Auto-Wares Tech of the Year Emphasizes Ongoing Education

[Counterman]

Casey O’Sullivan felt uneasy when his employers called him earlier this year.

“I had no idea what was happening,” O’Sullivan recalled. “I got called up front into the office, which is usually not a good thing.”

Instead of bad news, the shop foreman at

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in Madison Heights, Michigan, learned he was named the Auto-Wares Group of Companies’ Technician of the Year. He will represent Auto Value at the

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competition.

“It’s definitely a huge honor. I know it was a pretty deep talent pool in this area, so when I found out I was the winner, I was pretty surprised,” he said.

Technicians like O’Sullivan play a critical role in the supply chain’s success. They rely on the right part being available at the right time. Often, they turn to their trusted parts counter for advice, technical support and solutions. Understanding the career path of a technician like O’Sullivan helps counter professionals anticipate customer needs and build vital relationships.

Curiosity and Commitment Drive Success

Growing up, O’Sullivan said he felt fascinated by how things worked, whether it was the family car, a lawn mower, or a dishwasher. His curiosity led him to take every auto shop class available in high school.

As classmates prepared for careers in business and engineering, O’Sullivan realized his interests lay elsewhere. A supportive auto shop teacher guided him to see the potential in skilled trades. This decision paved the way for his long and successful career.

“Back then, skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, and auto repair were seen almost like a four-letter word,” O’Sullivan recalled. “But I did some research, and my auto shop teacher helped me see that there was going to be a massive shortage of people in this field over the next 20 years. That convinced me to stick with it.”

Staying Relevant Through Ongoing Education

As the automotive industry evolved, O’Sullivan quickly realized that ongoing education was crucial. His early experiences built a strong foundation, but his commitment to learning set him apart.

“The fundamentals I had down pretty good, but I quickly learned that if you’re going to be the kind of technician that’s an ASE, you need a broad span of knowledge,” said O’Sullivan. “You’re not just working on one type of car all the time. Every manufacturer does things a little differently, so you have to constantly expand your understanding.”

To sharpen his skills, O’Sullivan took advanced automotive classes at Oakland Community College. He earned certifications in suspension, engine mechanics, and brakes. However, he found that formal training alone could not meet his needs.

When traditional courses fell short, he sought specialized training through industry-sponsored classes, online videos, and advice from fellow technicians.

“What I couldn’t teach myself or learn on the job, I sought out elsewhere,” he said.

Loyalty and Passion Fuel Career Longevity

O’Sullivan’s dedication to education has sharpened his skills and reinforced his commitment to his employer, Interstate Auto Care. His skill set evolved over the past quarter-century, but his loyalty to his employer remained strong—a connection that parts professionals can relate to when building long-term customer relationships.

“It’s a very family atmosphere here, and they’ve always treated me like family,” O’Sullivan said. “They’ve always worked with my issues. They’ve been very kind to me, and I have a very strong sense of loyalty, so I try to reciprocate that. It’s just worked.”

“I’ve had other opportunities come up, but I just can’t justify breaking the connection,” he said. “It’s a partnership that has worked for both sides, and that’s not something you walk away from lightly.”

While loyalty has played a big part in O’Sullivan’s success, his passion for the craft truly drives him. He views every day as an opportunity to improve. His mindset earned him the respect of his peers and customers, along with the title of

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.

“If I were rich and I didn’t need to make any more money, I would still do this for free,” he said. “I enjoy it. I have a job that I enjoy doing, and how many people in life can actually say that?”

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