Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) VP Tony Molla Interview
Tony
Molla is the Vice President of Communications for the National Institute
for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in Leesburg, VA. With over 35 years
experience in the automotive service industry, Tony has held positions at
all levels, including technician, service manager, parts store manager,
new car sales and automotive technical editor writing service manuals for
the Chilton Book Company. He has authored more than a dozen technical and
car care manuals. Prior to joining ASE in January, 2000, Tony spent nine
years as the Editorial Director of Motor Age magazine and Automotive Body
Repair News (ABRN).
ASK PATTY: Can you tell us a little bit about your job and your position at The
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)?
Tony: I am responsible for all Corporate, external and internal communications
at ASE. This includes things like press releases, industry presentations, trade
shows and our website content. I also manage our Consumer Outreach efforts, which
include free articles sent out to consumer publications like newspapers and magazines
across the country. I also manage our outreach programs which involve our sponsorships
in several areas. The largest is our participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck
Series, where we sponsor Ted Musgrave's No. 9 Team ASE/Germain Racing Toyota
Tundra. We also have smaller sponsorships with the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team,
with a presence at air shows across the country, and a sponsorship of three Professional
Bull Riders in the PBR Series. We also have a grassroots racing program called
Team ASE which involves our ASE certified professionals who race their own vehicles.
I am also the publisher of the ASE Tech News, our Corporate publication which
goes to over 500,000 subscribers consisting mostly of ASE certified professionals
and our industry supporters.
ASK PATTY: What does it mean to be ASE certified?
Tony: ASE Certification works like any other professional certification. Auto
and truck professionals must take and pass an industry-developed competency test
in one or more areas of expertise to become certified. There are eight tests
in the auto series, for example. If an individual passes all tests in a series,
they achieve Master Technician status. Being ASE certified means you have demonstrated
the knowledge necessary to be proficient at a given task, plus have at least
two years of hands-on repair experience. ASE also certifies parts professionals,
service consultants, machinists, alternate fuels technicians, transit bus technicians,
truck and collision technicians. It's important to note that ASE certification
is a voluntary program, so the individuals who have achieved it have also demonstrated
a pride and professionalism that goes above and beyond the norm. These are the
individuals you want working on your car.
ASK
PATTY: Why are you promoting automotive careers to women? Are more women needed
in the automotive field?
Tony: ASE has continuously promoted the value of an automotive career to both
men and women, but the demand for women in particular has risen in recent years.
This rise in demand has several reasons, not the least of which is the growing
shortfall in qualified technical individuals available, but women have been proven
to be particularly effective in the role of service consultant. As more and more
women assume the role of primary caretaker of the family automobile, it's becoming
more important to improve the communications process at the service desk--and
it's been shown that female service consultants are very effective in that role.
It's also important to note that traditionally, women have made up about one
percent of the technician workforce as well. In fact, there are a few shops out
there that are exclusively staffed by women.
ASK PATTY: Can you tell us about your speaking program at schools? How are you
educating and inspiring young women to consider a career in automotive?
Tony: I participate as a speaker in several Career Day events around the country
each year. It's really more a question of being invited back rather than a formal
program by ASE. That said, I consider my time in front of young people some of
the most important work I do. I speak with kids from the elementary to the high
school level and always make it a point to spotlight the opportunities for women
within the industry. Some of the best automotive diagnosticians I've met have
been women, and the opportunities for a woman with a good technical background
in the automotive industry is outstanding. These presentations I mention also
use some brochures ASE has developed which outline some of the opporutnities
within the industry for both male and female candidates.
ASK PATTY: Are women aware of the opportunities available to them in the automotive
industry?
Tony: Actually, I'm continuously surprised at just how few women and men are
aware of the wealth of opportunities available. We in the industry work hard
to keep both Guidance Counselors and parents informed of what a great career
choice it can be, but it's clear we have some work yet to do to get the message
out more widely.
ASK
PATTY: What other types of jobs are available in automotive that aren't service
or mechanic's jobs?
Tony: The possibilities are almost limitless. What I find interesting is how
a technical background can open doors down the road in ways most never even imagine.
I myself started out as an auto technician and worked part time while I went
to college. Once I graduated, I found the earning potential much better in the
service bay. In fact, it was largely my technical background, along with a degree
in Journalism, that led to my current position. Along the way, I've held positions
writing service manuals and as Editorial Director of two national trade magazines
for auto and collision shops. But I'm just one example. There are opportunities
in the automotive industry in sales, marketing, engineering, design, manufacturing,
human resources, advertising, the list goes on and on. If you think about it,
the automotive industry is a lot more than just selling and fixing cars.
ASK PATTY: What are some resources to women who are interested in starting a
career in the automotive industry?
Tony: Perhaps the best resource is your local Technical Training program at either
high school or junior college level. Getting involved in the automotive program
can provide a deeper insight into the possibilities. There are also several initiatives
within the automotive industry to recruit young people into the business. You
can find out more by contacting the University of the Aftermarket, the Automotive
Aftermarket Industry Association, or some of the dedicated technical colleges
like Universal Technical Institute or Wyo Tech, just to name a few. You can also
contact us here at ASE with any questions. We'll be happy to help in any way
we can.
Thank you for the great interview Tony!
©2006 AskPatty.com, Inc.
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