Third-generation tech keeps family business on top of ever-changing industry

Motor Age and PTEN are committed to supporting young technicians in the automotive aftermarket and we want to shine a spotlight on those who are paving a successful path in the industry. This is part of a monthly series to showcase the best young talent in our industry.

Third-generation automotive technician Chase Zembower began tinkering on cars at just a young age when his dad would bring him to work at their family-owned repair shop, Zembower’s Auto Center in Altamonte Springs, Fla. By the age of 18, it became his full-time job.

Now, 15 years later, he is the lead mechanic of the 14-bay shop, is ASE Master Certified, and is always looking for ways to improve their business as well as himself.

This young technician made it into the top ten candidates for the inaugural PTEN and Motor Age Best Young Tech Award in 2021, a program that aims to recognize innovation, dedication, and excellence in the industry’s technicians aged 35 and younger.

Zembower has been described as a real go-getter and the force behind making sure the shop stays on top of the everchanging automotive industry.

When not working on customer’s vehicles, he is either doing research on new tools and equipment for the shop, continuing his education (frequently attends training classes), helping his community (serves on the Accident Review Board for the City of Altamonte Springs), or taking apprentices under his wings.

“Chase is always eager to share his knowledge and assist any technicians when needed,” said Rhonda VanZant, general manager of Zembower’s Auto Center. “He always shows strong leadership and is highly concerned with the needs of our customers. He goes above and beyond to make sure all vehicles leave Zembower's Auto Center repaired properly and quality checked for cleanliness.”

PTEN and Motor Age magazines recently caught up with Zembower to discuss his future aspirations and to share some anecdotes.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

The best piece of advice I've received in my career is that the auto repair industry is constantly changing at a fast rate. You have got to stay on top of all the latest trainings and continue to obtain the appropriate tools and equipment or you will find yourself at a severe disadvantage in this industry.

What is the most random item in your toolbox?

A bag of beef jerky.

What are your career aspirations?

To continue to grow our family business and to keep building our reputation as the best repair shop in town while at the same time helping our customers keep their vehicles safe and reliable.

What is your favorite tool and why?

My favorite tool is probably one of the simplest and cheapest tools I own. My Snap-on pocket screwdriver is my favorite tool and gets used more than any other tool I own. Whether I'm using it to open parts boxes or using it for gentle prying tasks, I feel lost if I don't always have it on me.

If you weren’t in the automotive industry, what would you be doing?

Honestly, I couldn't picture myself in any other industry besides automotive repair. However, if I were to have gone down a different career path, it most likely would have been something in the criminal justice field. I had taken several criminal justice classes in college and always found it interesting.

What was the most challenging or memorable repair you’ve worked on?

I have had many challenging and memorable repairs but the most memorable would probably be the Mustang GT500 that a customer brought to me to repair. He bought the car used with the engine disassembled by another repair shop due to having a blown head gasket that had been driven on for so long that it bridged the block and cylinder head between cylinders number 2 and 3. I agreed to take the job on and the vehicle was brought to me with the engine stripped down to the short block, both cylinder heads in the trunk, and multiple boxes full of timing components, bolts, brackets, accessories, etc. The previous shop did little to keep all the hardware organized with the appropriate parts. Once you have been a tech for long enough it’s like second nature to look at a box of parts and hardware and you pretty much know exactly where each bolt and component belongs.

Long story short, I had reassembled the vehicle for him with a new short block and had the affected cylinder head repaired. I also did a couple of other upgrades for him like changing the rear end gear from a 3.31 to 3.73. It can be very rewarding knowing the condition this vehicle arrived at your shop in and then seeing the final result. And you can be certain the job was done right when there’s not a single part or extra bolt left in that box of parts that arrived with the car.