Not many 24-year-olds can say they’ve already attained their dream job. But that’s exactly how Brian Losel feels.
You could say Losel, a body shop technician at Gabe’s Collision East in western New York, naturally “steered” into his career, growing up with both a father and grandfather enjoying longstanding success in collision repair and automotive repair, respectively. In fact Brian’s dad Jim (James), 58, continues to work as a trainer for Gerber Collision, while also serving as an instructor for I-CAR.
Gears start turning
The seeds were planted early, as Jim recalls a diaper-clad Brian “banging on the sides of cars” in their family’s garage where Jim restored a variety of vehicles over the years. Brian also had an occasional front-row seat to watching his dad repair vehicles when Jim worked as a technician earlier in his career.
“I would see him working on these damaged vehicles at the shop, and then watch their transformation back into pre-collision conditions, and all of the satisfaction my dad got out of that process,” said Brian. “I thought it was pretty cool.”
But it was a winter break during Brian’s sophomore year of high school that became the turning point in amping up Brain’s career interest. That’s when Jim would assign Brian and a friend with daily body work tasks on the friend’s 1974 Mercury Comet to “give them something to do,” explained Jim.
“He caught a knack for it, and after they were done, Brian asked me `when do we start the next one?’”
As soon as he turned 16, Brian landed a part-time job as a disassembler at a local shop, furthering his exposure to collision repair careers. Following his high school graduation in 2014, Brian enrolled in the autobody program at Erie Community College, all while maintaining his part-time job.
Fast forward to today; Brian is just entering his third year as a flat-rate technician with Gabe’s Collision and couldn’t be happier with his success.
Waking up to a job he loves
“I love my job,” he said. “That’s saying a lot since I’m not a morning person, yet many days I come in as early as 6 a.m. to get a jump start on my day, and some days stay as late as 7 p.m.”
The extra hours don’t bother him; in fact, Brian said he’s motivated by the challenge and responsibility of taking on more work. “The quality is really high here; we get graded on every car. We want to be one step ahead of the customer and competition.”
That means a commitment to ongoing education. Brian notes it’s what continues to provide him with the confidence and knowledge to repair today’s advanced vehicles.
“I come to work every day learning something new, and that’s where training comes in,” he said. He’s already taken more than two dozen courses this year, and he recognizes that ongoing training is part of what’s needed to keep him performing at the top levels in his field. He also appreciates the investment his employer is making in his future. “They pay for my training – training that will only make me a stronger technician. It’s a win-win.”
In between his ongoing I-CAR education, Brian sponges up every opportunity to learn from his co-workers. As the youngest tech in his shop spanning a range of ages, Brian has forged a great relationship with a longtime technician Tom, who has become his mentor.
“I learn a lot from him,” he said. “If he sees me struggle, he’ll come up to help, while also teaching me and guiding me so I can be better the next time,” he said. “He can be hard on me, but I like that, because I know I am learning and growing and he wants me to be better. Brian and Tom recently became certified in Aluminum Welding. Their instructor? None other than Jim Losel.
Paying it forward
Brian is also quick to encourage high school teens who join his shop as a disassembler. “I tell them to just hang in there; the huge jump forward in advancing yourself, your certifications, etc., will be worth it in the long run.”
Jim couldn’t be more pleased with Brian’s early success. He takes comfort in his son’s career selection, knowing how well it has provided for himself and his family. He also sees Brian’s future opportunities surpassing his own.
“It supported our family for years,” he said. “It’s going to be even better for him. They (young/new technicians) are going to be able to write their own ticket.” Despite both of their busy careers, the two find time to work on cars together in the family’s garage. Their latest project is restoring a 1972 Chevy shortbox pickup.
“Overall, I’m in a really great place; I love everything about this career and this place,” he said. “The sky’s the limit.”
