David Anderson

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Thoroughbred Nissan

Tucson, AZ

The Virtual Academy is very, very helpful, stated SCOPE Master Tech David Anderson. "Nissan really has their stuff together when it comes to training." The road to Master Tech for David Anderson included going to classes while laid up with a broken leg. "Instead of laying around at home with my leg up watching TV, I went to class and took four classes."

David says the strategy he recommends, and the one he used, was to get all of his ASE certifications first and then go for the Master Technician certification. Anderson really appreciated Nissan's online ASE study guides. That saved time and money. And because some of the ASE certifications transfer to Nissan certifications, obtaining ASE Master first eliminates testing on the same subject for two different certifications.

When asked about the HEV and EV vehicles, Anderson said, "They are the wave of the future. For day-to-day commuting, they're awesome."

David says he likes to work on the Altima the best, but prefers to drive the GTR.

Anderson loves to teach the younger guys, but sometimes they talk too much and don't listen enough. David's advice to newer technicians: "Listen to the more experienced guys."

Dinh Nguyen

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Team Nissan of Marietta

Marietta, GA

When asked about the HEV and EV vehicles, SCOPE Master Dinh Nguyen said, "I like the EV better than the HEV. The EV is 100 percent electric. The HEV has an engine as well as the electric motor, and the engine cuts on and off."

Nguyen started learning the trade about 10 years ago when he attended a nearby technical college. After that, Dinh worked for Nissan of Marietta and attended the Nissan schools. Nguyen continued taking classes and used the Nissan Virtual Academy to become a Master Technician. Dinh says, he continues to go online every week or so to take classes that keep him up to date on the latest technology.

Dinh said becoming a Master Technician takes a lot of effort and a lot of time.

Dinh reads the TECHTALK magazine on his computer and on his Smartphone. "It's better on the computer because the PDF version is clearer and easier to see," said Dinh.

When Dinh Nguyen was asked about what he does when he was not repairing cars or learning something, he said, "I sleep."

Wichien Sarobon

Infiniti KEI Master Technician

Jim Coleman Infiniti

Bethesda, MD

KEI Master Technician Wichien Sarobon said, "I like to learn and I like the new technologies." Wichien's advice to new technicians: "You'll be more successful in the shop if you can gain knowledge through training, reading and listening to senior technicians."

Sarobon has been at Jim Coleman Infiniti for about four years and enjoys repairing the headache vehicles that other technicians can't figure out. "Achieving KEI Master helps me make more money," said Wichien. "Knowing more makes repairing vehicles easier and faster."

When asked what could be improved about Nissan's Virtual Academy, Sarobon said, "Don't change anything. It's great the way it is now. I use it to read updates at least every two weeks."

Wichien said, "CONSULT III plus is very fast." And when he was asked about the TECHLINE, Sarobon said, "I just called them about a concern on a NAVI system and they had the solution in their database."

Wichien said he likes reading the TechTalk Magazine on the computer. Although Sarobon has an iPhone, he hasn't used it for reading the magazine yet. He enjoys reading TechTalk because the real-life stories and other information really help him repair vehicles.

Sarobon used to work at a Honda dealership, but likes working on the Nissan vehicles better.

Brad McClough

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Kenny Ross Nissan

Zelienople, PA

Like many of the Master Technicians, Brad McClough first became interested on working on cars while repairing cars with his father at an early age. He had a natural interest and talent with wrenching and worked his way through the trade by enrolling in his local tech school. Later, he attended a vocational school, where he worked co-op, and apprenticed at his first Nissan dealership. "The longevity, durability and reliability," of the Nissan brand supports his reasoning on why he has "only ever owned Nissan vehicles." He hopes to one day own his favorite vehicle, the 300Z.

Since he first started as a Nissan technician, McClough always had it set in his mind that he would one day become a Master Tech. The soon-to-be-groom talked at great length about his long-term mentor (another Nissan Master Technician) who has always taught him that the best way to learn and gain experience is by getting your hands dirty.

