Congratulations to our Nissan SCOPE & Infiniti KEI Masters
Gunter Baburins
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Clay Nissan
Newton, MA
Gunter Baburins came to the United States from West Germany as a teenager in 1971. He learned the language and culture, and joined the Clay family of dealerships as an apprentice in 1976. At that time, Clay's Newton Massachusetts location was a Chevrolet store, as it was until it became a Nissan dealership in 2006. Gunter has a loyal following of Nissan customers but is also sought out by collectors in the greater Boston area of Corvettes. It is quite normal to see him working on a Nissan, but with a 71 L88 Roadster or C4 Callaway Corvette in his second bay, waiting for some TLC from the Maestro.
Gunter is always relaxed, smiling and ready to mentor younger techs in Clay's workshop. He is a true Master Technician, offering the same level of care and professionalism, be it on a GT-R or a Sentra. We are proud to have him on our team.
Gary Umstot
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Timbrook Nissan
Cumberland, MD
Master Technician Gary Umstot has been working in a shop for 42 years. "I started off in 1971 working under the hood of a car at my uncle's dealership, and I haven't stopped since," Gary stated. Umstot lives in West Virginia, but commutes to Maryland every day to go to work. "I like working on Sentras and Versas because they are easier fixes. They're not as involved as the LEAFTM or some of the other highly technical Nissan vehicles out there," he said laughing.
When Umstot is not under the hood of a car, he is four wheeling the trails of West Virginia. When asked if he had any knowledge to share with up and coming mechanics, he had this to say: "Go to school and continue to educate yourself. If you don't keep up on it, you're lost."
Enrique Robles
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Antelope Valley Nissan
Palmdale, CA
Enrique Robles has been with Nissan for all seven years of his professional life. "My family has always liked Nissan vehicles, so I think that is why I stay so true to the brand," he explained. Robles looks forward to coming into work every day. "I love that my job allows me to problem solve. The industry is always changing and Nissan cars are always evolving, so it's a lot of fun for me," Enrique explained. When asked what car he likes the most, Enrique replied with this witty comment: "I, of course, love the GT-R."
When diagnosing a problem, Robles finds one thing more difficult to diagnose than the rest. "CAN Communication problems from unit to unit are very time consuming and difficult, but also a lot of fun to figure out," he stated. Enrique Robles is a very busy man at the shop. But when he's at home he does have one guilty pleasure. "I love to play online games! I am a big Call of Duty fan," Enrique stated with a slight hint of childlike wonder in his voice.
Joshua Price
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Childre Nissan, INC
Milledgeville, GA
Joshua Price is a 24/7 mechanic. "When I am not in the shop, I'm swapping engines and playing with my 240SX. I have had 26 SX's in the last 5 years. Any combination of engine you can think of, I have tried it," he explained. Price was born and raised in Georgia. As a child, he watched his dad build hot rods and knew that he was going to be a mechanic too. "Being a mechanic is just part of my family," Joshua stated.
Price enjoys his job and supports people who are thinking about becoming mechanics. "People looking to become mechanics need to pay attention in school. Everyday things are changing. Learn as much as you can on the electric side, it's all slowly leaning that way," Price explained. Joshua finds the Nissan brand, "very innovative." When asked what he looks forward to at work, he had this to say: "I look forward to a new challenge every day."
Brian Miller
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Fredrick Nissan
Fredrick, MD
Master Technician Brian Miller has been with Nissan for nine years. It took him eight years to become a Master Technician. "It took me a long time, but my old manager was picking the classes for me," he explained. Miller owns a 1991 Sentra and a 2003 Pathfinder, but those are not his favorite Nissan vehicles. "My favorite Nissan vehicle is the Frontier. It is just a real, solid truck," Brian said.
Brian Miller has a young son and girlfriend at home. When asked if his son was going to follow in his footsteps and become a mechanic, Brian replied: "I always say no, but I will support him in anything he decides to do. I will be teaching him a lot about computers though."
When Miller is not working, he is in his own little world playing role play video games. "I like to play Final Fantasy. I like the stories a lot. I sit down, start playing and forget about everything for a while," Brain expressed.
