Every year, thirty finalists representing the highest caliber Technicians across Cox Automotive compete for the title of Top Tech Grand Champions. Thirty arrive as challengers, but just three left as champions.
Congratulations to the 2023 winners:
Jose Feliciano, Zach Nikorak and Michael “Jr” Kerfoot
HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK CHAMPION
JOSE FELICIANO (CAMFS)
LIGHT/MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCK CHAMPION
ZACH NIKORAK (CAMFS)
TRAILER CHAMPION
MICHAEL “JR” KERFOOT (CAMFS)
The resounding echoes of technical excellence, unwavering determination, and a few loud lift gates filled the air as Top Tech unfolded at the Indiana Convention Center this year from August 10-13. Amidst an atmosphere of competition and camaraderie, Cox Automotive’s most adept technicians showcased their skills in an intense skills competition.
Top Tech 2023 Champions pictured left to right: AJ Snyder, Zach Nikorak, Bud Haney, Michael “Jr” Kerfoot, Jose Felciano, Jeremy Piepmeier
WHERE EXCELLENCE MEETS INNOVATION
Out of an impressive initial pool of 2500 participants, a select 30 contenders managed to secure their coveted spots in Indianapolis. These individuals, representing the pinnacle of technical proficiency, exhibited their skills in three distinct categories: Light/Medium Duty, Heavy-Duty, and Trailer.
A TEST OF SKILLS AND COMPOSURE
The much-anticipated Top Tech competition is a pinnacle event that brings together technicians from diverse corners of the trucking industry. In Indianapolis, the stage was set for an exhilarating showdown, where the contestants were tested on their technical knowledge through multiple written exams ranging from wiring diagrams to hazard symbol identification, and their ability to perform under intense pressure through hands-on problem solving.
PRECISION UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
With each move under scrutiny and every second counting down from several stop clocks displayed high in the battle arena, the competitors faced a dual challenge of written and practical exams. These challenges were designed to push the boundaries of their technical acumen and problem-solving skills, all under the watchful eyes of experienced judges. The strict time limits added an element of intensity, as participants had to execute tasks flawlessly while racing against the clock.
Congratulations to the remaining 2023 Top Tech Runners-up
HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK RUNNER-UP
JEREMY PIEPMEIER (CAMFS)
LIGHT/MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCK RUNNER-UP
AJ SNYDER (MANHEIM)
TRAILER RUNNER-UP
BUD HANEY (TRUDELL)
Congratulations to the remaining 2023 Top Tech Finalist
Heavy-duty Truck Finalists
Jeff Nichols
Kyle Adams
Mike Colt
Ben Deisig
Travis Morgan
Brandon Yost
Chris Brekwoldt
Wayne Hochgesang
Light/Medium-duty Truck Finalists
Michael Naish
Tomas Perez
Brian Andrews
Juan Carlos
John Picinich
Eric Normandie
Chris Dziedzak
Craig Lafferty
Trailer Finalists
Dillon Grimes
Nathan Jones
Levi Stegemoller
Lance Mitchey
Curtis Harris
Jim Haltman
Jessie Duncan
Peter Aumau
THE COMPETITION
We had a full day of competition on Friday and picked back up for the finals rounds on Saturday. Our techs were focused on their work as they rotated through multiple hands-on and knowledge-based stations.
THE AWARDS BANQUET
Saturday’s banquet was a night devoted to our competitors. We celebrated with good food, conversation, and the announcement of our winners. Each of the 30 finalists were also recognized and received a customized pocketknife.
We are already pumped for next year and eager to see who our next round of finalists and champions will be.
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Hey, awards are wonderful. We’re always grateful for positive recognition. But to us, the most important thing about these honors is that they’re based on feedback from our employees, customers and community partners. We really love that. Below are just a few. See all awards here.
Hey, awards are wonderful. We’re always grateful for positive recognition. But to us, the most important thing about these honors is that they’re based on feedback from our employees, customers and community partners. We really love that. Below are just a few. See all awards here.