Between consistently keeping customers happy, McClough has been very busy outside of his career. He recently built a new house, spent much of the year planning his wedding in September and tries to enjoy a few games of golf once in a while, too.

James Albonetti

Infiniti KEI Master Technician

Infiniti of Memphis

Memphis, TN

This challenge-driven father of two adult children is very proud of his recent achievement of becoming a Master Technician. James Albonetti credits his brother for introducing him to the world of automotive repair and has worked his way to the top by "hands-on experience and learning the Nissan/Infiniti product and brand through the Virtual Academy."

He appreciates the respect and the "believe you the first time" attitude he receives from fellow technicians now that he has achieved Master. Albonetti still admits that he doesn't know everything and relies on TECH LINE, which has proven to be very helpful when he is out of options.

"In the last two weeks, I have used TECH LINE almost 10 times since I encountered some difficult to diagnose symptoms," he said, adding that he is a firm believer that "two heads are always better than one" — especially when it comes to diagnosing electrical issues.

Albonetti has a positive outlook on the Infiniti brand and believes it is headed in the right direction with the plans for HEV and EV vehicles. He has a strong love for the new QX56, which he has "fallen in love with" during the past few months.

James Bell

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Dobbs Nissan

Memphis, TN

James Bell's passion for vehicles doesn't just stop at automotive repair. James has a love for drag racing. He started working on cars with his father at an early age.

Bell credits his success to the tech training programs he's received from NNA, which he "followed faithfully" for years until he achieved Master. Even with the most difficult electrical issues James has faced, he believes the results were more achievable and successful when he referred back to his training books from the NNA courses.

He considers himself more of a "transmission guy" and has a new respect for a job once he really diagnoses difficult issues. Bell loves the Maxima, which is also his favorite vehicle to work on but looks forward to new models each year. He looks at new vehicles as new challenges. With Nissan's plans for HEV and EV vehicles, like the M hybrid and the LEAF™, he knows that technicians (like himself) will have to find ways to adapt to new technology.

If James is not working, watching or racing vehicles, his free time is spent with his wife and 4-year-old daughter.

Timothy Osborne

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Trophy Nissan

Mesquite, TX

As a busy father and husband, Timothy Osborne describes himself as an "engine guy" whose favorite Nissan vehicle is the GTR. He is a firm believer in the motto "nothing worth having comes easy" and is very proud of accomplishing his personal goal of becoming a Master Technician.

At an early age, he knew that he would end up with a career that involved working with his hands. But doing so took much dedication and hard work over the years to get where he is now.

Osborne uses the Virtual Academy as a stepping stone for training but prefers systematically putting hand-on methods to practice through trial and error until he gets it right. And the satisfaction he gets from "getting it right" is crucial to "helping keep people safe on the road," which is what he looks forward to most in his position.

Joseph Stack

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Crowley Nissan

Bristol, CT

Joseph Stack, a Master Technician at Crowley Nissan in Connecticut, cannot remember a time when he did not enjoy working on cars. After spending time in the armed forces, Stack enrolled in community college at the age of 25 and received an associate's degree in automotive technology. He enjoys doing heavy repair work the most.

"Pulling engines and transmissions is my thing," Joseph said.

Pleasing customers is what motivates him to come to work every day. Stack always gets to do something different. "There is always something unique that happens every day you come to work," he said. "That's why I really like this profession."

Stack says, "The C-III is faster and easier to use, with better graphics and printouts," he said. "It's really an excellent tool and a great improvement over previous diagnostic tools."

Joseph has worked at other manufacturers' dealerships. But he believes Nissan is a better brand that is competitive. He said Nissan makes good vehicles and backs up its products.

Stack is married with two kids. He enjoys working on his house and property in his spare time.

Gregory Kopp

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Maquire's Nissan/Lebanon

Lebanon, PA

Becoming a Master Tech was the logical sequence for Gregory Kopp.

