TBC Corp. recently recognized the 2022 ASE Master Technicians of the Year for its well-known retail brands, Tire Kingdom Service Centers and NTB Tire & Service Centers, and franchise brands Big O Tires and Midas.
Every year, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) selects technicians based on specific criteria including ASE certification level, commitment to total customer satisfaction and community involvement. This year’s winners, chosen from approximately 250,000 ASE-certified technicians, were recognized on Nov. 17, 2022, at the ASE Board of Governors Meeting in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Mission Valley Marriott.
“The Master Technicians in the TBC family are among the best of the best, and their expertise has been awarded one of the highest honors in the industry,” said Megan Filoon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, responsible for learning and development at TBC Corp. “We proudly recognize the 2022 ASE Master Technicians at Midas, Big O, NTB and Tire Kingdom for their ongoing dedication to furthering their education, their consistently outstanding customer interactions, and their dedication to TBC and the communities we serve.”
Congratulations to:
Steve Whittenberg, an ASE Master Technician at Big O Tires in Jefferson City, Missouri, was initially hired by Big O in 2013. Within three months of employment, he was promoted to alignment technician, where he received exposure to light mechanical repairs such as tie rod ends, ball joints, brakes, and some electrical work. He is committed to becoming the best mechanic he can be and even obtained his mobile electronics certified professional accreditation. He also began watching online training videos, investing in more tools, and challenging himself.
Jacob Boone, an ASE Master Technician at NTB Tire & Service Centers in Washington, Missouri, has been a mechanic for nine years. He remembers when he was 4 years old and the line broke on his father’s lawn mower. Jacob took a BIC pen out of his father’s pocket, removed the ends and ink, and put it in the line to hold fuel. Boone says, “I knew at that moment that I wanted to do something that would help me to problem solve and repair things.”
Kenneth Veiera, an ASE Master Technician at Tire Kingdom in Hollywood, Florida, has been a mechanic for five years but has worked in the automotive industry many more. It was while working as a detailer at a Dodge dealer that he realized he wanted a career as a mechanic. He had worked on cars at home and started helping the Dodge mechanics in the shop. He loves his job because he learns something new about cars every day. Veiera says, “Eventually a big job is no longer a big job once you’ve done it several times and learned helpful tips.”
Lorenzo Ramos, an ASE Master Technician at the Leeds West Group Midas location in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has spent 15 years developing his skills as a technical wizard, dedicated mentor, and passionate volunteer. In addition to staying on top of the latest technologies, Ramos stepped up as a leader. He is frequently called on to train new technicians, and recently he even helped acclimate two new managers. For Ramos, service is ingrained in his upbringing and culture, and he takes the same approach when giving back to his community. “I am an immigrant from Mexico who became a U.S. citizen three years ago, and I believe public service work is part of my responsibility as a citizen. My whole family is focused on giving back. It’s what makes this country great.”