Randall Phillips
Infiniti KEI Master Technician
Infiniti of Pleasanton
Pleasanton, CA
Infiniti KEI Master Technician Randall Phillips grew up in Oakland, California. Randall has been with Infiniti for seven of his fourteen years as a mechanic. Randall says he regularly uses any and all tools that Infiniti provides to help him diagnose a problem. "I use ASIST 10-15 times a week and call TECH LINE at least twice a week," Phillips commented.
Randall's favorite car is the Infiniti G37. "I think Infiniti should make a lease program for all techs, so that way I can afford the G37," Randall said laughing. When asked what advice he had for new technicians, he had this to say, "Take school seriously."
Joseph Auton
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Wilkes Nissan, LLC
Wilkesboro, NC
Joseph Auton started working on cars at his father's shop when he was about 16 years old. After high school, Joseph went to trade school for two years and then started working for Nissan. "I learned more in two weeks at the dealership than in two years at the trade school," said Joseph. "The first day on the job they handed me a CONSULT II and said fix that car."
Now Auton is the shop foreman, so he has to diagnose and figure out problems the other technicians are having problems with; such as a vehicle with a navigation screen that would not turn off. The interesting part was that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The customer had a unit plugged into the 12 volt power outlet that was back-feeding into the vehicle. Unplugging the unit fixed the issue.
In addition to finding tough repairs interesting, Joseph finds the new technologies in the new hybrids and the LEAFTM very exciting. Auton said, "The new hybrids and the LEAFTM are the way of the future. Our dealership uses a LEAFTM as a parts delivery vehicle and customer shuttle."
In addition to hunting and fishing, Auton likes to race lawnmowers. "In three to four years of racing, I've won probably 40 to 50 trophies," said Joseph. "And that's no lie."
Allen Baird
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Palm Spring Nissan
Cathedral City, CA
Allen Baird started his automotive repair career as an avionics technician onboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). After leaving the Navy, Allen used his Airframe and Powerplant license to repair aircraft for a small airline. Then he became an automotive technician. When Baird was asked how to become a master technician, he said, "Lots of experience and classes." Allen also said: "Grab onto one of the older guys and have him teach you all he can, work on everything you can. And if you get, stuck, then use it as an opportunity to learn more."
Baird practices what he preaches and personally spends his time mentoring the younger technicians. Currently, he's helping to guide three future master technicians.
Allen says "The Virtual Academy is better than the Honda online classes. Nissan has more of a classroom feel to it."
Allen's hobbies are hunting, fishing, camping, and hot rods. He is a member of the Jeep Club. He also owns the pickup truck he had in high school and a 1936 Chevy pickup truck.
Mike Masters
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Beck Nissan, Inc.
Palatka, FL
Mike Masters said: "I was looking for something I was good at," when he became a technician. When asked why he pursued the goal of becoming a SCOPE Master, Mike said matter of factly, "Job advancement."
Masters originally started working on cars for Sears Automotive. For additional training, Mike attended Lincoln Tech. From there, Masters went to work at a Nissan dealership, and then a Mitsubishi/Chrysler dealership where he worked heavy line. After a period of time, Mike returned to a Nissan dealership because he prefers working on Nissan vehicles.
Masters says he works on cars from bumper-to-bumper, but prefers diagnostic work.
Mike's hobbies include racing ATVs, riding bicycles, and playing in a pool league. Mike says he plays so much he's become a pool master. He recently won a trip to Las Vegas to play pool. Mike's favorite car is the 2013 Altima which he recently purchased.
Garret Hunley
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
United Nissan
Las Vegas, NV
Garret Hunley took an unusual road in his journey to become a master technician. Garret stated: "My dad bought a 1981 Blazer for me when I was sixteen and told me to keep it running." Garret found that he enjoyed keeping the old Blazer in good shape.
Garret's next step toward master technician status came with his love of off-road racing. Hunley raced class 8 desert trucks which featured a 700 horsepower engine and a suspension with 20 inches of travel. Garret performed many repairs with his mechanic friend while racing and learned a great deal. His racing friend worked at an Infiniti retailer.
