Every year around this time, students all across the country are finishing school and venturing out into a new phase of life as a working adult. I think of that every year as people here at ATRA take a day off to attend a graduation.
This year it was Rodger Bland’s turn, as his son, Trenton, graduated college. Not to mention that my wife went back to school after 25 years and just picked up her degree. So it’s a subject that’s fresh in my mind.
As we were discussing this, Rodger posed this question: “What kind of commencement speech would you give?” We were talking about the current political climate and everything young people face these days, but it got me thinking: What kind of message would I offer to someone entering the transmission repair industry?
So here it is, my commencement message to people just entering this industry… the class of 2017:
“Forty years ago, I was right where you are now… I was a kid at 19. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. But I knew that, whatever I chose for a career, it’d have something to do with cars.
“It was a fluke that I wound up in a transmission shop and it was my first boss, Al Perry, who taught me what a terrific industry and career I’d chosen. It was mine for the taking, if I only had the courage to reach for the brass ring. What a blessing he gave me.
“You see, transmission repair isn’t just a job or even a career: It’s a life-changing path that takes you to the pinnacle of the automotive world. It demands that you become intimately familiar with the one part of a car that everyone else fears. You are the person who does the impossible; the one who fixes the “mystery box” that the rest of the automotive industry avoids.
“Unfortunately, this elite position comes at a price. It’s tough. It’s not for the weak at heart and it’ll take most of your spirit just to get by. What you’ve learned so far is just the beginning.
“Maybe you thought that choosing a path in auto repair would let you avoid the classroom; that your education was over. Nothing could be further from the truth: As a transmission technician, your job will demand constant education to keep up with our ever-changing market. You’ll need a clear understanding of subjects that would make most people curl up in the corner, hoping it’ll just go away. It won’t.
“But for those of you who step up to the plate… who can meet the demands of this industry… the sky’s the limit. You’ll have the opportunity to go further… climb higher… and earn more than nearly anyone in auto repair. It’s an impressive goal. “As you begin your journey, keep these three things in mind: “Never stop learning. Sure, you may have better things to do on a Saturday than attend a seminar, or somewhere you’d rather be than at Expo, but you earn what you learn. Your career and earning potential will depend on your ability to fix cars. And that ability will be based on your education: The more, the better. It’s that simple.
“Be humble. You’re a part of a team. You may be the smartest person in the room, but you can still learn from others, even the person who sweeps the floor or empties the trash. Be the person others look up to.
“Never forget that you work for the customer. You may have a boss… an employer, but in the end, you work for the folks who are trying to get to work or take their kids to school. Your job… your future… depends on how well you can keep them happy.
“As you begin this next chapter in your life, always believe in yourself. Make the most of every day, and work hard to set an example for the ones who will one day turn to you as a leader in this industry.
“Know that you’re walking in the paths of giants who built an industry for you. It’s up to you to keep their vision… to help build a brighter future for those who will follow in your footsteps.”
That’s what I would say to them… and to you.
If you have any new hires, share this with them; it might give them a nudge in the right direction.
