Auto Care Association and National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) announce 2021 World Class Technicians

The Auto Care Association today announced the latest recipients of the prestigious World Class Technician award, in partnership with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The two organizations provide this annual recognition to professional technicians who have achieved the extraordinary accomplishment of attaining ASE certification in 22 specific areas during the previous calendar year.

There are an estimated 756,600 technicians in the United States, with approximately 231,000 holding ASE certification. More than 2,000 technicians have earned the respected status of “World Class Technician” since its inception over 30 years ago.

The class of 2021 World Class Technicians is listed below, including each technician’s company or shop:

• Albert Antongeorgi – Toyota de Puerto Rico, Catano, P.R.
• Nestor Bagliano – Automotive Dealer Repair, Mentor, Ohio
• Gregory G. Birtzu – Brampton, Ontario, Canada
• Jason R. Breed – General Motors, Hartland, Mich.
• Kevin W. Brown – Braxton County Board of Education, Birch River, W.V.
• Douglas A. Burklund – Las Vegas, Nev.
• Jeff W. Butzke – Lincoln College of Technology, Franklin, Ky.
• Daniel K. Calderone – Exelon/Atlantic City Electric Utility Fleet, Milmay, N.J.
• Timothy S. Clayborn Sr. – Warrenton, Va.
• Joseph R. Conway – SUNY Delhi, Liberty, N.Y.
• Michael D. Fathergill – City of Hamilton, Ohio, Hamilton, Ohio
• Mark V. Fera – Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Wood Dale, Ill.
• Michael J. Finch – Buzz Chew Chevrolet-Cadillac, East Patchogue, N.Y.
• James S. Goff – First Student, Riverside, Calif.
• Michael D. Gonzalez – Catlett, Va.
• Alex L. Goodemoot – N.A. Williams, Princeton, Texas
• Brittany M. Grande – Norristown, Pa.
• Alfred A. Hayden IV – Sullivan Tire, Brockton, Mass.
• John H. Howard – County of Fairfax, Va., Fredericksburg, Va.
• Richard G. Hoyt – First student, Moultonborough, N.H.
• Joseph R. Indurante – Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Franklin Park, Ill.
• Michael R. Jenkins – Toyota of Naperville, Carol Stream, Ill.
• Charles B. Jennings – Fowlerville, Mich.
• Ronald E. King – DATTCO Sales and Service, Kensington, Conn.
• David C. Lannom – TBC, Lakeland, Fla.
• Thomas S. Mancuso III – Fairfax County Department of Vehicle Services, Fredericksburg, Va.
• James E. Maxwell – Nashville Auto Diesel College, Gallatin, Tenn.
• Michael B. O'Guin, Jr. – Lincoln Tech College, Goodlettsville, Tenn.
• Troy M. Olson – Nashotah, Wis.
• John J. Page – Las Vegas, Nev.
• Jeremy J. Pease – OAM Automotive & Fabrication, Westhampton, Mass.
• Shaun Philp – Tallahassee, Fla.
• John C. Pinter – First Student, Eaton Township, Ohio
• Charles O. Ralston – Valparaiso, Ind.
• James W. Ramsey III – NTB, Irving, Texas
• Russell Rhodes – Firestone Complete Autocare, Temple, Texas
• Nicolas A. Rose – Plymouth, Mass.
• Brent J. Runnals – VIP Tires & Service, White River Junction, Vt.
• Joseph W. Simmons – Eaton, Ohio
• Joel E. Thomas – Mansfield ISD, Glen Rose, Texas
• Thomas A. Vettraino – Addison Auto, Littleton, Colo.
• Philip R. Younger – Palm Bay, Fla.

The Auto Care Association surveyed this year’s ASE World Class Technician award recipients to learn about their career journeys, what motivated them to pursue the goal of ASE World Class Technician and what achieving this status means to them in their own words.

“With my new status as a World Class Technician, I am proud and honored to join a select, prestigious group of about 2,000 highly driven automotive technicians across the country who have set themselves apart in our field. This title represents a level of education I have always aspired to reach, as I always hope to grow and build upon my skills.” – Jeremy Pease, OAM Automotive & Fabrication, Westhampton, Mass.

“I am very goal-driven and refuse to just settle for average. Knowledge is power. Repairing today’s vehicles requires a broad automotive knowledge base. I strive to learn something new every day and push myself to be the best. Being ASE World Class acknowledges my efforts.” – Thomas Vettraino, Addison Auto, Denver, Colo.

“Attaining ASE World Class Technician certification represents an individual’s drive for continuous improvement beyond what is required in a way that is easily recognized without having an existing relationship with an employer or customer base.” – Dan Calderone, Exelon / Atlantic City Electric Utility Fleet, Mays Landing, N.J.

“[I was able] to show myself I have the knowledge and skills to be one of the best in our industry and help the younger generations progress their skills through ASE and the Auto Care Association.” – Joel Thomas, Mansfield ISD, Mansfield, Texas

“Having goals and obtaining them are great for not only professional growth but also personal growth and achievement. This has been a goal of mine.” – Michael Brian O'Guin, Jr., Lincoln Tech College, Nashville,Tenn.

“It is important to lead by example and I would like for others that I work with to see if they put in some work there is reward for all their efforts.” – John Howard, County of Fairfax, Va., Lorton, Va.

For more information about the Auto Care Association’s World Class Technician certification qualifications, timing and recognition, visit the association's World Class Technician webpage.

For more information about ASE and service professional certification, visit ase.com.