The entries continue to pour in, and we’re excited to showcase two more amazing mentors as part of the ongoing The ShopOwner Mentorship Award – Sponsored by NAPA. In partnership with NAPA, ShopOwner, the Babcox Media brand serving professional independent automotive shop owners, is seeking to recognize and celebrate the vital role of mentorship in the automotive service industry.
We are putting exceptional automotive shop owners, service advisors and technicians who are actively investing in the future of their profession by mentoring the next generation of automotive professionals on the pedestal where they belong!
Meet our May candidates!
James Lundeen, Technician – Wimmer’s Automotive, Morro Bay, CA
“A mentor is someone who leads by example,” explains Ritchie Wimmer, owner of Wimmer Automotive. “James Lundeen is that person.”
James Lundeen has given countless hours of advice and training to those who simply want to learn about cars. As the master mechanic at Wimmer’s Automotive, James has taken upon himself the role of mentor. He reviews work orders, watches over younger staff, and pushes just hard enough so that those in training stay safe, focused and honest.
Lundeen has been actively involved in supervising technicians and providing on-the-ground training of entry level technicians at Wimmer’s for more than a decade, learning by doing. After completing his associate’s degree in automotive technology, James ventured into the workforce and moved across the state of California to pursue his automotive dreams. From Crescent City near the border of Oregon in Northern California to San Diego, he followed his heart, learning the trade as he went.
He loaded up his 1988 Toyota Pickup with his 1995 Jeep YJ in tow and traveled as far south as he could go. Landing a job at a Nissan dealership in Southern California gave James his first opportunity to be a professional mechanic. James learned about teams, warranty work, and how to work efficiently as an automotive technician. He then moved north and worked for two other shops along the Coast of California before settling in Morro Bay in 201. His ASE Master Technician & L1 training skills have provided invaluable knowledge to those entry level technicians who seek to become ASE certified mechanics.
“James spends time giving back to Morro Bay High School Automotive Technology,” says Wimmer. “He mentors student interns, acts as a chaperone on field trips and repairs donation cars which can then be sold to fund the auto club program at the school. James is the lead technical advisor for the school’s racing team and is, all around, a really nice guy. James bonds with the high school students and enjoys spending hours in the ‘burn-out pit’ at the SEMA Show with students!”
Tom Burgard, Shop Floor Supervisor – Hahn Auto Restoration, Renfrew, PA
Tom Burgard, Shop Floor Supervisor – Hahn Auto Restoration, Renfrew, PA
With a title of “Floor Supervisor,” Tom Burgard might just be thought of an administrator – but according to Amy Beck, owner of the Pittsburgh-area Hahn Auto Restoration, he’s been a mentor long before he was a boss. “While Tom has the title of floor supervisor and everyone goes to him with questions, he didn’t always have that title. Still, everyone knew to go to Tom. He is a teacher at heart so it comes natural to him. The man can explain how to perform a task multiple times (as I have seen him do) and not lose his patience.”
According to HIS boss, Burgard’s patience is key. “If you don’t understand something, he will explain it a different way or he’ll show you himself. Many times, showing someone how to do something helps the process and Tom will often stop what he’s doing to go show someone else. Tom has many tricks he’s learned along the way and freely shows them to the men underneath him. Age doesn’t matter to Tom. Young or old, he will help you and be patient with you.”
His leadership doesn’t begin and end in the bays. At lunch, he will grill burgers and sit with the team to talk about life, offer to help on someone’s personal car on the weekend or just listen to the conversation. Tom has been known to introduce guys to other members of the automotive industry, to help expand a younger technician’s network.
Tom works with Butler Vocational Technical School as a supervisor for a student in half-day work study. After completing his morning class at high school, he comes to the shop to work and learn. Understanding that the best way to learn is by doing, Burgard give him a lesson then watches him perform the task. “If needed, he’ll correct him as he performs the task. If there’s mistakes – which happen, as he is new at it – Tom shows him and they correct it together,” says Beck. “As a shop, we know there will be mistakes; that is part of the process of someone learning, but it’s all worth it in the end. Profit isn’t the most important thing in life.”
Beck explains that mentorship is more than just a responsibility to Burgard – it’s an opportunity.
“Tom mentors because he values the person. He never needed a title or to be told to mentor – even before he had the official title, Tom would pour into the younger generation,” says Beck. “I have watched with pride to see a man give to others and have watched Tom mentor more than one young man at our shop. He just does it. That’s how you know the person has a gift. Tom is a simple man who comes to work every day and gives to those around him.”
The ShopOwner Mentorship Award – Sponsored by NAPA celebrates the invaluable role that shop owners play in shaping the next generation of automotive technicians. This prestigious award recognizes shop owners who actively mentor and foster young talent through partnerships with vocational and technical schools. By honoring these dedicated leaders, we aim to highlight the importance of mentorship in strengthening the automotive service industry and ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.
If you work in an auto repair shop and have a shop owner who has inspired, guided, and supported your growth, now is the time to show your appreciation! Nominate your shop owner for this award to recognize their commitment to training the next generation of technicians. Not only will winners receive national recognition and valuable prizes, but they’ll also help shine a spotlight on the critical role of mentorship in the industry. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate those who are making a difference—submit your nomination today!