Hey there, amazing listeners! ? I'm thrilled to announce the release of our latest thought-provoking episode of the Jaded Mechanic Podcast! ??In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly experienced and knowledgeable Kenny Wessel. ? We dove deep into the toils and triumphs of a career in automotive repair, and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! ?Here are three major takeaways from this conversation that I believe will leave you inspired and enlightened:1️⃣ The Power of Experience: Kenny, with his 25 years in the industry, reminded us all that every opinion and story is valid and relevant. ? Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or just starting out, your perspective matters, and it's crucial to embrace the wisdom and knowledge that comes with experience.2️⃣ The Need for Skilled Hands: One thing that stood out to me was Kenny's insight into the industry's constant demand for skilled professionals. ?️ People will always need someone who can fix things, whether it's directly related to automotive mechanics or a related field. So, if you have a knack for using your hands to repair and solve problems, this industry is calling your name!3️⃣ The Journey of Change: As Kenny and I discussed, our industry is ever-evolving, and it's essential to embrace change and adapt to new technologies and advancements. ? By joining us on this journey, you'll gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs that come with being a part of the automotive repair world.I can't express enough how grateful I am to Kenny for sharing his incredible stories and perspectives with us. ? It's guests like him who make this podcast so enriching and insightful.So, grab a cup of strong coffee or crack open a cold Canadian beer, and join us on this exciting journey of reflection and insight into the world of automotive repair. ?✨And hey, if you enjoy this episode as much as I did, please do me a favor and comment on and share it with your friends. ? Your support means the world to us!Don't forget to set your podcast to automatically download every Tuesday morning, so you never miss an episode. ?Thank you all for your continued support! ? Stay tuned for more incredible conversations and stories from the Jaded Mechanic Podcast.See you next time!Jeff ?️[00:01:28] Kenny's YouTube channel discovery.[00:05:20] Starting in middle school.[00:08:30] Changing from shop to dealership.[00:13:27] Fast Neons and Street Racing.[00:15:21] Pushing to sell unnecessary repairs.[00:19:30] Programming recalls and hourly pay.[00:21:21] Understanding common product failures.[00:24:57] Diagnosing without wrenching.[00:27:53] ECMs and car reliability.[00:32:18] Wireless control module issues.[00:36:23] YouTube technicians vs. backyard mechanics.[00:38:14] Unreliable car repair advice.[00:43:28] The quality of replacement parts.[00:45:09] Remanufactured parts.[00:49:22] Customer-supplied engine mishap.[00:54:26] What defines a good technician?[00:56:26] Family-oriented work environment.[01:00:49] Mandrel bending exhaust systems.[01:03:39] Growing up in a Chevy family.[01:07:53] The future of EVs.[01:11:04] Building a Hornet[01:14:01] Engine swap in Volvo[01:16:14] Street racing with the police.[01:20:18] ASE certification and competency.