I live in Concord, California and have lived and worked in the Bay Area since 1972.  I am a member of the Automotive Service Council, California Auto Teachers, and Council of Advanced Automotive Trainers.

I got my first real job at a gas station in the summer of 1962.  Since that time, I have devoted my working time to school and the repair trades.  I have worked in, worked on, managed, and owned repair shops since.  I started, owned, and sold two repair shops.  Both are still in business and have reputations of being the best.

I was N.I.A.S.E. certified Master Technician in 1975 and am A.S.E. re-certified.  I also hold the L-1 certification.  I was first certified as a smog technician in 1972 and am currently advance certified.  I have over 20,000 hours of automotive related training both as a student and as a teacher.  At present, I own and operate “TecHelp”.  Through TecHelp, I do long term training in several classrooms set up throughout the Bay Area.  I contract teach for different companies’ and organizations, provide phone and in shop student support and am able to customize any program.  This has proven to give students the most for their training dollar.

This industry has treated me well and I have made a good living.  The biggest problem I see today is a lack of education in the management and technicians.  The customers lose trust, the supplier is overwhelmed with returns, and the repair shop is in trouble.  I believe the industry knows it and is ready for education.  I also know I can make a difference.  In addition, it is very satisfying to see the light turn on in a student’s eyes.

Doug Mueller