Extend Performance, the automotive-focused marketing communications branch of the Extend Group, has announced the addition of Richard Young to its team.
Shawn Collins, founder and CEO, commented, “We’re brand installers, and effective how-to training is key to successfully instilling brand-loyalty among automotive technicians. We’re so committed to our proven, award-winning process, we’re investing in the most talented trainer in the industry. Richard Young, an ASE Master Technician with more than 25 years of experience in automotive repair and training, joins us as director of aftermarket content and programs.
“Richard holds a degree in automotive technology, is OEM-certified and, with decades of hands-on expertise, he’s highly respected by professional automotive technicians who give it their all, day-in and day-out in the bays. And, as the former owner of his own automotive repair shop, Richard knows the dynamics of running a successful operation,” Collins added.
Young has hosted and created technical content for more than 250 online training videos, through a video series first introduced in 2012. The popular series has been seen by more than 5 million viewers. Within the past two years, he’s presented classroom training, nationwide, to more than 1,200 automotive service technicians. In addition, Young created an award-winning training program for automotive students at junior and community colleges, and more than 400 future technicians have engaged in the hands-on instruction.
“I enjoy interacting with the attendees of each class and appreciate their participation in the discussion,” said Young. As for developing training topics, he explains, “I aggressively research current diagnostic trends in order to provide the most up-to-date training information available.”
Collins pointed out that the number of master technicians in the U.S. is decreasing, and noted, “Those of us in the automotive industry need to implement programs to train and retain emerging automotive technicians. The addition of Richard Young represents our investment in the future of the aftermarket industry.”
In addition to providing training and continuing education certification opportunities, Young also will be responsible for overseeing online client content that, “Engages and informs automotive technicians in ways that help them on the job — so, they’ll view the brand as a reliable, qualified resource.”
“Richard will be a relationship-builder. His contributions to training, useful content, loyalty programs and other branded efforts, will generate ongoing interactions between our clients and their consumers: the automotive technicians. Bringing Richard on board reinforces to our clients that we’re investing in the future success of their brands. Extend Performance enthusiastically welcomes him to our group,” added Collins.
