“We are so proud of Susan’s accomplishment,” said Nick DiVerde, senior director of marketing for Mitchell 1. “Being one of only 12 technicians to receive the World Class Technician designation in 2016 is a tremendous achievement that sets her apart as a true professional. We are pleased to have someone with her expertise as a valued member of the Mitchell 1 team — she is an excellent role model for everyone in the automotive industry.”
Schalk explained that she “caught the automotive bug” in auto class in high school in Orange County, California and discovered she had a knack for it. She credits her auto shop instructor for encouraging her to pursue a career in the automotive field, starting by taking the California State emissions test while in high school. She not only passed the test, but was the first woman in the state to pass the test.
Her first job after high school was working as a licensed smog technician. Prior to joining Mitchell 1, she spent seven years as a technician at two dealerships and two independent shops, followed by nine years doing fabrication, body repair, and paint and trim at a vintage auto restoration shop. In 2004, she was featured as an automotive mechanical expert on an episode of the Discovery Channel’s “Monster Garage” television show.
Schalk was the first woman to attain ASE certifications for engine repair and engine tune-up in 1974. Over the years, she has added many other ASE certifications to her resume, including Master Automotive Technician, which she received in 2001. In addition, she holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from San Diego State University, a master of arts degree in psychology from the University of Iowa and a master of business administration degree in business and finance from National University.
According to the Auto Care Association, since the World Class Technician recognition was established 30 years ago, only 1,914 technicians have been honored.
For more information about Mitchell 1, visit www.mitchell1.com, call (888) 724-6742, or locate an independent sales consultant at www.mitchellrep.com.
About Mitchell 1:
Headquartered in Poway, California, Mitchell 1 has been a leading provider of repair information solutions to the motor vehicle industry for over 95 years. Mitchell 1 offers a complete line of integrated software and services to help automotive and commercial truck professionals improve productivity and profitability. ProDemand® optimized with SureTrack® is the most complete solution for OEM and real-world repair information and diagnostics. Manager™ SE is the industry standard for mechanical estimating and shop management information. The SocialCRM shop marketing service delivers automated marketing and customer outreach tools to help shop owners improve their bottom line profits. For the commercial trucking segment, TruckSeries provides information required to estimate labor times, diagnose and repair all makes of Class 4-8 trucks. Mitchell 1 is a recipient of the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence award. For more information about Mitchell 1 products and services, visit the company’s website at www.mitchell1.com.
About the Auto Care Association:
Based in Bethesda, Md., the Auto Care Association has more than 3,000 member companies that represent some 150,000 independent automotive businesses that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, tools, equipment, materials and supplies, and perform vehicle service and repair. Visit www.autocare.org
About ASE:
Incorporated on June 12, 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established as a non-profit organization to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists. Today, there are more than 300,000 ASE-certified professionals working in dealerships, independent shops, service stations, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country. For more information about ASE, visitwww.ase.com.
