Investing in Knowledge: Why Training Matters at Graham Auto Repair
At Graham Auto Repair, we do things with excellence — not just today, but for the long haul. That’s why our entire team completes ongoing education and training. We each complete 40 hours of paid training every year. One of our favorite ways to meet this commitment is by attending ATE Seattle.
Why is training such a big deal? As the auto industry changes and technology evolves, we have to continue to do so as well!
It starts from the top. Troy knows the only way to continue delivering high-quality service is through knowledge. As the auto industry changes, and technology evolves, we have to continue to do so as well! By investing in our team’s education, Troy is investing in our customers. He's ensuring we complete every repair with the latest knowledge, tools, and expertise.
Why It Matters to Our Team
When you’re in an industry that’s always evolving, continued education isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Our team knows this to be true! Attending training events gives us the tools we need to stay on top of industry changes! Such as new vehicle technology, updated diagnostic strategies, and industry best practices. It gives us the opportunity to grow as individuals and as a team.
What is ATE Seattle?
Every year NWACA (Northwest Auto Care Alliance) organizes this event. ATE stands for Automotive Training Expo. It's the largest automotive training event on the West Coast. They give us the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts who are leading the way in the automotive field. They offer three days of classes for service advisors, technicians, and management. From advanced diagnostics to goal setting and time management. There’s truly something for every role in the shop! We also get the chance to attend keynote presentations while sharing meals. And connect with vendors and sponsors who help support our industry. These events are all about community, support, innovation, and growth!
What We Gained From ATE Seattle
Our team walked away from ATE Seattle with a renewed sense of purpose and fresh tools to apply in the shop. We had the opportunity to learn from respected leaders in the automotive field. Some of these experts bring decades of experience, and are still active in the industry today! They help us sharpen our skills, challenge our routines, and grow in areas where we need to stay ahead.
We also got to connect with automotive professionals from outside our own shop. We shared ideas and strategies, learning how others approach similar challenges. These thoughtful conversations between sessions gave us a lot to take back to the shop. The variety of classes allowed everyone to learn something meaningful. Whether focused on diagnostics, customer service, or leadership. Sharing these experiences with others took it to the next level!
One of the biggest benefits of training together is the connection we build with each other. At this event, we had team members from both shops attending classes together. Technicians, advisors, and management alike -- all learning side-by-side! Between sessions we were able to talk through the concepts we were learning. One of our technicians shared about how impactful it is to come together like this. Taking the time together outside of the shop, united in a shared goal of growth, is invaluable. Mealtimes gave us time to reflect, laugh, and support one another. All of these shared moments strengthen our bond and give us tools to better serve our customers!
Thank You for Supporting Our Growth
Thank you to our customers for being patient with our closure last Friday. Getting to do so made it possible for our team to attend this valuable training, and we are grateful. Your understanding helps us keep growing to serve you even better!
And a huge thank you to NWACA for organizing such an incredible event. We’re grateful to the sponsors, trainers, and speakers who poured their time into this event. Your support is making a lasting impact — not just on our team, but on the automotive industry as a whole! We're thankful to be part of a community that values growth, learning, and service. And we’re excited to keep moving forward and growing together!
Book Your Spring Auto Service Today!
Don’t wait until your car shows signs of trouble. Stay ahead of potential breakdowns with preventative maintenance. Book your oil change & free digital inspection today. Our team will help you enjoy stress-free driving this spring!
- 📞 Call Graham: (253) 375-8343
- 📞 Call Yelm: (360) 515-9776
- 📲 Ready to book? Click the link for fast & easy online scheduling: Click Here
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