Aug 11
31
An auto technician driving the brand they work on, is there a better endorsement than that?
Jon Brawdy, a technician at West Herr Subaru Kia, is a proud owner of two Kia vehicles: a Sorrento and Optima. 
“It’s a great product with minimal problems,” Jon said. “That brand has come a long way.” We even discussed and laughed about the famous Kia Hamster ad.
If there’s one thing that’s true, Jon Brawdy knows his work. He says his father was an owner operator truck driver and he has been around machines his entire life.
“John is the first guy in and is always willing to stay late if need be,” said Ed Shaffer, service manager at Subaru/Kia. Ed says John is humble and continually displays a solid work ethic.
Part of being a good technician is being a good problem solver. By all accounts, Jon Brawdy is just that. He goes on rides with customers to determine problems and determine the proper course of action.
“Jon is always working in the customer’s best interest,” said Shaffer. What auto customer wouldn’t want that?
Jon says he is comfortable in his work environment, gets along with his coworkers and knows his duties. He credits West Herr for treating their employees well.
He points to the recent heat wave as an example. As temperatures hit the mid 90s, the company supplied technicians with multiple large fans and coolers full of Gatorade and water.
“You don’t see a lot of companies do that,” he said. He also said the same about President Scott Bieler, who has come out to the shop to talk to the techs on multiple occasions.
Jon says he hopes to continue down the path he’s on and eventually retire and relax. Though he admits even if he did retire, he wouldn’t be too far from the garage.
“Honestly I’d probably still work on a few project cars,” he said. With that it’s clear that Jon Brawdy loves what he does, and isn’t that everyone’s goal?