World Class Wednesday: Clint Krueger: From County Highway to World Class

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

In this Q&A, Motor Age sat down with Clint Krueger—an ASE World Class Technician at East Central Energy in Braham, Minnesota—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. 

Krueger: I have been employed here at East Central for 26 years. Before that, I worked at the County Highway Department. I received my World Class Status in 2023.

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

Krueger: One time we had a very popular OEM pickup truck that had a brake issue. In the end, there ended up being somethng wrong with the wire harness.

The wire was twisted and looped inside of the bundle and over itself, and then the wire loom chased it to death. It was a defect and I don't know how it happened. 

Motor Age: One thing we can’t guess from your certifications. 

Krueger: I have a collection of RX Series tractors at home that are waiting for me to retire. Not only that, but I'm also on the local council board which means I help make low level government decisions.

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

Krueger: I am most excited about the alternate fuel types. The thing that concerns me most would be ADAS or the manufacturer type of - I won't say interference - but control.

That comes down to self driving type vehicles and stuff like that. I think that's going to be more and more integrated, making our repair jobs more and more complex.

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

Krueger: Through personal and professional development. It makes my my position and my talent credible. It's also a benefit to my employer and to our internal customers. Plus, my fellow co-workers ask questions and they like to hear about that kind of thing.