Eric Estes

• Name: Eric Estes

• Family: Wife, Corinne; two daughters, Krystina and Brianne

• City of residence/years in area: Marysville, 45 years

• Occupation: Self employed

• Employer/years: Estes Auto, 36 years

• Training/certifications: ASE Master Technician, Allen Institute of Technology, MAC certified and many more

• Years in the automotive industry: 36 years

• How did you get your start in automotive? From my dad, he was a mechanic and shop owner for more than 50 years. As a young boy, I watched my dad repair cars and I found it very interesting. So at the age of 5, I was taking things apart and putting them back together.

At the age of 7, I would take things apart to see how they worked and see how I could make them work better. At 9, I would help my dad in the shop when I was out of school and on weekends.

As I got older, I gained experience and started doing repairs on my own. Then I helped my dad with running the business until he retired in 1983, and then I took over the business. For the past 25 years, I have expanded the business and do almost every type of auto repair.

• What is the biggest problem facing the industry today? Keeping up with technology. There are not enough experienced mechanics to do the needed work. Technical training is very timely, and it takes a lot of effort to be a qualified technician.

• Where do you see the industry going in the future? New technologies are paving the way for more fuel-efficient vehicles that use gas, electric, hybrid and other alternative fuels. I, for one, see in the next 10 to 12 years that three out of five families will own a hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle that will get 100 miles or more per gallon of fuel.

• What is the most common problem with the vehicles that need to be serviced? Newer vehicles have high-tech electronic computer control modules, and sensor switches continuously send and receive information.

As with any electronic component, over time, they fail. This is due to driving conditions whether hot or cold.

The No. 1 problem I see is caused by bad batteries and loose or dirty connections. It is very important to monitor your battery and connections.

• What is the hardest part of your job? Paperwork and keeping up with technology.

• What advice would you give to aspiring mechanics or service techs? Study hard and get plenty of hands-on experience with help of a qualified mechanic/tech. Focus on doing quality repair work each time and every time. This will help build your reputation as a good mechanic/tech.

• What was the first car you owned and how did you afford it? 1966 Ford Mustang Notchback Coupe California Special. I paid $500 for it, but it needed lots of work. Over a 15 month period, I completely restored it from the ground up. With some help from Dad, I was able to afford it by working in the business with him.

• If you could have any car of any year, what would it be? 1964 Cobra Coupe; I really like these cars because they are old school.