Reforming Conventional Practices in the Automotive Space

Reese Blalock, Director of Automotive Technical Education and Development, AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care

Reese Blalock is a results-driven professional with decades of extensive experience in the automotive repair industry. His journey encompasses diverse roles, from hands-on rebuilding and service center management to overseeing warehousing and manufacturing operations. A highly adaptable leader, Blalock has consistently delivered outstanding personal and team performances throughout his career.

In an interview with Auto Business Outlook, Blalock sheds light on recent trends in the automotive training and development space and their impact on the industry’s future.

Can you walk me through your current roles and responsibilities?

As the director of automotive technical education and development, my responsibilities extend to overseeing and actively participating in the technical support provided to our 500 to 600 franchisees. This service extends to our diverse technician base of approximately 4,000 individuals, ranging from entry-level technicians to seasoned professionals with decades of experience.

Our services are available in various forms, including in-person and online training, as well as one-on-one telephone assistance. Delegating tasks to the technical support team is part of my role. I am also consistently engaged in refining and optimizing our processes and adapting to industry changes. The freedom to innovate and improve processes is a tremendous asset that contributes to the success of our team. The key lies in staying attuned to the specific needs of the automotive industry and implementing technological advancements that streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

The key lies in staying attuned to the specific needs of the automotive industry and implementing technological advancements that streamline processes and enhance efficiency

Prior to joining AAMCO, I operated a couple of automotive centers for 35 years. I have been fortunate to experience the same level of independence at AAMCO, making effective decisions that are in the best interest of the company. The freedom to innovate and improve processes is a tremendous asset that contributes to the success of our team.

What impact do emerging trends like automation and machine learning have on the automotive industry?

Terms like automation are associated more often with manufacturing than technical services in this industry. On the learning and development side, we are integrating AI to improve workflow efficiency by optimizing day-to-day processes that traditionally relied on physical monitoring. We have evolved from using traditional methods like VHS tapes, CDs and DVDs to embracing virtual platforms for online education. We go the extra mile to ensure that our technicians stay abreast of emerging technologies.

What do you envision for the automotive industry in the upcoming months?

The buzz around electric vehicles is undeniable, and they are surely on the rise. However, I believe hybrids will have a more prominent role than full-scale EVs in the near future. We have been actively training on hybrid vehicles for nearly eight years, preparing ourselves to cater to a growing customer base. In contrast to what was predicted five years ago, the integration of EVs may slow down due to the infrastructure development and practical implementation challenges. This, coupled with the longevity of vehicles currently in operation, suggests that the situation will not change rapidly for the industry over the next decade.