09/29/2026
For several years, I belonged to a local NAPA Business Development Group (BDG). We were a group of about 8-10 local, Independent, Automotive Repair Shop owners who were also NAPA AutoCare Centers. Our primary focus was marketing.
We pooled our funds and bought local TV time to run our group commercials. We also bought low-mileage newer vehicles that needed minor repairs, refurbished them, and gave them to local needy families twice a year. That program was called "Wheels of Hope".
In 2018, it was my turn to be the BDG President. My view was that nothing was more important to our business's success than having good, well-trained, competent technicians. With that direction, we started attending many local High School Career Fairs. To our surprise, as we were demonstrating advanced Automotive Pico Scope diagnostic technology, techniques, and strategies to the students, we techs also started learning from each other.
As a result of that, Dennis & I started the Central California Diagnostic Club (CCDC) the following year. CCDC meets the first Saturday of every month, and we have conducted 90 PicoScope workshops. We technicians present case studies, strategies, techniques, test results, waveforms, etc. from cars we repaired the previous month. We, technicians, learn from each other, shoulder to shoulder. Instead of competing, we share. This accelerates the advancements in our automotive diagnostic routines.
All school Automotive Instructors & their students are WELCOME to these workshops. CCDC then started working with some local Fresno area High School Automotive Instructors. Because these instructors were partnering with the local Regional Occupation Program (ROP), we became acquainted with them.
Soon the Fresno County Schools District Superintendent asked us (CCDC) if we would become the Automotive Program Advisors for all 15 high school programs if they purchased Pico Scope technology for ALL programs. Just one district, Fresno Unified School District, is the 3rd largest school district in the state of California. We obviously said "Yes," and the school district put their programs in "High" gear. We trained all 15 instructors for 3 months, and those instructors decided they wanted to have a local High School Automotive Diagnostic competition. Wow!!
They had those in the 70s when I was in high school, but they ended soon after. So, for the following 3 months, CCDC trained & prepared 60 students and their 15 instructors with Pico Scope Advanced Diagnostic Technology in preparation for the 1st Annual High School Automotive Diagnostic Competition. The competition occurred in April of 2026, and it was a success.
As a result of that, ROP approached CCDC about endorsing their Grant Proposal for $150,000 dollars to build a Pico Scope Curriculum and begin a Pico Scope Adult Education Program. The Grant Proposal was accepted, and 2 of our local technicians were hired to design and teach. One hundred & sixty persons applied, but unfortunately we only had room for 36.
Upon graduation, the students who successfully complete the Pico Scope Curriculum will receive a Certificate of Competence signed by Dennis, Scott & me. Near the beginning of CCDC, it was Dennis's idea for us to certify students as competent with Pico Diagnostic. Scott designed the curriculum and was the lead instructor.
You know my story.
The Fresno County Superintendent of Education presented to us, CCDC, a special award for our participation in their High School Automotive Program in May.
Warren Parr, Owner
A 2X NAPA/ASE California Technician of the Year.
An ASE Master & Advanced Level Certified Technician since 1992.
A California Certified Star Smog Check Station.
Complete Car Care Since 1985