Motor Age and PTEN are committed to supporting young technicians in the automotive aftermarket and we want to shine a spotlight on those who are paving a successful path in the industry. This is part of a monthly series to showcase the best young talent in our industry. 

“This kind of talent only comes along once in a career.”

Not too many bosses have said that about an employee. Enter Eduardo “Toby” Robles, a master automotive technician at the City of Ventura in California. He was named the runner-up in the first annual PTEN and Motor Age Best Young Tech Award, a program that aims to recognize innovation, dedication, and excellence in the industry’s technicians aged 35 and younger.

In his role, Robles, 31, works on police patrol vehicles, completing modifications, repairs, computer programming, and demobilizing.

“His efforts literally save lives. Every law enforcement officer places their trust in him every shift, every day,” said Frank Palmer, fleet services supervisor at the City of Ventura. “His continuous learning attitude and positive demeanor is highly contagious and appreciated.”

He also praised Robles for completing repairs correctly the first time, along with his efficiency in addressing a backlog of deferred repairs while maintaining his preventive maintenance-scheduled workload. 

Robles works at a pace that is methodical and smart, and the work he completes is “simply outstanding with impeccable results,” said Palmer. He has a can-do attitude and he comes to work with a smile on his face, elevating those around him. He meets challenges head on and is laser focused when solving problems.

Robles sat down with PTEN and Motor Age magazines to talk about his career path, offer guidance to other young techs, and share some anecdotes.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! They are going to happen; it boosts confidence to take on bigger and more complex projects and to always be yourself.  “If someone builds it, we can fix it” is the motto I bring to every project or every job. A long time ago, I was told “I don’t get paid to teach you.” So no matter what, I always stop for a learning or teaching moment with my team members.

What is your dream car?

A 1950 Mercury Monterey coupe, Lead Sled Chop Top, in candy merlot/burgundy. 

What is the most random item in your toolbox?

A coat hanger; modified and used to be like a knitting hook to remove torn ignition coil boots, kind of like a little fish hook. 

How did you first become involved in the automotive industry?

Living in Mexico at 18 years old in a not-so-good environment and after my father’s recent passing, I decided to move back to the United States and take care of my mom. I landed an auto detailing job at a shuttle service. After work, I would pick the auto tech’s brains to show me a thing or two. Their response was not so positive: “I don’t get paid to teach you.” Instead, after work I would go through the metal bins and find old starters and take them part, clean them and see how they work and then reassemble them. Later, I found an automotive book, “Automotive Mechanics” by William H. Crouse at a yard sale, which I used a reference guide for rebuilding alternators and starters.   

Tell us how you got your first job.

One of the same mechanics who didn’t have time for me at the shuttle service needed an old starter, which I had in my possession. So I insisted the tech use my starter so I could see it work, as I was not allowed to touch cars at that time. It worked! The mechanic took the credit, but I feel because of that, I knew I could do it and then he recommended me to be a mechanic at the fleet shop as the graveyard lube tech. I worked my way up from there. 

What is your favorite tool and why?

Any scan tool because I can communicate to the car. It saves time, creates efficiencies and keeps my vehicles on the road.

Nominations for the 2022 Best Young Tech Award will open April 15.