World Class Wednesday: Eric Hanscom: Mastering the Trade

Earning the title of Automotive Service Excellence World Class Technician is no small accomplishment. To be recognized as World Class, these individuals have obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas: A1-A8 (automotive), T1-T8 (medium/heavy truck), B2-B5 (collision repair), and L1-L2 (advanced).

Not only is achieving certification in these areas impressive, but becoming ASE World Class is no small feat. As of 2025, only 2,000 technicians have achieved ASE World Class status.

In this Q&A, Motor Age sat down with Eric Hanscom — an ASE World Class technician at Sullivan Tire in Brewer, Maine — to learn more about his journey in the automotive industry and how gaining World Class status has helped advance his career.

Motor Age: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your experience in the automotive industry.

Eric Hanscom: I have spent over 20 years in automotive repair, specializing in electrical diagnostics and drivability issues. Over my career, I've worked on everything from modern electric and hybrid vehicles to heavy machinery, bringing both old-school craftsmanship and cutting-edge technical knowledge to every repair. I achieved ASE World Class Technician status in 2025, a recognition that reflects my lifelong dedication to mastering the trade.

Motor Age: What's the most memorable repair you've ever completed?

Hanscom: There's been many memorable repairs over my career, so it's hard to pick out one. One of the more memorable recent challenges involved a vehicle that returned after a transmission flush with a check engine light and shifting problems.

The fault indicated a line pressure issue, and after comparing sensor data with readings from a transmission pressure gauge, I discovered a mismatch between the two. Using an oscilloscope to monitor the reference, signal, and ground circuits, I found the signal was shorting to the reference voltage.

Further testing led me inside the transmission, where I removed the valve body and uncovered the cause — a section of the internal harness wrapped around the shift lever had chafed through, shorting the circuit.

Motor Age: Tell us one thing about you that we can't guess from your certifications.

Hanscom: One thing people don't always guess from my certifications is how much I genuinely enjoy figuring things out — even outside the shop. I'm the kind of person who can't leave something broken alone until I understand why it failed.

Whether it's fixing something around the house or helping a buddy with a project, I like solving problems and seeing things work the way they're supposed to. That same mindset drives how I approach diagnostics every day.

Motor Age: What automotive technology trend are you most excited about/most concerned about?

Hanscom: I'm excited about how advanced technology in vehicles has become and how rapidly diagnostics tools are evolving to keep up. The challenge is staying ahead of the curve — as vehicles become rolling computers, technicians must think like engineers. I love that it keeps me learning every day, but I'm also realistic about the need for better training and information access to keep the industry strong.

Motor Age: How has ASE certification helped advance your career?

Hanscom: ASE certification has been a huge part of my career. It builds trust with customers, gives credibility to employers, and opens doors for continued growth. I think it highlights your abilities and dedication to the trade. Earning World Class status was a milestone that validated years of hard work, late nights, and dedication to this craft.