December 2023 Technician of Influence Winners

SERVICE TECHNICIAN

Mason came to Southland International Trucks as a 15-year-old from a local Lethbridge high school. The first few times that I interacted with him, I saw he was smart, had a calm demeanor, and leadership skills, well beyond his years! We started him part time and registered Mason in RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program) here in Alberta. Mason was a pioneer of a Southern Alberta Dual Credit project, which the local Lethbridge College and Southland were helping pilot. The college initially rejected his application, as they thought he was too young, but he was told if he completed an entrance exam, he would be allowed in. He passed the exam and completed the course with accolades from all his teachers.

Mason's passion and his attitude toward the truck industry have been stellar. He completed all his Navistar online Master Truck training while in high school and is now in his last year of Alberta Apprenticeship Training at 19 years old. He has helped and encouraged all our techs with their Navistar Training and EZ-Tech / Cummins diagnostic repairs. He has also completed advanced DLB training. His focus on customer care is exemplary. He has been pushed outside of his box so many times and responds with such a great attitude and skill. Mason always thinks about what he can do to help our Prestige Standards, Accelerated Service, Velocity, and Uptime programs. He has brought this kind of confidence into our Prestige Standards meetings to brainstorm and execute initiatives. He has been entrusted with training new techs with up-fitting and performing PDIs on new trucks. He has improved our truck oil servicing process by organizing tools and training all techs on best practices. Today we are launching a new tech training program and, once again, Mason will be piloting the training.

The one thing that we believe needs repeating is that what Mason has accomplished at such a young age is incredible! Our owner, George Kirkham, describes Mason as the youngest employee who works at a very high level, is a pleasure to be around, takes ownership of mistakes, is always willing to be flexible, and is just a real class act!

SERVICE TECHNICIAN

Tyson is a technician who demonstrates his commitment to pursuing continuous improvement while delivering the highest level of customer service at Maxim Truck & Trailer. He has been a dedicated technician at Maxim for 20 years, and he is one of those team members you would love to have on your team. His knowledge of International and Cummins technical and industry processes, software, and hardware is an advantage that helps our dealership's success.

He consistently demonstrates a high level of reliability, which significantly contributes to our team's success. Tyson’s ability to manage customer concerns effectively and deliver results on time is impressive and is appreciated by our loyal Fleet customers in our area. He shows a high level of team spirit. He readily cooperates with technicians and the parts department to ensure a quick return of units to customers. Tyson has the competence and experience to complete rapid diagnostics from health reports and customers’ onboard diagnostics; he will preorder parts before a unit is even at our location.

Tyson holds his Diamond Certification along with all three Cummins engine platforms. He is a tenured Red Seal technician who helps manage technicians with dealership proper training and development. Tyson believes self-development is taking action to replace doubt with knowledge. Tyson leads by example; regularly, you can find him in the dealership on Sunday (when we are closed) taking online training.

Having an exceptional ability to grasp complex concepts quickly and apply them effectively in his work, he was chosen to attend the S13 in-class training. He makes sound and timely decisions and is committed to Uptime. He works with all divisions of our dealership to provide a positive customer experience. He has no problem meeting International or Cummins repair times. His quality of work is outstanding and consistently exceeds expectations.

He shows a high level of flexibility in his role, often stepping outside his comfort zone to meet the team’s needs. Whether that is being the lead technician, on the floor, service writer, or service manager when it is required. Tyson’s consistent performance and ability to be relied upon in a variety of situations truly set him apart.

LEAD DIAGNOSTICS TECHNICIAN

Dakota started as a co-op student at Winslow Gerolamy Motors in early 2010. He learned very quickly and achieved his 310T license 3 years later. Dakota did all of his online training and became Diamond Certified very early in his career. Dakota goes the extra mile when it comes to hard-to-diagnose trucks. He will use the OnCommand connection link to follow trucks, locations, and faults. He goes into the field with drivers, trying to duplicate faults to ensure his diagnostics are precise, finds the root issue, and does not guess at parts. Dakota always follows up with customers to ensure they are happy and the truck is running as it should.

Dakota helps out heavily with our dealership technician recruitment program. He has visited local schools showing students / future techs our products and technology. Dakota works very well with the students, answers all questions, and assists with their path to becoming a 310T tech. He always takes time to assist apprentices and shows them the correct way to do a job.

Dakota's experience and training across all dealer suppliers make him a top producer. Along with being Diamond Certified, Dakota has performed all the hands-on training for Cummins, Allison, Eaton, A26, and S13. Dakota has his own diagnostic station and service bay that he takes care of, and he maintains a clean and safe work environment.

Dakota is a great, well-rounded, talented technician. His vast knowledge of the job and his experience allow him to help out in all our dealership’s departments. He is a great example of working through the dealership, starting at the bottom and working his way to the top! Dakota enjoys the outdoors (snowmobiling, fishing, and ATVing) and spending time with his family. Dakota is happily married to Lizz and has two children, Reggie and Audrey.