Diesel mechanic and social media personality EZ Tech Joe routinely shares his enthusiasm for his craft and tools. He regularly engages followers with polls and chats in the comments and has been known to cleverly shut down a troll or two.
The First Mechanic In His Family
Unlike many people who end up in the automotive field, Joe was not guided there by his family. He didn’t know any mechanics growing up and is the first generation in his family to end up in the field. He had friends who drove semi trucks for a living and became fascinated with the mechanics behind the big rigs. He said, “I took an interest in them. Not to drive them, but instead, I was just interested in how the trucks operated.”
Around the time he began cultivating an interest in semi trucks, the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After seeing how vital semi trucks were to the global ecosystem, including medical professionals, the food industry, and others, Joe became interested in entering the industry. He figured that since semi-trucks are a vital part of multiple industries, he could explore his passion while working a steady job. “I eventually took a swing at it and haven’t looked back since. I fell in love with the business and also with the tools that keep the engines running!”
Getting Started
Joe started in the automotive industry three years ago as a tire and lube technician. He found this position offered a solid foundation on which to build his career. Along with his interest in semi-trucks, Joe was also interested in working on diesel engines because it presented a challenge.
Diesel engines aren’t limited to semis, however. Many cars and trucks on the road today have diesel engines, but they are also found on larger vessels, including marine ships. Right now, Joe primarily works on trucks and semis, but his expertise opens him up to a variety of vehicles.
"My philosophy is to run toward the jobs that everyone else runs from. That's how you build a great resume for yourself."
- EZ Tech Joe
Using The Right Tools
Soon after starting in the industry, Joe learned that the right tools make a difference. However, he advises new mechanics to take it slow. He says, “I tell new mechanics to budget their tools and build a great tool selection according to their needs starting out. They don’t need to go into debt trying to keep up with a tech with ten years of experience.”
Any new mechanics in the industry who want to know what tools they need to start their kits can easily find the information on the Ez Tech Joe YouTube page or social media feeds. He regularly posts videos featuring tool hauls, reviews, and deals. He shares videos reviewing different types of single tools or reviewing tools from various brands, including Capri Tools. Joe says that he sometimes loves using tools to do the job more than the job itself.
Watching his videos, it’s clear he has a passion for tools, often going into detail about what features of a tool make it higher quality. He illustrates quality through hypothetical scenarios that are easily relatable, which helps arm viewers with the information they need to choose tools.
The Skills to Succeed
Since Joe didn’t grow up around the garage, he offers a unique perspective. He entered the automotive industry to satisfy his fascination with diesel engines and to learn something new. He says the top five skills needed to be a successful diesel mechanic are:
- Patience
- Effort
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork
- A willingness to learn
Of all these skills, he says patience is the most important. Failure is a given in the business. On one of his first jobs, Joe didn’t line up the gears properly of a camshaft and ended up messing up the Mack truck’s timing. Instead of getting upset, he used the mistake as a lesson and has since never repeated it.
He credits his daily effort and drive to show up daily with his success. He tries to give his best on the job every day and not give up when things aren’t going well. Joe notes that every job will come with challenging days, and how each new mechanic responds to these setbacks defines how successful they will be. He enjoys being creative and says the solutions to problems in his work aren’t always obvious.
By applying these skills and being level-headed and adaptable in stressful situations, Joe has honed his skills and added some new ones. Recently, he has gotten certifications in air brakes and basic electricity. He currently is working on getting a master certification for Volvo engines and Mack trucks.
New Opportunities, New Challenges
Each day, Joe welcomes the opportunity to work hard, solve problems, and get dirty. He understands every job has positives and challenges and sees every project as a chance to learn and grow.
His top priority for each project is safety. Joe believes in taking care of oneself before trying to fix something for a client. He advises any diesel mechanic to have the proper gloves, glasses, and lighting before starting a job.
He also prides himself on offering quality services. To ensure reliability in his work, Joe likes to double-check or sometimes triple-check everything before sending a vehicle back to a client. He says it’s worth taking an extra 10 minutes to ensure an engine won’t break down after leaving the shop.
Building His Brand
While Joe continues to grow in his career, his social media viewers can come along for the ride. He routinely posts entertaining videos to social media. While many of them focus on the tools, some offer valuable career advice to up-and-comers.
He has walked viewers through some of the projects he works on as a fleet diesel mechanic and has chronicled some of the ups and downs of his career. Joe takes a no-nonsense approach in his videos, sharing the facts without being abrasive. His social media profiles offer valuable insights for people considering a career in the industry. His tool videos are great for DIYers and professionals alike.
Joe has been able to build the Ez Tech Joe brand by being authentic to his personality. He tells anyone who wants to enter the industry to give it a shot. “This career is simple but it’s not always easy. If you really want to try this then go for it! Find A great set of tools and strap up your boots! Stay away from the tool trucks and focus on your craft and you’ll be fine!”
