Dead Winds: Those directly opposed to the direction of travel

Toronto, Ontario -- This issue focuses on the young leaders who are moving the industry forward—a monumental task, no doubt. Some recognition is granted to the ‘under forty’ segment, which we deem young, and as I try in vain, I cannot argue this fact. More and more youngsters (now that is old) are making their way into positions of influence, be it within banner organizations, insurers, or the aftermarket. When we create these media-influenced categories, such as ’30 under 40,’ they lean toward ‘leadership’ roles. I want to switch it up a bit and give some credit where, often, credit is lost. The technician on the floor is the young, recently licensed or apprenticing technician. These people contribute a great deal to the industry with regard to moving it forward.

The vehicles we work on have changed and will continue to do so. The slope of change is almost insurmountable, especially in the last twenty years. Keeping up with the advancements is a constant struggle that will never disappear. If you compare what this generation faces daily compared to 20-30 years ago, you should see my point. We can no longer ‘fix’ it as we used to for decades; our old methods, like some of our older technicians, are becoming obsolete, and attrition is absolute. This is where the young techs need to be recognized and given credit. The advancements in these vehicles require much understanding and knowledge to be adequately repaired. Reading and comprehending procedures, working with computer-based electronics, mixed material builds, SRS, ADAS, and calibrations. Without this knowledge, the leadership has nothing to lead.

I titled the article ‘Dead Winds,’ a nautical term I picked up in my youth while living aboard a sailboat. It reflects the struggle technicians face in their day-to-day tasks. Each time I would take our boat out for a sail, we would pass many boats in the marina at their moorings. One little boat always stuck out and caught my attention; her name was ‘Tenacity.’ A very fitting name for a sailing vessel heading into ‘dead wind’. Much like the technicians of today vying for a slice of the pie as they head into ‘dead wind’ each day, they require a lot of tenacity to persevere. This tenacity is what many of our ‘Under 40’ Identifiers have; ergo, let’s recognize those in the back as well.

For those successful leaders under 40 who acquire their position and status, they all have something in common: a dedication to self-betterment, usually through education in postsecondary institutions and various workshops and conferences. Our successful technicians also share this common denominator and better themselves through training and education from many sources, including post-secondary and various certifications and licenses.

I find that as a society in general, we tend to label and categorize people; and their roles, based on perceptions formed through less than a complete understanding of each party’s role. In my opinion, and you are entitled to my opinion, when we celebrate the Leaders under 40, we also need to celebrate the technicians behind the scenes, as both designations rely on each other for the successes to be achieved. When the front and the back work in harmony, supporting each other, great things happen, and these great things move the industry forward as a whole.