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Powertrain Expo 2026!
Below is a list of this year’s speakers! Click the image to expand it for a closer look!
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Technical Speakers
About Reese
Technical Director, AAMCO University ATRA Member for 30+ Years With over three decades in the transmission repair industry, Reese Blalock brings a unique blend of hands-on experience, diagnostic insight, and a passion for technician development. A long-time ATRA member and former technical support specialist, Reese has built a career supporting shops and techs across the country — from the bench to the classroom. As Technical Director for AAMCO University, he now leads training initiatives focused on practical diagnostics, modern drivability challenges, and technician growth. Reese remains committed to sharing knowledge across the industry and honoring the craft shared by all who turn wrenches.
About Sean
Sean Boyle has been an automotive instructor at Southern Illinois University since 1997, teaching courses on Automotive Drivetrains, Automatic Transmissions, Vehicle Stability, Electric Vehicles, and Comprehensive Diagnostics. He thrives on the challenges of researching and teaching emerging vehicle technology. Sean is a Master ASE Certified technician with advanced L1, L2, L3, and L4 certifications. A respected voice in the field, he frequently publishes his technical studies and research in automotive service trade journals, including ATRA’s GEARS Magazine.
About JimJim has been in the transmission industry for over 40 years. He is currently a technical specialist at Sonnax working on research and development, assisting with design of transmission valve kits, developing hydro-electric tests for remanufactured valve bodies and solenoids and aiding in technical support of our products for customers. Prior to his nine years at Sonnax, Jim was a shop owner, transmission builder and worked for ATSG for 20 years, writing repair manuals, hydraulic circuit manuals and speaking at seminars.
About Maria
María Fernanda Erazo Gallegos is an Ecuadorian mechanical engineer specializing in automatic transmissions and holds an MBA in International Business. Growing up in her father’s shop, she developed a lifelong passion for the automotive world. With over 28 years of experience and certifications from ATRA and ATSG, she is the President of ATRA’s Latin American Chapter. María Fernanda owns and directs Talleres Caja Rosa in Cuenca, Ecuador—a diagnostic, repair, and training center. Her career seamlessly combines technical expertise, entrepreneurship, and a fierce advocacy for gender equity in automotive engineering.
About Aaron
Started my automotive education at Greater Lowell Technical High School. During my time in high school, I worked in a Co-op program that had me working full days in a Dealership every other week. Like many other technicians, I have been working on anything with an engine since I could hold a ratchet. After high school, I went on to graduate from UNOH (University of Northwestern Ohio) with an associate degree in Automotive High Performance. After graduation, I worked for a performance shop building fast street & race cars. I worked for a Ford dealership, flat rate, where I honed my diagnostic skills. I then made a big change working on heavy-duty trucks and equipment.
About Dan
Dan Marinucci has been a trusted voice covering the auto repair industry for trade journals since 1976. He spent 31 years writing technical features and a monthly foreign car column for MOTOR magazine, and since 1989, he has written a regular automotive management column for TIRE BUSINESS magazine. Dan is also a frequent technical contributor to ATRA’s GEARS magazine. A seasoned educator, he has been presenting technical seminars nationwide, including across Canada, since 1993. This year proudly marks Dan’s 31st appearance at ATRA’s Powertrain Expo.
About Francisco
Francisco holds the position of N.A. Powertrain & E-Mobility Category Manager Lead with ZF Aftermarket. His position supports the development of products for the IAM and as a trainer, supports the growth and training of technicians in the independent aftermarket. Francisco has over 15 years of experience at ZF on the remanufacturing production lines in both passenger car and commercial vehicle. Moreno is able to use his previous knowledge and experience of working on the remanufacturing production line to educate those technicians in the field. A priority of Moreno is to engage and educate technicians in the growing IAM automotive markets. ZF is proud to be able to bring our guidance and technical expertise to a larger technician population. Remanufacturing at ZF is a finely tuned process to ensure the transmissions run like-new after proper diagnosis and overhaul of the product. Francisco‘s background includes a heavy focus on the ZF 6, 8 and 9-speed transmissions, as well as ZF Commercial Vehicle transmissions and axles.
