rebecca opens up about her transition from administrative duties to operational leadership, a significant shift in a male-dominated industry. Her...

In a compelling episode of the Tomorrow's Technicians Partnership Pathways podcast, editor Doug Kaufman sits down with Jay Goninen, co-founder and president of WrenchWay and host of Beyond the Wrench. Jay shares the deeply personal "why" behind WrenchWay's mission: to promote and improve technician careers by fostering stronger connections within the automotive industry. Goninen recounts his journ...

In this episode of the Tomorrow's Technicians Partnership Pathways podcast, Doug Kaufman interviews Bill McAnally, owner of McAnally-Hilgemann Racing and BMR NAPA Auto Care Centers. McAnally shares his journey from racing himself to developing drivers and building a successful racing and auto care business. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, passion, and effort in achieving results. McAnall...

In this episode of Partnership Pathways, Doug Kaufman interviews John Baadilla, Director of National Event Marketing Operations for the NHRA, about the Youth and Education Services (YES) program. Founded in 1989, the YES program introduces students to drag racing and the diverse career opportunities within the automotive industry. With NAPA as a key partner and presenting sponsor, the program reac...

In this episode of the Partnership Pathways podcast, Doug Kaufman interviews Joe Sabo, Senior Product Manager at NAPA, delving into his personal journey from vo-tech programs to his current role. Joe, who grew up in a blue-collar household and worked on cars with his dad, emphasizes his empathy for young technicians breaking into the industry. He notes how his years selling both to DIYers and prof...

In this episode of the Partnership Pathways podcast, powered by NAPA, Doug Kaufman interviews Jake Sorensen, ASE Master Technician and shop manager at McNeil's AutoCare, in Sandy, UT, about the NAPA Autocare apprenticeship program. Jake discusses the nationwide program offered at no additional charge to NAPA Autocare shops, designed to take individuals "from little or no experience" and, in roughl...

In this episode of Tomorrow's Technician's Partnership Pathways Podcast, powered by NAPA, host Doug Kaufman speaks with Ritchie Wimmer, a multifaceted shop owner and automotive instructor at Morro Bay High School. In addition to sharing his amazing life-altering story, Ritchie shares his insights on the challenges of being a successful shop owner today and how mentorships and apprenticeship progra...

In a recent Tomorrow’s Technician Partnership Pathways podcast, Van Harris, a NAPA Auto Parts sales rep, shared insights on how industry partnerships with schools are shaping the next generation of automotive professionals. Harris has been instrumental in growing automotive programs at high schools like Chapel Hill High, working alongside instructor Robert Ballard to expand student opportunities....

In this episode of Tomorrow's Technician's Partnership Pathways Podcast powered by NAPA, Doug Kaufman speaks with Robert Ballard, automotive instructor at Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill. Ballard has built an impressive automotive program at his high school, as evidenced by his school being named B’laster Products’ Instructor of the Year in 2022 and the WIX School of the Year  in 2023 – but...