After serving as a Marine, the creator behind Criss Motorsports has found a new calling — and a lot of new fans. While he primarily works as an Apprentice Porsche Technician, he has also amassed nearly 6,000 followers on TikTok.
Proud Veteran Jason Criss
Like many people of his generation, Jason was moved to join the military shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He enlisted as an Infantryman in the U.S. Marine Corps and served three tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His time in the military came to an end in nearly a decade later, in 2011. After which, Jason spent the next decade pursuing careers in various fields such as project management, aerospace, private high-speed rail, and real estate development.
Following His Drive
Like many service members who leave active duty, Jason took some time to figure out his next move. With years of project management and other experiences under his belt, He knew he wanted more from his career and felt ready to make a change. So, rather than just looking for another job, Jason decided to pursue his passion.
Growing up, Jason watched his dad work on cars in his family’s garage and became fascinated with building and repairing engines. Along with enjoying the family bonding time in the garage, he was also driven to a career in the automotive industry because he enjoys the intricacies involved with the work. He said, “I’ve always enjoyed learning how things work. Taking things apart, seeing the inner workings, and fully understanding what makes a car work is very interesting to me.”
Ready for his next move and inspired by this lifelong love of cars, Jason used the education benefits offered under the Post-9/11 G.I. bill to break into the automotive industry. He enrolled at the Advance Technology Institute, or ATI, in the fall of 2022. By the spring of 2023, Porsche — his favorite brand — offered him a job as an Apprentice Technician. Now, his position as an Apprentice Porsche Technician has given him the ability to become intimately familiar with the engines he loves, working on all models in the shop. At home, he works on various cars for family and friends, so he knows his way around everyday engines as well as high-performance models.
Becoming a Great Technician
At Porsche, Jason is learning the ropes of his apprenticeship. His favorite part of the job is diagnostics, considering it a skill that separates good technicians from great technicians, and he prides himself on being able to find the source of a problem. With new technology, mechanics can be more creative and get down into an engine without actually having to tear it apart.
When tackling new challenges, diagnostic or otherwise, Jason relies on the tools at his disposal. He likes to review repair manuals the night before a job to see what is in store for the next day. If he knows he will be working on an unfamiliar part or repair, he’ll take the time to carefully review instructions and prepare. Preparation is essential to his ability to work thoroughly and efficiently.
Working with Capri Tools
With such limited room to maneuver, having the right tools can vastly improve a tricky repair. He said that Capri Tools’s ⅜” Flex-Head Ratchet “seems to be in my hand 90% of the day,” using it for Porsche 911 repairs and most other jobs. The tool’s low profile and flexing ratchet make it perfect for managing the tight squeezes common in Porsche repairs.
While this ratchet is his main standby, it is not the only Capri Tools tool in Jason’s box. He said he was initially drawn to the brand’s affordability. “Tools can be very expensive. However, Capri Tools has made that challenge so much more affordable.” He now uses Capri Tools every day. “They have been great in a professional setting,” he said, and “I have not had any issues at all with them.”He also commended Capri Tools’s quick shipping and customer service: “When I need something else, Capri Tools is quick to ship and get me what I need.”
Taking Over the Internet
He posts repair videos alongside vlogs about weekend getaways and things like his daughter’s first figure skating competition. With his balanced content and approachable, down-to-earth style, he seems like a friend you would ask for car or life advice. He invites audience discussions in the comments and answers viewer questions. Not only does he share his passion for cars with his family, but also with the world. Now, his page is gaining traction quickly.
Inspiring the Next Generation
While the instructors were simply stating that it can be difficult to get work with a luxury brand without getting your feet wet first, he was not deterred. He took the initiative and applied to his dream job without any professional experience. His greatest achievement to date is working for Porsche even when people said it was not possible. His best time on the job came when he got to pull his first engine out of a Porsche.
Now, he wants to encourage other technicians just starting out to follow in his footsteps. “Apply where you want to work and go sell yourself,” he said. “Don’t let them say no. Tell them exactly why they need you on their team.” In his eyes, anyone entering the industry should come with patience and imagination.
