TechForce Foundation has announced the winners of their 6th annual Techs Rock Awards, Ben Davis High School student Misael Rodriguez, and Carmax's Dustin Thomas. The Future Tech and Working Tech winners were honored in a ceremony hosted at Mecum Glendale 2024 at State Farm Stadium.
The Techs Rock Awards program honors student and professional technicians' dedication to their craft and to motivating others to pursue technical education and careers. A panel of celebrity judges reviewed hundreds of nominations to select 10 finalists representing categories including automotive and motorsports; motorcycle and marine; collision, restoration, and welding; diesel; and emerging technologies. With over 10,000 votes cast, Rodriguez and Thomas were selected by popular vote to receive the grand prize.
According to TechForce, honorees serve as role models, inspiring the next generation and fueling the pipeline of future technicians.
"We are thrilled to be able to recognize Misael Rodriguez and Dustin Thomas in person and with the nation," said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. "Their commitment to the technician profession inspires others, and their success is a testament to the opportunities afforded by professional technician careers. Join TechForce in congratulating all of the Techs Rock Awards honorees who keep America moving and help our communities thrive."
Future Tech grand prize winner Rodriguez is an 11th-grade automotive technology student at Ben Davis High School and Area 31 Career Center in Indianapolis.
“I felt the calling to be a technician at age 13 when my uncle and I replaced the starter solenoid on my dad’s truck," said Rodriguez. "I will always remember the feeling I got when the truck started because we fixed it.”
As a first-generation Mexican-American, Rodriguez has had to find his own connections to the industry. SkillsUSA has presented him with these opportunities, and Misael is all in.
“I’ll compete for SkillsUSA Auto Maintenance Light and Repair this year with my group of four. I’m the only first-year student in my group, and we hope to win Regionals!” He is also in the running for SkillsUSA Indiana State Officer and is on a team competing for the organization’s community service award by providing no-cost auto services.
“Winning the Grand Prize is a milestone achieved with the help of friends, family, community and God," said Rodriguez, reflecting on winning the Future Tech prize. "This award will help me with tools and motivate me to continue what I love. I want this opportunity to motivate more students and technicians not to give up and see that anything can be achieved. No matter what race, age, or gender you are, anything is possible with commitment and dedication. My goal is to become a leader, help others, and help my community and peers grow and prosper!”
Working Tech grand prize winner Thomas is an automotive technician with CarMax in San Antonio. Dustin has worked with high school auto tech students and volunteered to support youth as far as 2+ hours from his home.
“After seeing from friends how unique and cool the automotive world could be, I was hooked… I worked at a small shop for two years after completing my Associate in Automotive Technology in 2015, and later continued my growth by accepting a position with CarMax," said Thomas. “I have attained all A1-A8 and L1 ASE advanced certifications, allowing me to be promoted to CarMax’s highest level of technician positions.”
“I’m just amazed and so happy for this opportunity I’ve been given! I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family, friends, and incredible work family at CarMax," said Thomas, remarking on his win. "CarMax has allowed me tremendous growth in the past 6.5 years, and I’m grateful to be recognized and supported by my leadership. I’d like to thank TechForce for helping shed light on our industry and promote further growth for our future techs. I feel incredibly lucky to have been chosen. I hope my story can inspire our up-and-coming generations to work hard and pursue an education and career in the technical industry.”
As grand prize winners, Rodriguez and Thomas each received a trip to Glendale, Arizona to attend Mecum Glendale 2024 and meet and be honored by industry leaders at TechForce’s National Partner Summit. The winners will also receive a NAPA Carlyle toolbox stocked with Carlyle tools valued at $8,000 each. Thanks to TechForce partner Hertz, winners will also receive a week-long rental of an EV. Each of the eight runners up will also receive a $500 AutoZone gift card and a GEARWRENCH Modular Tool Set valued up to $1,000.
