Grace in the garage: WyoTech's Mathis explains how to reach young technicians

RALEIGH, North Carolina—When Jim Mathis, owner of the trade school WyoTech, spoke at American Trucking Associations' Technology and Maintenance Council Fall Meeting luncheon, he broke down what it really takes to excel not only as a manager, but as a mentor. From his perspective, trainers and teachers must not only instill the skills to maintain commercial vehicles, but also patiently encourage the next generation of technicians as they enter the workforce.

“Young people, depending on the background that they come from, probably weren't raised like us—they probably need a little grace," the former WyoTech student and instructor asserted.

Mathis, who now spends more time on his ranch, highlighted a common mindset among some service managers trying to break their young bucks: “‘I learned it the hard way, so I expect you to learn it the hard way.’”

That's not the best tactic for incoming diesel techs, which the industry desperately needs to retain.

“If we're going to grow our organizations, we cannot have that attitude,” Mathis explained. “We have to mentor them. We have to show these kids grace. We have to encourage them. We have to show them so they can build confidence in what they're doing, and we will have some awesome employees.”

Mathis reflected on his own experience leaving home at the age of 14. Although the older man he worked for was otherwise "the most critical, cynical person you have ever met in your life," he showed a young Mathis kindness. “I screwed up several times while working for him, but he always showed me grace,” Mathis recalled, “and what that did for me was build my confidence, build my enthusiasm.”

That philosophy has stayed with him throughout his career, inspiring how he mentors students at WyoTech. Mathis credits his love for learning to the great mentorship and guidance he received from his teachers.

“As leaders of our companies, we've gotta show mentorship, leadership, and grace,” he said. “If we have someone that's willing to show up and have a half-decent attitude, how do we pour our hearts and lives into those young people to make them successful?”

Mathis didn’t just speak from his own learning experience, illustrating his point with stories of the young people he’s mentored over the years.

One such story involved a student nicknamed Bear, the son of a good friend whom Mathis reluctantly agreed to hire. Early on, a mishap with a Chevy Tahoe resulted in a tire separating from the rim. The inner fender well was also pulled out, taking engine wires with it. The repairs and tow amounted to over $4,000. 

“For those two or three days, I was angry,” Mathis said, “But it's just like God says: 'Show this kid grace.'”

In the end, Bear proved himself, becoming an accomplished welder, and continued on to own a welding business building high-end, circular steel staircases in Washington.

“I always wonder if I hadn't shown that kid grace at the right time, at the right moment, would he have accomplished what he's accomplished?” Mathis pondered. “I truly think he would not have.”

His next story was about a student named Dawson, who was referred to Mathis by the boy’s uncle. The 16-year-old was struggling with depression, and his uncle hoped that a summer working on the ranch might help. Mathis obliged.

“The first thing I did was I started calling him ‘Awesome Dawson,” he detailed. “We taught him how to weld, because there's something about welding and doing something with your hands where there's mechanical, running equipment. It builds confidence and it’s engaging.”

Mathis went on to describe Dawson’s transformation into a helpful addition to the ranch. He currently owns a welding fabrication company in Colorado Springs.

“I tell these stories because I really want to encourage all of us to show patience, show grace when we have these young people coming into our organization,” he concluded, “to really show them that they can be someone.”