Regina tech named Canadian Technician of the Year

Jason Mancinelli, co-owner of Driven Automotive in Regina, Sask., has been named the Canadian Technician of the Year.

Jason Mancinelli, co-owner of Driven Automotive in Regina, has been named Canada’s top tech by a panel of industry judges.

He led the list of 44 nominations received from every part of Canada throughout the run of the contest, which is sponsored by Snap-on Tools of Canada, lubricants company Total Canada, and the Lindertech North technical training conference.

“This is a huge honor,” he told CARS magazine. “I know there are a ton of really great technicians out there. It’s very humbling to win!”

Mancinelli will receive a custom-designed toolbox from Snap-on Tools of Canada, and a complimentary registration to Lindertech North in 2017.

A panel of magazine editors at Newcom Business Media – the company that publishes CARS magazine – whittled the 44 nominations down to a short list of 10 finalists. Those finalists were assessed by a panel of 11 shop owners, trainers, and technicians.

The finalists were:

* Breckon Black of Auto Centre Dufferin, in Shelburne, Ont.;

* Josh Booy of Steve’s Automotive in Woodstock, Ont.;

* Billy Braun Grande of Prairie Rainbow Automotive Ltd., in Grande Prairie, Alta.;

* Ken Butts of Wrenchmasters Autopro in Red Deer, Alta.;

* Mark Langendoen of Lincoln Valley Automotive Ltd. in St. Catharines, Ont.;

* Jason Mancinelli of Driven Automotive in Regina, Sask.;

* Ryan McDougall of Kelowna Motors Mazda, in Kelowna B.C.;

* Rui Silvestre of Master Mechanic High Park in Toronto, Ont.;

* Richard Sorensen of F. McClure and Sons Toyota;

* Aaron Van de Kemp of Cleanline Automotive in Invermere, B.C.

Mancinelli got high marks for his dedication to ongoing training, his work as a diagnostic resource to other shops in the Regina area, and his “can-do” attitude.

He was nominated by Barry Baitinger, a former co-worker who is now an automotive instructor at Red Deer College.

“Jason’s diagnostic skills are among the best I’ve ever witnessed,” Baitinger wrote in his nomination. “Using logic, common sense and modern technology, there is no problem he can’t solve.”

The November issue of CARS magazine will feature a profile article on Mancinelli.

 

Very special thanks to our industry judging panel — all of them members of the CARS Advisory Panel:

* Terry Bujold, service manager at Coates Fine Cars in Barrie, Ont.;

* Mike Cleary, trainer with ATSS Training in Fresno, Calif.;

* Harley Daresi of Dave’s Auto Truck Bike in Milton, Ont.;

* David Leduchowski, owner of Integrity Auto in Teulon, Man.;

* Ron Pasay, service manager at Fountain Tire in Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.;

* John Poos, service manager at Guelph VW in Guelph, Ont.;

* Steve Schison, owner of SS Auto & A/C Service in Eganville, Ont.;

* Steve Schwartz, owner of BRS Automotive Business Consulting in Owen Sound, Ont.;

* Trevor Tietz, service manager at Myers Orleans Chevrolet Buick GMC in Ottawa, Ont.

* Bob Ward, owner of The Auto Guys in St. Thomas, Ont.; and

* Brad York, owner and general manager at OK Tire & Auto in St. Albert, Alta.