Since the launch of the U-Haul Master Technician Training Program, shop team members are better equipped to keep up with the ever-changing fleet of trucks and trailers. Thanks to these hardworking team members, U-Haul equipment is serviced efficiently and then is back on the road, helping customers with their moving adventure.
To earn this title, a technician must complete all of the training courses and pass the master exams in each of the specialty areas of the U-Haul Master Technician Training Program. It’s the pinnacle of all U-Haul technicians.
U-Haul Company and Portland RERS recently welcomed seven new inductees into this very special club.
Casey Martin:
“I started at U-Haul in 2001. I was recruited by Scott Woodison at Portland Community College while pursuing my associates degree in the GM ASEP program. I was hired by David Scheafer in December 2001. I received my associates degree in automotive technology in 2003 and started working full time at U-Haul. I enjoy restoring classic cars with my daughter, and I am currently in the process of swapping in a 4.8 liter LS engine into my 1970 Camaro. I have multiple ASE certifications and repairing vehicles gives me a sense of accomplishment. I am grateful for the opportunities that working for U-Haul has given me.”
Dan Surber:
“I have been with the company for thirteen years. I started as a PM technician at shop 180 in Portland Oregon.
I had no prior experience as a mechanic or any automotive skills. I had no prior education besides a GED . I started taking ASE tests shortly after being hired and caught the attention of David Scheafer and Scott Woodison, who offered to let me take some automotive seminars and short one week classes and I took off from there. I am now a U-Haul Master tech and ASE Master tech.The highlight of my career has been to have been invited and gone to Dearborn, Michigan on the T-4 top tech training and tour by Dean Cerimeli. To see the birth place and understand the process of how the truck I work on every day was an awesome and educational experience. The advanced training from Ford engineers at Dearborn was eye opening and helpful. From a tour of OHAP to Henry Ford’s house to training at Roush, it was an unbelievable experience.
My current position is diagnostic tech at the shop. I am married and have four kids and enjoy time with my family. I appreciate all the help I have had along the way from the company and individual system members as well for providing the encouragement and training path to become a better technician and team member.”
Hoang Luong:
“I was born in Vietnam in August 1971 and graduated high school in 1989 while there. I came to the U.S. in September 1994, continued schooling and graduated with a BA Auto Repair certificate in the year 2000. I was married in 2001, and we have two children.
I have worked for the U-Haul Company in Happy Valley, Oregon since April 1998. First, I started to work on trailers for about a year. Later, I jumped up to work on the trucks repairing brakes, A/C, exhaust, electrical, diagnosing engine performance, and engine repair. After more than seventeen years working on U-Haul trucks and trailers, there are so many things that I have learned and I have gained a lot of experience.
The U-Haul Company is a good place to work, and also has very good benefits. I am very comfortable and enjoy working here.”
Ricky Dinh:
“I was told by a friend that U-Haul was hiring a mechanic so I applied for the job as Mechanic Express. I’ve
been with the company for thirteen years. My first five years were in the shop working as Mechanic Express and for the last eight years I’ve been working outside the shop as a road side service mechanic. The reason is that I like to be challenged and I like to know how it feels to help our customers on the side of a highway.Before I came to U-Haul, I worked for another repair shop for nine years. I graduated from Portland Community College with a two year degree in Automotive Technology. The Master Technician Program is great. The program really helped me learn more about how our automotive field has changed so much and helped me learn more new technology. All the courses really help me a lot when I’m out on the road and making quick diagnostic decisions.”
Toan Trinh:
“I have worked for U-haul for over eighteen years and have held a variety of positions. I have to say that this program is extremely beneficial. This was not just a few spare hours. It took dedication to my career as an automotive technician.
In my personal life I have a daughter, and do volunteer work for local organizations which include: CERT (community emergency response team for Happy Valley city), Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathons, Komen Race for the Cure cancer programs, and help take care of my dad.”
Trung Tran:
“I was born in Vietnam, and I came to the U.S. in 1994. I started
working at U-Haul in 1997. I was hired by Dave Scheafer . I worked in the trailer line for two and a half years and then moved up to the position of engine specialist. I studied at Bellingham Technical College and received my AAS degree in automotive technology . I passed several ASE test and have my U-Haul master certification. I have learned a lot new things from the U-Haul mastery program. I really enjoy the team of people I work with and hope to continue my service for many years to come.”
Vinh Ha:
“I have been employed with U-Haul for eighteen months. My wife and I have been married for ten years and have two children. I started out doing brakes and PM and then moved up to Quick Fix. Now I am training for Final Inspector. I love to work on U-Haul trucks, and love to learn new things every day. My education includes Lincoln Technical Institute and Honda Professional School.
I was hired at U-Haul when one of my friends, a U-Haul employee for twenty years, recommended me. I have learned a lot from the other technicians here, they have all been so good to me. I love working here. The Master Tech U-Haul Training Program takes a lot of time but I have learned a lot and it helps me do a better job.”
Interested in joining U-Haul and perhaps becoming a Master Technician one day? Click here to learn more about opportunities.
