World Class Wednesday: Gene Hajkowski: Turning Passion Into Work
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 Gene Hajkowski — an ASE World Class technician and instructor at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona — 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.
Hajkowski: I’ve had a deep interest in cars since I was in high school; that was always my focus. All my drive and efforts went into learning about cars and owning them. Because of that, it seemed like a seamless transition to work in the field of auto repair, because that was what I was drawn to. I worked at independent auto shops for 39 years and then transitioned to teaching. I achieved my World Class Status in 2024.
Motor Age: What's the most memorable repair you've ever completed?
Hajkowski: The first standalone wiring harness I assembled so that I could use a modern engine in an antique vehicle.
Motor Age: What automotive technology trend are you most excited about/ Most concerned about?
Hajkowski: Building custom cars is still my lifelong passion and obsession. That's what drives me.
Motor Age: What is one thing you are most excited about and most concerned about?
Hajkowski: Electric vehicles seem to be perfect for a large percentage of daily commuters. The ease of operation and the ability to drive home, plug it in, and hop in the next morning and drive to work seems seamless. They're not the answer for long-haul commutes or long drives. But for the person who drives to and from work daily, it seems like a great vehicle.
Motor Age: How has ASE certification helped advance your career?
Hajkowski: ASE certification has brought my resume to the top when I was looking for work, and also qualified me to become an instructor. I teach automotive in the state prison system for Pima Community College, and I also teach at Pima at night, so ASE certification helped me qualify. Teaching is one of the most fulfilling jobs that I've ever done.
About the Author
Emily Kline
Emily Kline is a Special Projects Editor for FenderBender and ABRN, ABW, Motor Age, and Ratchet+Wrench. She also produces an annual publication for SATA called Painter's Playbook, is a Senior Contributing Editor for NAPA INSIGHT, and oversees Ratchet+Wrench's Shop Goods issues and FenderBender's Ultimate Collision Repair Shop.
She has worked in the Vehicle Service & Repair Group at Endeavor Business Media for over 3 years, learning about vehicle repair and the automotive industry as a whole. She has a bachelor's degree in English from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona. As a writer, she enjoys her fair share of reading and has no shame in using the long Minnesota winters as an excuse to stay indoors and cozy up with a good book.