Garret took a job as a lube technician at the Infiniti retailer. In addition to changing oil and rotating tires, Hunley assisted other technicians while learning about Infiniti automotive technology and repairs. He learned all the time from the other technicians, and soon became proficient in making minor warranty repairs
Two years later, Garret took his ASE tests and received formal Infiniti training. Hunley said: "The online Academy is really nice..."
Garret enjoys electrical repairs and is impressed with the new technology on the vehicles. "The IPhone-integrated Bluetooth is really cool," said Hunley.
Garret enjoys riding mountain bikes every weekend. If you happen to be at Lake Tahoe, Big Bear, or Mammoth Mountain, you might see this tech coming down the mountain on a bike.
Jesus Rico
Infiniti KEI Master Technician
Infiniti of Fairfield
Fairfield, CA
Jesus Rico enjoys working on every area of the vehicle. "I've worked on electrical, mechanical, and suspension," stated Jesus. "Electrical gives you the most headaches, but it's where you always learn the most."
Jesus went to college to learn the automotive repair trade. After college, Rico worked at an oil change facility to get into the trade. "In school we learned a lot, but working at the oil change place got me my first work experience in the field," stated Jesus.
After a period of time, Jesus went to Infiniti of Fairfield to apply for a job as a technician. The service manager did not have an open position for a technician or a lube technician. Ever persistent Rico worked as a detailer for a couple of months until a position became available.
Jesus found a good role model in a more experienced technician and followed him around learning everything he could. Rico aggressively pursued difficult repairs so he could learn more and often said: "Come on man, give me something harder."
When he is not repairing vehicles, Rico takes care of his musical family. His children play in a concert jazz band and are also playing in a rock and roll band.
Michael Bruno
Infiniti KEI Master Technician
Circle Infiniti, Inc.
West Long Beach, NJ
Michael Bruno said with a laugh: "I'm pretty bad at gardening and home repairs." He is, however, one of the very best at vehicle repair, having attained KEI Master Technician status.
Michael tinkered with cars while attending high school and began seriously working on cars right out of high school. He graduated from Lincoln Tech and worked for various dealers prior to taking a job at Circle Infiniti, Inc. Bruno says he has never stopped learning and continues to take online classes and attend Infiniti hands-on training. When asked what he liked about the online training, Michael said: "You can do it at your own pace and location."
Michael's favorite diagnostic tools are the ASIST and the CONSULT III plus. Before beginning a repair, Bruno searches by symptoms and also looks for bulletins that might pertain to the symptom.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys taking his two kids to the beach, where they like to fish, swim, and play in the sun.
Bruno's advice to new technicians is: "Always learn new things and stick with one brand." Michael follows his own advice as he has been with Infiniti since 1999.
Paul Newman
Infiniti KEI Master Technician
Smith Infiniti/Huntsville
Huntsville, AL
Although Paul Newman prefers frontend suspension work, he repairs every system on the vehicle. "I like using a big hammer," chuckled Paul, "and that works better on suspension parts than it does on interior trim."
"I spent the weekend on the Infiniti ASE test preparation website and felt pretty good about the tests before I took them," said Newman as he explained why he appreciates the online setup guide.
Paul's advice to new technicians: "Get on the Infiniti website and watch all of the online training and then go to class. Always learn as much as you can to stay on top of the ever-changing technology." Newman also said: "If you quit learning, you fall behind."
Even though Paul has been a technician since 1987, he continues to take all the classes he can. "Infiniti has great online training classes," said Newman. "I also really enjoy the hands-on training classes because the instructors are there to elaborate on the training," stated Newman.
Paul loves to play golf, so you may run into him somewhere on the green, enjoying a course around Huntsville.
Joseph Weatherholtz
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Mossy Nissan Poway
Poway, CA
Joseph Weatherholtz, SCOPE Master Technician, loves puzzles. "Since I was a kid, I used to take everything apart and put it back together," Joseph said. "I'd get into trouble if I got caught."