Kopp has been an automotive technician for 30 years. He started his career in the Air Force as an aviation technician. After leaving the Air Force, he transitioned to an automotive technician and has been a Nissan technician for 15 years. He enjoys rebuilding transmissions the most and can't get enough of them.

Kopp said the C-III plus is a very good tool. "The greatest improvement," he pointed out, "is the fact that you can retrieve diagnostic codes without testing all systems."

Kopp looks forward to coming to work every day because Maquire's Nissan has a close technician group. "All the techs work together and help each other out," he said.

Dealership management can do a lot to forge close ties among technicians, Kopp said. Maquire's Nissan, for example, is very serious about training. Their goal is to have as many Master Techs as possible.

Kopp's advice to newer technicians entering the field is to "be serious about their training and to take as much coursework as possible. And, to be involved."

Wayne Baxter

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Sutherlin Nissan Mall/GA

Buford, GA

This Master Technician started his career dismantling cars at the age of 7 by helping his grandfather at his repair garage/junkyard. Wayne doesn't know if he was much help to his grandfather at that time — but he sure had fun. Baxter's experience as a technician dates back to the six years he spent in the Navy. He has been a technician for more than 40 years and is very content with what he's doing. "Being a technician my whole life has been very good to me," Wayne said.

Wayne said, "I don't mind working on anything that comes through the door." He enjoys being the best at what he does and the pride he receives in proving himself. He is so content that he plans to work as a technician until he is 70 years old.

Baxter is single with four children, two stepchildren, and eight grandchildren. When not at work, Wayne enjoys watching his youngest son compete in shooting sports.

James Watson

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Nissan World/Springfield

Springfield, NJ

"CONSULT III plus is much better than the CONSULT III," stated SCOPE Master Technician James Watson. "It's easier to use and easy to handle. I'm passionate about repairing vehicles to the best of my ability and helping customers."

Watson's journey to becoming a Master Tech started by helping his dad work on cars in the driveway when he was 14 years old. From there he started buying fixer-uppers, repairing them and reselling them. Trade school came next, followed by instruction from Nissan.

"I had good, knowledgeable Nissan instructors," James said. "ASE training helped some, but Nissan training was more targeted and very helpful."

James continues his training with Nissan's Virtual Academy. "You can see everything you need for the classes right on your screen."

James trains many of the new guys coming out of school. When asked what advice he gives them, he said, "I stress that you need to take your time, look at the problem very thoroughly and don't jump to the easiest thing to fix. Cure the problem, not the symptom."

Watson's son, now 14 years old, is learning from James how to repair vehicles at home. His son also dreams of becoming a Master Technician.

Randy Mcclaren

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Valley Motors Inc.

Russellville, AR

Diagnosing electrical issue is this Nissan Master Tech's specialty. Randy Mcclaren is the only Nissan tech at this multi-line dealership. He has been a Nissan tech for six years and enjoys it. Mcclaren first knew that he wanted to become a technician after having to fix up his first car. He went on to take auto tech classes at his local community college and has been a technician for 13 years.

Mcclaren uses C-III plus daily. He says C-III plus is easy to navigate and uses it for older vehicles as well as new ones. "The step-by-step instructions set this tool apart," according to Mcclaren. "This helps save time — especially programming modules and I-key."

Outside of work, Mcclaren enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys. From March through October Mcclaren spends much of his off-work time on the baseball field coaching his 8 1/2 year-old son's baseball team.

Jason Jones

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Tom Hesser Nissan, LLC

Scranton, PA

Jason Jones started repairing vehicles as a hobby. At that time he was working in the dealership's reconditioning department and was soon approached by the service manager about becoming a technician. Jones accepted the offer and has been a technician at Tom Hesser Nissan for eight years. He enjoys heavy engine, mechanical and driveline repair the most.