About John
John Parmenter is an ASE Certified Master Technician, transmission rebuilder, and shop owner based on Long Island, New York, where his facility handles a large volume of dealer warranty work. He also serves as a technical advisor for Precision International, handling technical service calls and answering questions on their website, TransmissionKits.com. John’s training seminars are in high demand worldwide because they are heavily rooted in the real-world diagnostic and mechanical problems encountered daily in today’s transmission shops.
About Pepe
Pepe Torres is a professional in Automatic Transmission Systems, he has vast hands-on experience on improving performance, software and cooling for transmission systems, he has focused and developed an interest for light diesel truck transmission systems. His techniques have caught attention and have been followed by other transmission rebuilders in the industry. He presents seminars at ATRA and Workpac expos. He continues to share his knowledge and technique with other techs in the industry. Owner and transmission rebuilder of AUS-TEX Transmission since 2005.
About BobBob Warnke has been delivering highly regarded presentations to the automotive industry since 1991. Getting his start at GM during the days of the THM 200 and 125, Bob built a diverse career spanning volume remanufacturing, education, and shop ownership. He is currently a consultant at Sonnax, where he has spent 26 years working with colleagues to develop unique, industry-leading solutions. Outside the transmission industry, Bob is dedicated to his nonprofit, Haven on Rice Creek, a retreat center that supports grieving individuals, youth mentoring, and ministry teams.
About Mark
Mark, an ASE Master Tech, brings nearly 30 years of experience to the transmission industry with a passion for education. Mark progressed from R&R, to builder, to manager, to the Transmission & Electrical Diagnostics Instructor at the NASCAR Technical Institute. Mark then opened his own transmission shop before joining WIT as the HP Tuner & Lead Warranty Tech.
About Eric
Eric Ziegler, owner of EZ Diagnostic Services in Jacksonville, FL, specializes in module programming, drivability diagnostics, networking issues, and ADAS calibrations. With over 35 years of technical experience, Eric holds 17 ASE certifications, including Master Tech, A9, MD Truck, and L1/L2/L3 Advanced Diagnostics. He serves as an ASE Subject Matter Expert and contributes to Motorage and ABRN magazines. An acclaimed instructor, Eric trains technicians nationwide for Automotive Seminars, Inc., The Driveability Guys, and major industry events like AAPEX/SEMA. He also co-founded EZ Tech Mentors to help shops cultivate a culture of learning and improve diagnostic skills.
About Don
Don Smith is a Senior Director at Elitek Vehicle Services (part of LKQ Corporation), leading advanced diagnostics and remote programming solutions. As the former owner of Elite Electronics, Don brings extensive hands-on experience in vehicle diagnostics, module programming, and complex system integration. He specializes in OEM-level programming, including Stellantis platforms, and developed scalable remote programming workflows used nationwide. Passionate about bridging the gap between traditional mechanical repair and software-driven vehicles, Don will share practical strategies for successful OEM transmission programming with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and profitability.
Bill Anthony
Bill Anthony began his career as an apprentice heavy-duty mechanic in 1972 before graduating from the Denver Automotive and Diesel College. A Master ASE-certified technician with over 54 years of experience, Bill spent 18 years as the Director of R&D for Toledo Trans-it. He holds patents for crucial transmission upgrades, including the A604 reinforcement plate and the Hercules ring for 4R100 units. In 2019, Bill joined the Whatever It Takes (WIT) family, where he serves as the Director of Reman Operations for WIT / Roadmaster Powertrain. Bill and his wife have five children, 10 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Bob White
Bob White brings over four decades of experience in engineering, sales, and entrepreneurship. A patented inventor with 27 years as an R&D specialist and tech hotline expert, Bob has served as Global Sales Manager at Superior Transmission Parts, Inc. for 18 years. His expertise extends to trademarking and branding, having worked with companies like Fairbanks and TransLab Engineering. Before joining the Superior team in 2008, he successfully owned and operated an auto shop in Southern California for 21 years. A dedicated family man, Bob’s career is defined by innovation, profound technical expertise, and a steadfast dedication to helping others succeed.
