10/04/2026
We're hiring a technician. We’ve not had much luck with a traditional help wanted ad since covid came and went. Indeed is a train wreck, the recruiters don’t actually vet anyone, and nobody uses craigslist or reads the paper anymore.
You can call yourself a mechanic, you can call yourself a technician - either is fine with us as long as you possess a specific skill set.
Common Sense: We would like to hire someone who is proficient in this space. You can make good decisions and have basic problem-solving skills.
Reading Comprehension: I guess the rest of the post will be a determining factor in this one
Write ups: You have the ability to write an explanation about your findings with an automobile in a clear, concise write up with proper spelling and grammar (or at least close). We're looking for write ups that the client can understand - outlining what you did, why you did it, the outcome. What the client needs to know. The old Complaint, Cause, and Correction.
We're not doing the smoke blowing thing - you can't just write 10 paragraphs of non-sense to make it seem like you know what you're doing...
Common Courtesy: You treat others the way you'd want to be treated (and you want to be treated well, I know some of y'all, we'll just leave it there).
Deductive Reasoning: You can determine all potential causes of an issue and develop a plan to rule out the issues starting from the simplest explanation working all the way to the most complex.
Automotive Testing: You possess the knowledge to perform a wide range of tests on automotive systems - you know how to use a test light, voltmeter, oscilloscope (and accessories like pressure transducers and amp clamps), pressure testing equipment, and standard shop equipment. You need the ability to use multiple aftermarket and OE tools.
Automotive Knowledge: You'll need to have an advanced understanding of automotive systems - not specific makes or models. You understand electrical theory, circuit design, engine control systems, transmission control systems, body control system, etc. - We don't expect you to know each system individually, we expect you to understand the base theory of operation in said systems and have the ability to research the exact system in question for the specifics.
Integrity: We know, the industry is broken - but here we do the right thing. We don't rug sweep our mistakes; we don't make a missed diag the client’s expense. In the same respect, we don't want to be paying for the lack of integrity of others. We're looking for someone who does the right thing, and if they don't know what the right thing is, they'll take the time to ask questions and collaborate to find the answer. No lying. No cheating. No stealing.
Hustle: We know the industry has beaten many of its great techs into the ground, we're not asking you to work 6 or 7 days a week. Or 12 hours a day. We are asking you to bill 6-8 hours a day in a 5-day work week. That's it.
Fun: We're looking for someone who is fun to hang out with and work with. If you're dry, cold, hateful, resentful, or negative.... keep scrolling.
On the upswing: If you're training, growing, building and developing yourself into an even better technician. You’ll love it here.
If you're looking for a place to ride it out? You won't make it here.
No drama: We don't want to do drama here. We want to have a good time and enjoy our day. If you enjoy rumor mills, gossip, and speaking negatively about others...move on.
Licensing: The great State of Michigan mandates everyone earning compensation for auto repair be licensed. You can have the skills and no license, but if you want us to pay you, you’ll need to pay the state. You can give them $20 for an apprentice license and have up to two years to pass the tests. We’ll even pay for them when you pass. The state will grant you the equivalent license for equivalent ASEs also.
Now.... you know what we're asking for - what will we do to get it?
1: You'll get some benefits – Uniforms, safety equipment, 401k with 5% match, an ESA with a 5% match for a health insurance stipend (vision, dental, prescription drugs, or whatever you deem necessary), and 16 PTO days.
2: We'll pay for training - we get you to at least one major event a year and pay for other training and development as needed.
3: We'll pay you how you want to be paid - flat rate, hourly, commission etc. BUT we've been doing this for a long time now, and we've learned some lessons.
4: Relocation Assistance: Available for the right individual.
5: Tuition Assistance: Is also available. See number 2.
We'll pay you extremely well, but there WILL BE accountability.
No shady games or taking advantage of our guest to earn more. No demanding huge salaries and not bringing the A game.
YOU can THINK you're worth the big bucks, but you will need to back it up with actual ability - yes, we're watching. Trust but verify.
Your compensation ultimately depends on your production - we target 2-3 cars per tech, per day, with an average RO of around 4 hours.
We pay roughly 33% of labor revenue to the tech at the State Licensed Master level. More for ASE certified techs. (It fluctuates and is monitored/adjusted in 6 month intervals - no getting stuck without a raise) We have a pay sheet we can provide to demonstrate how everything breaks down.
Right now, our effective labor rate is around $180 but that includes GS - we're not hiring a l**e tech, so your personal effective labor rate would probably be in the neighborhood of $200-220 depending on your work mix. Euro, Asian, domestic, new cars, old cars, trucks, etc.
We share the numbers, no hiding behind some funky reporting.
You're part of the organization - we want you to grow and learn the business so if you open a shop one day you improve the industry (not make it worse).
I should add this caveat - the more reward you want, the more risk you'll take (that’s life).
If you want security, a 40 hour a week paycheck with no variability - we'll happily provide that.
If you want a huge pay check, we're happy to make it happen when you produce the work.
4: Nice shop - Nice equipment. Power doors. Clean. A/C coming in the spring.
5: Team lunch every Friday. Thinking about changing that to Wednesdays. 1 hour lunch break the rest of the week.
6: You can use the shop for you and your immediate family’s needs.
You can ask questions in the comments if you like, but keyboard warriors won't be hired (yes we're looking at that too) - we're hiring a professional. Not a social media warrior.
We are highly active in the industry and speak to owners, techs, advisors, vendors, and industry professionals every month - we've gotten good at spotting the bad apples
You'll need references, and its far more likely you'll be considered if you have a resume, you're active in the social media groups, diag.net, and the training circles.
We expect you to do your research on us too!
We're not perfect in everyone’s eyes. But all things considered? We're a pretty good place to work.
We genuinely care about you and your family - we want the best for you because that's what human beings should want for one another.
We want a team member who compliments our organization well and helps us continue to improve it.
If you think you're the right one? Shoot me a message or call Dave at 231-943-1700.
