Regina journeyman named Auto Value’s Canadian Tech of the Year

Ryan Booker, elbows deep in a repair, says he loves the challenge of automotive diagnostics.

Ryan Booker, a journeyman technician at Driven Automotive in Regina, Sask., has been chosen by The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance as its Canadian Technician of the Year.

He and the Mexican technician of the Year — Abelardo Portillo Alvarado of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico — will attend an Alliance celebration in Detroit on July 16, where the U.S. technician of the year will be named.

The Alliance holds the annual competition for technicians at its service banner program members: Auto Value Certified Service Centres (Canada, U.S. and Mexico), and Bumper to Bumper Service Repair Shops (U.S. only).

Driven Automotive is an Auto Value Certified Service Center.

“I’m looking forward to going to Detroit,” Ryan said. “I’m sure it’s going to be a great time.”

He qualified to enter the competition by completing the required number of online and in-person training classes. He also had to submit a biography, and an essay on why he decided to enter the automotive service industry.

For him the answer was easy: he likes a good puzzle.

“There’s a new diagnostic challenge every single day,” he said. “I like problem solving, and I’m competitive enough that I don’t like losing giving up on a problem. I’m not afraid to ask for help, but I want to see it through to the end.”

He’s been doing that at Driven for nearly six years now. It’s been the perfect place to start his career.

“This is a great atmosphere,” he said. “Everybody knows their stuff. It’s never-ending learning.”

The Alliance has congratulated the Canadian and Mexican winners and the 13 U.S. finalists who will write their final test on July 16.

“These professionals have been recognized as some of the industry’s top technicians for their superior knowledge, attention to continued education and training, and commitment to their valued profession,” the Alliance web site states.

U.S. finalists are:

Nate Brindley, Shoemaker’s Garage, Kalamazoo, MI

Brandon Burton,  Mastertek, McHenry, IL

Michael Cibelli, Auto Repair Pros, Mansfield, MA

Robert Demarest, Military Brake & Alignment,West Palm Beach, FL

Johnnie Ferrel, Quad City Tech Inc., Moline, IL

Richard Gehring, Hunt’s Auto Service, Ithaca, NY

Jason Jackson, Automotive Excellence, Seal Beach, CA

Mike Jones, Joe’s Garage, North Little Road, AR

Justin Leauschen, 4 Corners Union 76, Concord, CA

Jeremy McDaniel, Brannon Auto Parts and Service Center, Hartford, AL

Larry Mehr, Willmar Auto Sales & Service, Willmar, MN

John Parker, Shields Service, Louisville, KY

Maclane Reeser, Maclane’s Automotive, Dowingtown, PA