World Class Wednesday: Chad Bryant: Owning a business and serving as a teacher.

Earning the title of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) 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 World-Class is no small feat. As of 2025, only 2,000 technicians have achieved World Class status.  

In this Q&A, Motor Age sat down with Chad Bryant — an ASE World Class technician at Bevill State Community College and Bryant Automotive in Alabama — 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.

Bryant: I have spent over 30 years in automotive repair, specializing in everything. My shop is in a small town, so repair shop options can be limited for some types of vehicles.

I have never been afraid to take on a job. Most European vehicles in my town and the surrounding communities come to my shop. I have worked on everything from carbureted Chevelles to custom computer tuning. I achieved ASE World Class status at age 48 in 2025.

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

Bryant: Over the last few years, many customers have come in with late ‘70s to early ‘80s Porsches. They are air-cooled and have mechanical fuel injection (Bosch K-Jetronic).

I have enjoyed learning about this system. Many European vehicles came with this back then, but I had no exposure to it until recently. It has been both challenging and rewarding to learn about this system. 

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

Bryant: I truly enjoy working on anything. My daughter and I built a 1963 Chevrolet C-10, classic, basic, solid black with little chrome. My son and I modified a 1989 GMC K-5. We upgraded the air conditioning and added interior sound deadening. We also did a stereo system install, engine upgrades, and a 3/4-ton axle swap. Good builds have helped my children appreciate and enjoy a passion that I love.

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

Bryant: I am probably most excited — or rather more interested — to see the progression of autonomous vehicles. There are so many factors involved —besides each vehicle needing a system to monitor itself —the communication from car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure is interesting. 

My biggest concern isn't technological changes; it is the number of people choosing automotive technology as a career and staying with it. The technician shortage is real. I see it in the classroom, at my own business, and in the industry as a whole.

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

Bryant: I began my associate automotive program immediately after high school. By the end of this program, I was ASE Master certified, and I have retained my certification ever since.

ASE Master certification has been a vital part of every advancement I have made throughout my career. From technician to independent shop manager, to dealership service manager, to college instructor, and to business owner. All these steps throughout my career have shaped who I am as a technician and as a person.

The confidence built from each of these positions has encouraged me to open my own business. I continue to grow each day, and ASE certification remains an integral part of my career.