River States Truck and Trailer recently held the first annual Top Technician Skill and Troubleshooting Competition.
More than 40 technicians from River States’ locations, as well Minnesota Truck and Trailer and La Crosse Truck Center took part in a written exam on diagnostics, troubleshooting and repair of heavy-duty diesel engines. Technicians with the top 5 scores advanced on to compete in a timed hands-on competition working through various stations diagnosing and repairing several “complaints.”
Josh Sagler from the River States’ La Crosse location was named the event’s overall winner. Sagler took home a trophy and prize package along with a cash prize of $2,500. Second- and third-place finishers were Aaron Klinski and Jordy Leisz, who took home $1500 and $500, respectively. Zack Thielke and Randy Heath rounded out the top five.
Kevin Bestul, corporate trainer for River States Truck and Trailer and organizer of the event. Bestul says he was impressed with all the technicians and the skills they portrayed during the competition. The challenges put in front of them ranged from basic diagnosis and service to heavily involved problem solving and repair.
“These technician are very skilled and their technical ability and know-how is changing rapidly with new equipment and technology. They showed us they can compete at any level of difficulty and do very well,” he said.
