Motor Age and PTEN are committed to supporting young technicians in the automotive aftermarket and we want to shine a spotlight on those who are paving a successful path in the industry. This is part of a monthly series to showcase the best young talent in our industry.
From an early age, Judson Stagnaro spent hours upon hours working and learning about cars with his grandfather in his repair shop in Crystal, Minnesota, along with his uncles.
“I didn't have much of a chance not being interested in the automotive industry,” Judson said. “I was molded to be a motorhead from birth.”
Stagnaro is now a shop foreman at Double A Automotive in Backus, Minnesota. With master technician status for the past three years, the young tech continues to look for learning opportunities. Recently, he began studying EV systems. He’s even purchased one to give him “a leg up in the aftermarket world when it comes time for them to be serviced.”
Although his career wasn’t all smooth sailing, from moving around a few times to when he first started at Double A four years ago he was the youngest tech by 37 years, Stagnaro never gave up.
“When I first came on, I was treated like I didn’t have much to offer in terms of knowledge,” he noted. “I was able to prove that the little I did know I knew well. Once I was able to prove myself in a way, I was respected much more.”
Stagnaro quickly became the “electrical problem guy” with his understanding of vehicle wiring and communication systems and then moved on to wearing many more hats including becoming the shop’s IT guy and managing the other technicians.
Through his dedication to learning the industry and taking on additional responsibilities in the shop, it’s no wonder why Stagnaro was named a top 10 candidate for the first annual PTEN and Motor Age Best Young Tech Award, a program aimed to recognize leading industry technicians aged 35 and younger.
PTEN and Motor Age magazines recently caught up with Stagnaro to discuss his future aspirations and to share some anecdotes.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
The best piece of advice I have gotten is to be teachable. No matter where I am in life if I am open to learn I will excel. And "just because it is a new part, doesn't mean it is a good part".
What is the most random item in your toolbox?
Either a recoil spring for a PPSh-41 or a desktop croquet set.
What are your career aspirations?
I am working towards my goal of owning an auto repair shop that will focus on future technologies and systems that we will be facing as an industry over the coming years.
What is your favorite tool and why?
Hands down my favorite tool is my electric ratchet. It helps me accomplish my tasks much faster and more efficiently than I ever could with a normal ratchet.
What was the most challenging or memorable repair you’ve worked on?
The most challenging I've recently experienced was a P0299 Turbo underboost on a Buick Encore. Through my diagnosis, I found ice in the intercooler and a faulty turbo. Long and short of it, I replaced both with factory parts and around three weeks later the owner returned with a P0299 again. With a whole day’s worth of diagnosis again we determined the new turbo to be faulty, and once replaced it has not returned. I doubt I will forget that any time soon.
The PTEN and Motor Age Best Young Tech Award will again be taking nominations later this year. For information on last year’s program, visit VehicleServicePros.com/2021bestyoungtech.
