World Class Wednesday: Dee Pontious: Rebuilding Automatic Transmissions for Fun

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, and as of 2026, only 2,000 technicians have achieved World Class status.

In this Q&A, Motor Age sat down with Dee Pontious—an ASE World Class technician at Walmart Private Fleet Truck Shop 6769 in St. James, Missouri—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.

Dee Pontious: I have been working in the mechanical and automotive industry since 1994, beginning while I was still in high school. I have had a lifelong passion for mechanical systems. Throughout my career, I have gained experience across multiple areas of the industry, including heavy equipment repair and work with local dealerships. Currently, I am employed full time while also specializing in the rebuilding of automatic transmissions as a hobby. I achieved ASE World Class status at age 48 in 2024.

 

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

Pontious: In today’s industry, the ability to integrate mechanical expertise with advanced technology is essential and often critical to successful repairs. One such instance involved a truck that repeatedly returned to the shop due to a persistent software issue. During an update, the vehicle’s computer had inadvertently erased all existing software configurations.

 

Working collaboratively with my team, we methodically reviewed a comparable truck line by line and restored the necessary software and specific shift parameters. By combining a thorough understanding of the mechanical systems with careful software verification, we ensured that all components were functioning correctly and that no additional mechanical repairs were required.

 

Although the process was time-consuming and required quick thinking and strong teamwork, we were able to implement an effective solution. As a result, the truck has remained in service without further issues, keeping it safely and reliably on the road.

 

Pontious: Since I was a kid, I have enjoyed and collect a lot of old repair manuals. I love information, and whenever I get the chance - whether it's watching videos on YouTube or reading informational materials - I take the opportunity. I am a lifelong learner.

 

Pontious: I am excited about the new hydrogen internal combustion engines that Cummins is coming out with. I think this is a great technological advancement because its a zero emissions engine without using up non renewable resources like crude oil.

 

Pontious: Earning my ASE certifications has been highly beneficial to my professional growth. In addition to providing opportunities for increased compensation, they have opened the door to career advancement and expanded professional opportunities.

 

These certifications represent the industry standard for technical excellence and reinforce my professional credibility. Achieving ASE World Class status is a milestone I am particularly proud to have accomplished