Jones does not dread going to work every day for two reasons because there is always something new with auto repair and with every day, he deals with different issues. Second, he enjoys the dealership's atmosphere. "All the techs get along and help each other out." Becoming a Master Tech has meant that Jason is able to help mentor other technicians, even when this means helping them diagnose oddball issues. "I enjoy helping customers and answering questions about their vehicles and explaining the functions of their vehicle systems," Jones said.

Jones is married with two sons — one 3 1/2 year-old and the other a newborn. He enjoys his family and spending time with them.

Jamie Staples

Nissan SCOPE Master Technician

Crown Nissan Greenville

Greenville, SC

Although Staples initially wanted to become an engineer when he was a child, his career choice took a different direction when he didn't want to pay to get his first vehicle ('93 ZX Turbo) fixed. He enjoyed working on his car and caught on quickly to the trade. The best advice he has for aspiring technicians is, "to take your time and not to be afraid of working slower."

Today, Jamie loves any of the performance vehicles from the Nissan brand but admits to "always having a love affair with the Z." Staples talked very highly of the Nissan brand, stating that they are "reliable, dependable, and will last a lifetime. I currently have a 2003 Nissan Maxima with over 300,000 miles and have never had any issues. But I always keep up on the scheduled maintenance."

When Jamie is not spending quality time with his daughter he also enjoys scuba diving, working on, project cars, autocross and drag racing.

Congratulations to our Nissan SCOPE & Infiniti KEI Senior Specialists

David Meeks

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Infiniti of Kirkland

Kirkland, WA

Cheng Yang

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Fresno Infiniti

Fresno, CA

Alex Trujillo

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Rogers & Rogers Nissan

Imperial, CA

Charles Hollis

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Hill Nissan, Inc.

Winter Haven, FL

Kevin Wolcott

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Royal Moore Nissan/Subaru

Hillsboro, OR

William Cox

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Concordville Nissan

Concordville, PA

Alex Knepper

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Alan Jay Nissan, Inc.

Sebring, FL

Juan Arroyo

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Razzari Nissan

Merced, CA

Mitchell Havir

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

MCGavock Nissan

Lubbock, TX

Robert Guthridge

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Infiniti of Tysons Corner

Vienna, VA

Matt Williams

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Bommarito Infiniti

Ellisville, MO

Chad Reagan

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Bill Dodge Infiniti

Westbrook, ME

Frederick Wildman

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Infiniti of Ardmore

Ardmore, PA

Jeff Van Clief

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Courtesy Motor Sales Inc.

Altoona, PA

Lenwood Herring

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Heritage Nissan

Rome, GA

Michael Babbage

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Stevens Creek Nissan

Santa Clara, CA

John Ford

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Nissan of Turnersville

Turnersville, NJ

Tim Gossman

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Uftring Nissan, Inc.

Peoria, IL

Daniel Moore

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Greenville Nissan

Greenville, NC

Robert Davis

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Clay Nissan of Newton, Inc.

Newton, MA

Shawn Dunlevy

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Montrose Nissan

Hermitage, PA

Jose Diaz, Jr.

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Harrelson Nissan South Carolina

Rock Hill, SC

Kyle Colucci

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Infiniti Hoffman Estates

Hoffman Estates, IL

Steve Valdillez

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Beshoff Infiniti

San Jose, CA

Shea Dutcher

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Infiniti of Palm Beaches

West Palm Beach, FL

Patrick Mckenna

Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist

Wendle Infiniti

Spokane, WA

Kyle Rebello

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Chico Nissan, Inc.

Chico, CA

Carlos De La Torre Chavez

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Universal City Nissan, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA

Ken Grano

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Barberino Nissan

Wallingford, CT

Sukwinder Singh

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Bridgewater Nissan

Bridgewater, NJ

Justin Brooks

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Crown Nissan

Saint Petersburg, FL

Michael Garrison

Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist

Pohanka Nissan-Cad-Olds

Fredericksburg, VA

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