New Page 1KUDOSUtah Man Named "Top Tech" at Auto Diagnostics ExpoPROVO, UT - Andrew Gibson from Provo drove his wife and three young children home in style on Mother's Day weekend after he was named "Utah's Top Tech" at the first-ever Auto Diagnostics Expo (ADE 2007) hosted by Utah Valley State College (UVSC). Gibson, a technician at Mike's Auto Tune & Tire in Provo, qualified through a comprehensive 334-question written test taken by auto techs statewide. He then competed with four other top ranking Utah auto techs head-to-head (or scope-to-scope) to diagnose and fix a car in the hands-on final held at the expo. For his efforts, Gibson was awarded a shiny new Dodge 4x4 crew cab diesel truck he will drive lease-free for an entire year. "The competition truly challenges a technician's abilities," explains Gibson. "From the written test to the hands-on, it tests a technician's ability to read, comprehend and act on written and verbal instructions in a speedy manner. Quality is required along with speed." ADE 2007 Utah was the first of many expos that are scheduled across the country by National Automotive Diagnostics Institute (NADI), diagnostic training and support company headquartered in Southern Utah. Each expo will feature Top Tech competitions, equipment demonstrations and cutting edge technical and business training. "It is time to recognize automotive technicians in this country and the challenging job they have to stay educated and updated on today's vehicles," says Marvin Ray, founding president of NADI. "It is NADI's goal to inform the public and unify our industry by creating a higher level of expertise as well as a truer and better image of the automotive industry through nationwide Auto Diagnostic Expos. We commend UVSC for seeing the importance of this industry and partnering with us on this launch, as well as their ongoing education in the community." During the competition, Matthew Proctor, a Hunter High School auto tech instructor, explained to those watching the intense hands-on final round, "The 'back yard' mechanic is a thing of the past. I think the general public is finally starting to realize this, especially anyone who attended the expo." Technicians from all over the state of Utah competed for a chance to win over $30,000 in prizes, with the top 15 regional winners being awarded trophies, shop plaques and state-of-the-art tools. The hands-on final was judged by seven Wasatch Front auto tech instructors: Todd Low, Paul Bean, Orrin Nelson, Kent Walker, and Robert Campbell, all of UVSC; Matt Proctor of Hunter High School; and Ken Spurlock of Alta High School. The top five Utah techs (all ASE Level 1 Certified) include: 1st Place - Andrew Gibson, Mike's Auto Tune & Tire, Provo 2nd Place - Troy Hawker, A1 Automotive & Performance, Logan 3rd Place - Louis Quintana, Firestone, Salt Lake City 4th Place - Jared Bybee, Quality Dodge, Tooele 5th Place - Christopher Haycock, Parkway Motors, Cedar City
More than a competition In addition, ADE 2007 Utah attendees were offered valuable technical instruction, shop management and business training and a briefing on current Utah Consumer Protection Agency laws regarding the automotive industry. Area experts shared a wealth of information in 25 classes, from equipment-specific demos to dealing with government red tape to future fuel trends, as well as a bonus class, "How to Set a Land Speed Record on the Salt Flats." Expo sponsors included BG Products, CARQUEST Auto Parts, Cornwell Tools, Matco Tools, NAPA Auto & Truck Parts and Snap-on Tools. The NADI team is already preparing for their next Auto Diagnostics Expo in Phoenix in August 2007. For more information on the nationwide rollout of ADE 2007, call 888-883-NADI or visit the
NADI Web site.
(Source: NADI) 
