Bridging the Gap Between the Classroom and the Shop
Hi, I’m Dean—an automotive professor, lifelong technician, and the guy behind Diagnostics with Dean.
My journey didn’t begin with a textbook. It started in the garage with my dad and grandpa, back when diagnostics meant listening, feeling, and knowing your way around a carburetor. My grandpa was an old-school technician who taught me that good instincts are earned, not given.
That early spark of curiosity turned into a career built on turning wrenches, solving problems, and mentoring others to do the same. Whether you’re a student starting out, a shop owner looking for resources, or a weekend DIYer troubleshooting in your driveway—I’m glad you’re here.
From Dealership Bay to College Classroom
- ASE Master Technician: I’ve spent over 15 years diagnosing and repairing complex drivability issues as a General Motors-certified technician, with a specialty in electrical faults, transmission rebuilding, and advanced drivability diagnostics.
- Independent Shop Owner & Consultant: For over a decade, I’ve operated my own repair shop and consulted for independent facilities—helping them navigate the fast-changing world of modern vehicle systems.
- Educator Across All Levels: From high school and community college to the university classroom, I’ve brought real-world experience and diagnostic insight into every setting. Currently at Ferris State University, I focus on bridging technical skills with leadership, business, and career readiness.
- Education: Bachelor’s in Automotive Management, currently completing MBA.
Career Highlights
These aren’t just bullet points—they reflect what drives me: creating hands-on learning experiences that open doors for others.
Automotive Olympics
Developed and launched high school competition that brought students from across Northern Michigan to explore skilled trades and compete for trophies handmade by me.
SAE Baja Nationals
Led a team of Ferris State students to compete at the national SAE Baja competition in Marana, AZ—offering hands-on engineering and leadership experience on a national stage.
Skill-Building Summer Camps for Future Techs
Designed and led summer camps where middle and high school students learned real-world skills like soldering, changing oil, and how to safely change a flat tire—helping younger learners gain early confidence.
My Teaching Philosophy: Real-World Ready
My approach is rooted in real-world scenarios and hands-on problem solving. I believe the best way to learn is by doing—connecting classroom concepts to actual shop situations.
Whether I’m guiding students through live fault simulations or a teardown in lab, I focus on building the critical thinking skills needed to confidently diagnose, communicate, and adapt.
As an automotive education expert, I don’t just teach systems—I teach a mindset for success.
In and Out of the Classroom
I believe the best learning doesn’t just happen at a desk—it happens when students are engaged, challenged, and connected to real-world experiences.
That’s why I focus on creating opportunities that go beyond the lab:
Introducing the Trades, Early
Hosting hands-on workshops for visiting high school students, giving them a chance to explore the trades, try real shop tools, and ask questions about what a career in automotive can look like.
Engineering in Action
Advisor to the SAE Baja Racing team, mentoring students through real-world challenges in design, fabrication, and teamwork, culminating in national off-road competitions.
Building More Than Skill—Building Careers
Offers workshops on resume building, professional social media (LinkedIn), and interview prep, helping students develop soft skills and professionalism.
Real Employers. Real Conversations.
Students are required to attend career fairs, meet employers, and practice networking to turn classroom learning into real career opportunities.
From Student to Speaker
Proud moment: taking a student back to his former tech center to present his journey, inspiring future technicians.
Why Diagnostics with Dean?
This website and my YouTube channel are extensions of my classroom. They’re designed to make quality, practical automotive education accessible to everyone, from aspiring technicians to seasoned shop veterans.
- Free video lessons and walkthroughs on real diagnostic cases
- Downloadable diagnostic training tools and worksheets you can use in the bay to document, communicate, and solve complex problems
- Tools to help build trust with your customers and grow your shop’s professionalism
- Strategies that blend technical skill with career development
This isn’t theory. It’s the stuff I’ve done, tested, and taught—shared in a way that’s clear, respectful, and useful.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my academic journey and complete my MBA, I’m preparing to expand my impact beyond the classroom—speaking at national industry events, consulting with technical education programs, and supporting shops that want to elevate their diagnostic game.
If you’re interested in collaborating during the summer months or exploring custom workshop opportunities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always open to working with people who share the same mission to raise the bar in automotive education and repair.
My Mantra
“It’s not about knowing everything—it’s about learning something new every time you turn a wrench.”
That’s the mindset I bring to every class, every repair, and every video I make. Thanks for being here—and for investing in your own learning. Let’s keep growing, together.
– Dean