Jeff Williams, a master mechanic at Franklin Toyota, has been named the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Automobile Technician of the Year for Toyota, a prestigious national award that recognizes the top-scoring technician in the country.
The award is given to the technician who achieves the highest combined score on a series of eight ASE certification tests (A1-A8) nationwide among all Toyota and Lexus technicians. This year, Williams outscored more than 2,100 other technicians to earn the honor.
"This is not a regional award. It's not a district award," said Franklin Toyota General Manager Kyle Sherfesee. "This is a national award, and he's the sole winner."
A Recognition of Knowledge and Experience
Williams, who has been with Franklin Toyota for 15 years, has been an ASE Master Certified technician for much of his career. He takes the certification tests annually to maintain his master status. This year, his scores were the best in the nation.
"I just did them like normal," Jeff Williams said of the tests. "I thought my scores were pretty good, but I didn't know they were that good."
The ASE award is a testament to Williams's extensive knowledge and dedication to his craft. According to Sherfesee, Williams is a walking encyclopedia of automotive knowledge, with the ability to diagnose and fix even the most complex issues.
"He can tell you from 15 years ago to now, he can tell you every issue with a vehicle," Sherfesee said. "He knows what to look for, he knows problematic things, and he knows step-by-step ways to figure an issue out. But not only figure it out, he knows how to fix it."
The award comes with a $1,000 cash prize, a two-night hotel stay, and two receptions, including an awards banquet.
A Mentor to the Next Generation
Beyond his technical skills, Williams is also a mentor to the younger mechanics at the dealership. He is currently training two apprentices, one of whom is just two tests away from also becoming a master mechanic.
"He's a leader," Sherfesee said. "He doesn't talk about it; he just does it."
This commitment to teaching and helping others is something Williams values. "I really like helping the younger guys," he said. "They need somebody to put them in the right direction."
A Family-Like Culture
Williams credits the culture at Franklin Toyota for his long tenure at the dealership. He was working for a different dealer years ago when Mr. Robbie Franklin, the owner of Franklin, approached him and asked him to join his team.
"It was one of the best decisions I made," Williams said. "It's like a family here."
Sherfesee believes Williams's achievement proves that a great work environment can produce top-tier talent. "A small dealership in a small town doesn't mean there's not a great dream," he said. "He just proved to every technician within the company that loyalty and commitment...can get you here."