Adam Robertson
Adam Robertson brings over 40 years of experience as an automotive technician, instructor, and shop owner. Since 1991, he has operated repair and training facilities, blending standard diagnostics with high-performance dyno tuning and racing support. Adam has been trained at CARQUEST Technical Institute since 1999, educating technicians across the U.S. with his contagious energy. A Subject Matter Expert, he has authored numerous training curricula and books. Adam stays hands-on, spending his free time diagnosing problem vehicles at West Coast shops or providing remote support via DiagNation. He also previously hosted the consumer radio program, “The Northwest Auto Show.”
Buffy Schlak
Buffy Schlak is a National Field Trainer for ZF, specializing in braking control systems and advanced commercial vehicle technologies. Since joining ZF in 2003, she has supported customers nationwide with technical training, product expertise, and consultative solutions. Armed with over two decades of experience and a B.S. in Automotive Technology from Pittsburg State University, Buffy brings deep industry knowledge spanning both passenger cars and commercial trucks to her training sessions.
Management Speakers
About Lance Wiggins
Lance Wiggins, CEO of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), brings decades of experience as a technician, Technical Director, and lifelong coach. Having shared his time between ATRA and the athletic field for 25 years, Lance learned exactly what it takes to build cohesive units and execute strategies under pressure from top NCAA and NFL coaches. Today, his goal remains putting the team in the best position to win. Since 1954, ATRA has supported over 2,000 members with research, standards, and community. Lance champions the ATRA Powertrain Expo as the industry’s ultimate training camp and championship game, urging anyone serious about their shop’s future to get off the sidelines and into the action.
About Rodger Bland
With over 40 years in the automotive industry and 30+ years with ATRA and GEARS Magazine, Rodger Bland is dedicated to advancing transmission repair and personal development. As Managing Editor of GEARS, he delivers vital technical and managerial content. In 2006, he co-founded ATRA’s “What’s Working” management program, providing actionable business strategies based on industry trends. Having engaged with thousands of shop owners, Rodger’s upcoming talk will explore the profound influence of emotional states on decision-making, performance, and success. Additionally, Rodger’s 30-year tenure as the voice of Atascadero Greyhound football perfectly integrates his team-building knowledge with his professional game plan.
About Jim Cathcart
Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE, is the author of 28 books on business and personal success. He has been part of the ATRA family for almost 20 years. He has been hired by the US White House to train speakers, has spoken at the United Nations, has given a 5-year lecture tour of China, has presented a TEDx talk with almost 3 million views, and has trained many of the world’s leading success gurus and professional speakers. He also plays guitar and sings in nightclubs, rides his Triumph Bonneville 1200 motorcycle all over the county, and conducts classes for MBA schools and the University of Texas. Contact him at Cathcart.com.
About MaryannMaryann Croce is a 25-year automotive transmission shop owner and the founder of Small Biz Vantage. She helps auto shop owners stop working 24/7 and create businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable. Having experienced firsthand the intense demands of running her own transmission shop, Maryann built a team-driven operation that ultimately freed her from day-to-day responsibilities. Today, she coaches, speaks, and writes for industry publications on business performance, operations, and effective delegation. Her mission is simple yet powerful: helping shop owners build thriving businesses and lives that they truly enjoy—making it a win for their customers, their teams, and their families.
About Melissa “Birdie” Patterson
Melissa “Birdie” Patterson has spent nearly 30 years working inside independent auto repair shops. Growing from hands-on shop work into management, she helps owners navigate growth, pressure, and transition. A former shop manager and I-CAR-certified collision estimator, Birdie teaches in classroom settings, turning real-world shop experience into practical tools that leaders can use immediately. Through her company, Bird’s iSocial, she works year-round with leadership teams to strengthen workplace culture, clarify their core message, and align marketing with actual shop operations. She is a trusted voice in automotive training classrooms nationwide and serves on the board of Amazing Women in Automotive (AWiA).