After high school, Weatherholtz attended Universal Technical Institute to learn how to take cars apart and put them back together. Upon graduation, Joseph went to work at a machine shop where he operated CNC machines that made airplane parts. Soon after that he got a job at an oil change facility and started to work in the automotive industry. For seven years, he worked in independent shops and met many good people that helped him learn more about repairing vehicles.
Joseph says "Working at a dealership is like joining the pros after being in the minors." Joseph further stated, "I like working at my dealership because I get to work bumper to bumper, and on a variety of systems. I love puzzles and I am fascinated with electrical diagnosis."
Weatherholtz talks about the most interesting repair he recently made was on a LEAFTM transaxle that had noise symptoms. "It was pretty cool," said Joseph. "It was so light that I took it out and put it back in with my hands."
In addition to loving puzzles, art, and reading, Weatherholtz also plays blues and rock music on his acoustic and electric guitars.
Jose Rodriguez
Nissan SCOPE Master Technician
Sansone's Route 1 Nissan
Avenel, NJ
After graduating From Lincoln Tech and spending five years working at various shops, Jose Rodriguez moved to Nissan. Rodriguez has been working at the same Nissan dealership for nine years. He says he prefers performing electrical repairs and diagnosis. "It's a lot of hard work but I enjoy the challenge," Jose said.
Rodriguez enjoys reading TechTalk on the computer at work. When asked what he enjoys must about TechTalk, he stated various tips for techs. "They always give good information and ideas to help the technician," Jose said.
Rodriguez likes working for Nissan because every day is a new challenge and you never know what is going to come in next. "Technicians looking to become Master Techs need to take as much training on Virtual Academy as they possibly can. They should also watch to other techs in their dealership to learn new things," Jose said.
Congratulations to our Nissan SCOPE & Infiniti KEI Senior Specialists
Harold Wilson
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Robert Woodall Nissan
Danville, VA
Thanh Troung
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
McDavid Nissan
Houston, TX
Christopher Bartholomew
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Randy Reed Nissan, LLC.
Kansas City, MO
Luke Ende
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Brooklyn Park Automotive
Brooklyn Park, MN
John Podvin
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Walser Nissan
Burnsville, MN
Jake Richards
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Go Nissan Southwest
Littleton, CO
Carlos Jaime-Rojas
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Pedder Nissan
Hemet, CA
Jim Mcclay
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Faulkner Nissan
Jenkintown, PA
Milton Castillo
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Carson Nissan
Carson, CA
Brent Morton
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Classic Nissan Statesville
Statesville, NC
Lewis Fish
Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist
Mike Ward Infiniti
Highlands Ranch, CO
William Haines
Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist
Infiniti of Mechanicsburg
Mechanicsburg, PA
Dave Itwaru
Infiniti KEI Senior Specialist
Orlando Infiniti
Orlando, FL
Kevin Mackay
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Future Nissan, Inc.
Roseville, CA
Mike Daugherty
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Connell Nissan
Costa Mesa, CA
Joshua Standard
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Autoway Nissan of Brandon
Tampa, FL
Chad Lashomb
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Nissan of Saratoga
Malta, NY
Nick Haire
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Five Star Nissan/Albany
Albany, GA
Victor Santiago
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Al Piemonte Nissan Inc.
Melrose Park, IL
Alex Wynstra
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Dutro Nissan
Zanesville, OH
Gary Thornton
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Nissan/North, Inc.
Worthington, OH
Saul Davalos
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
McGavock Nissan/Amarillo
Amarillo, TX
Kevin Cooper
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Mossy Nissan
Houston, TX
Michael Kish
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Conicelli Nissan
Conshohocken, PA
Jayson Moineau
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
CarMax Nissan/White Marsh
White Marsh, MD
Kennie Reimer
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Rustom Nissan of Portland
Portland, OR
Douglas Phillips
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Randy Reed Nissan, LLC.
Kansas City, MO
Juan Moreno
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Clay Cooley Nissan
Dallas, TX
Richard Stilfield
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Nissan of Cookeville
Cookeville, TN
Jerry Walters
Nissan SCOPE Senior Specialist
Ed Hicks Nissan, LTD.
Corpus Christi, TX