Partner Showcase

Chris Beasley
Nissan/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year

Chris Beasley, Shop Foreman at Ben Mynatt Nissan in Salisbury, N.C., thinks being an automotive technician was his destiny: “My dad tells me I was taking things apart when I was five or six years old. I’ve always been curious about how things worked, what made them tick so to speak. I’ve been blessed with a natural understanding of mechanical devices along with the love of working with my hands. The automotive field was a good fit for me. If I wasn't an auto tech, I'd probably be a machinist or fabricator of some kind.”

During high school Chris worked “at a small local parts store chain in the warehouse and later as a counter guy” and later still, he “had a part-time job at a small car lot doing simple repairs and detailing cars.” But it was his enrollment during high school in the General Motors ASEP program at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte that was his true start. “I think I always knew I was going to be a car guy, so I enrolled in the automotive program at CPCC. At that time, the ASEP program was a cooperative program, meaning I would go to school for one semester and then work at my sponsor dealer for one semester. This continued for two years.” Upon graduating in 1992, Beasley went full-time with his sponsoring dealership, Brad Farrah Olds-Buick-GMC-Nissan.

It was at this dealership that Beasley was introduced to two men who would become important mentors to the young tech, teaching and molding him to become a professional auto technician: “I was hired by a terrific service manager, Lewis Brown. Lewis was a former tech turned manager. He was just the right kind of leader I needed at that time. He was always very giving of his time and knowledge, and was very patient with the new kid. He placed me with veteran tech Dean Endress. Luckily we hit it off very well. Dean turned out to be just as giving of his knowledge as Lewis was.”

“Their mentoring literally made me what I am today. I can't say enough about the impact those two guys had on a young green horn. I will be forever grateful to them both.”

Even though Beasley graduated from a GM program, he ended up “working on more Nissans and eventually became a Nissan Master Tech. I currently hold every certification Nissan offers to techs from Hybrid electric, Leaf, and GTR training.”

Twenty-six years later Chris Beasley is paying it forward. “I am the shop foreman here at my dealer and am directly involved in mentoring new techs. I haven't forgotten what others did for me and try to pass that along. I also serve on the Advisory Board for the automotive program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (in Salisbury). That has been a very fulfilling experience being involved in the education of new techs.”

Like any experienced professional and involved mentor, Chris has advice for young people just beginning their careers. “I can say without a doubt that this is a great time to get into the automotive field. Most shops are starving for above average techs. So my advice is, be above average. Work harder than the person next to you. Strive to be in the top of your class. Work extra hard on learning electronics and focus on getting your ASE certifications.”

“After school, find a dealer to go to work for,” Chris continues. Even though I learned a lot in school, the factory training is top notch and will take you a long way. If you can accomplish those things, you can work in any shop in any state you choose or even open your own shop.”

And Beasley is experienced enough to explain the importance of patience to young people: “Realize that this is a process that takes time. When you finally do graduate you still have to start at the lowest rung and work your way up. Many new techs are disappointed to learn this and end up quitting. Those who persevere can become very successful.”

From his earliest days Chris started taking ASE tests. He passed his first four after finishing his automotive program. “They prepared us very well for the tests.” He earned certification later, after fulfilling the work experience requirement. (Nowadays, student techs can earn an ASE Student Certification as a bridge credential.)

Chris kept on taking ASE tests and became a big believer in ASE. “ASE certification is the most important thing for technicians. These tests are not easy and if someone can get certified, it lets employers and customers know that this person is knowledgeable.”

“ASE certification for the technician is something to be proud of! It really gives you a sense of accomplishment. It also earns you more money in most cases! I think ASE gives our profession a needed standard of excellence to strive for. Without ASE certifications, how could a consumer ever really know what skill level a shop or technician holds? I am personally very proud of my certifications and have been humbled by being ASE Master Technician of the Year twice.”

In his down time Chris is an avid pool player (eight-ball) and has “played every Wednesday night for nearly twenty years.” That’s 750 scored tournament matches and thousands of unscored games, according to Beasley’s calculations. When he is not playing pool, Chris is “usually playing guitar or in the garage working on my 1977 280z project car. I also dabble in woodworking and furniture making.” There is a pause: “Did I mention I like working with my hands?” Chris asks.

With a job he likes, young techs to mentor and pastimes he enjoys, Beasley takes stock and adds, “I would also like to give thanks to my wife, Connie, and daughter, Sarah. Working in the car business in any capacity usually means long hours away from home and thankfully they have been very understanding.”