About Carl Borsani
Carl Borsani is a seasoned marketing professional with 37 years of experience helping automotive and technical service businesses improve customer conversion. He founded Graphic Home, LLC in 1998, helping hundreds of businesses modernize their digital strategies. For over 15 years, Carl has partnered closely with ATRA members, providing targeted marketing, website development, and digital advertising specifically tailored to auto repair shops. A featured speaker at past ATRA Powertrain Expos, Carl specializes in aligning digital strategy with customer decision-making. His expertise spans SEO, Google Ads, brand positioning, and end-to-end customer experience optimization, helping shop owners build trust and prevent customer loss before they even make contact.
Mission Accomplished – Special Forces Leadership Tactics Can Boost Your Shop’s Performance
About Major Jon Tschetter (retired)
Jon Tschetter is a decorated leader having served as an Airborne Ranger, Green Beret, ODA (A-Team) Commander, and Special Forces Company Commander primarily operating in the Middle East. He conducted more than 85 combat operations behind enemy lines during his career and spent 2 years with Black Water as a Detail Leader and Program Manager protecting U.S. Diplomats in Iraq.
Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) teams are extremely agile, highly-trained, cross-trained, and committed to one another. The secret to an ODA’s success is mutual trust, clarity of purpose and mission.
About Jay Gubrud
Jay Gubrud is a high-octane catalyst for performance, leadership, and joy-driven success.
As a dynamic keynote speaker, seasoned trainer, author, and trusted consultant, Jay has spent over two decades helping individuals and organizations break through barriers and thrive. His presentations are more than just insightful—they’re a spark that ignites real transformation, encouraging people to lead with authenticity and tap into what truly energizes them.
Jay believes that when people find and follow their joy, performance takes care of itself. His work inspires audiences to reconnect with what makes them come alive and use that energy to fuel collaboration, innovation, and results.
A few fun facts about Jay:
- He’s been riding motorcycles since the age of 7.
- He once made an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
- He’s taken a ride in a rare Ferrari F40—valued at over $3 million.
- He’s never missed a speaking engagement in over 20 years.
- He doesn’t like mushrooms (yet), but he’s still giving them a chance.
Discover more at www.jaygubrud.com
His gift is making complex ideas relatable!
About Thom
Marketing Coach Thom Tschetter fixes marketing mistakes.
Thom Tschetter is a seasoned business leader, writer, and a speaker who makes complex topics easy to understand and simple to implement.
Thom retired as the CEO of an award-winning, multi-unit transmission business in Washington State. In 1996 his company was honored as the number 1 small business in the state and ranked in the top 10, nationally.
Thom says, “It takes a top-down, front-to-back Winning Culture. A Winning Culture isn’t just posters on the wall; it’s understanding that the shop only wins when the customer wins.”
Thom also traveled throughout North America as a motivational speaker and management trainer with ATRA. Since 1992, he has published hundreds of business management articles in various trade magazines, and he continues to write a monthly column called “Up Your Business” for GEARS Magazine. ATRA presented Thom with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Training in 2022.
About Kit and Amy Lindsay
Kit Lindsay is a lifelong veteran of the automotive industry. He opened his transmission shop in 1984 at age 22 and successfully ran it for 37 years before retiring and selling the business in 2021. An AP/IA, Kit now spends his days at his hangar, tinkering with airplanes and rebuilding antique transmissions.
Amy Lindsay is a lifelong veteran of the professional ballroom dancing industry. She has owned and operated two independent ballroom studios, plus an event center with her husband, Kit. Amy is also the co-founder of Act for Missouri, a political watchdog organization dedicated to exposing corruption in state politics.
Lauralee “Lola” Schmidt
Lauralee “Lola” Schmidt burst onto the Auto Care scene in 2016. Joining her husband at Schmidt Auto Care, she was terrified to leave Corporate America but quickly found her sweet spot in branding and process development. Her years in corporate cosmetics led her to recognize the true beauty and opportunities within auto shops. Known as the “Policy Princess” in Auto Care, Lola is much more: a homeschool mom, a pop-up greenhouse operator, a writer/musician, and a fierce advocate for local women business leaders. Growth, development, and forward movement are where Lola lives, and she wants nothing more than to drive the auto care industry in that same positive direction.
