Todd Hawkins, senior vice president of maintenance at First Student, has spent nearly 46 years shaping the vehicle maintenance industry. Rather than focusing on numbers or fleet size, he emphasizes the importance of people—how to nurture, retain, and inspire them. As technician shortages grow across industries, Hawkins' strategies provide a roadmap for fostering a robust workforce by blending traditional leadership with cutting-edge technology.

Hawkins prioritizes investing in employees, promoting transparency, embracing innovation, nurturing leaders, and adapting to generational shifts. His approach not only reduces turnover rates but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Certified technicians leave First Student at half the rate of uncertified staff, proving the effectiveness of his methods.

Cultivating Talent: Beyond Tools, Toward Growth

Todd Hawkins believes that attitude trumps aptitude when hiring new talent. By offering comprehensive training programs and encouraging professional certifications, First Student ensures its technicians are equipped with both skills and recognition. The company celebrates achievements like certifications through newsletters and social events, reinforcing the value placed on employee development.

Investment in people starts with identifying candidates who exhibit positive attitudes, even if they lack technical expertise initially. First Student provides full funding for ASE certification, which correlates directly with lower turnover rates among certified technicians. This focus on growth creates an environment where employees feel supported and motivated to excel. Celebrating milestones further strengthens this culture of appreciation, transforming jobs into long-term careers.

Empowering Teams Through Transparency and Innovation

Transparency is key to fostering accountability within teams. At First Student, shops receive monthly rankings based on performance metrics, creating opportunities for mentorship rather than punishment. Pairing underperforming locations with stronger ones encourages knowledge sharing, shifting the organizational culture from blame to collaboration. This system helps technicians learn from peers while improving overall efficiency.

In addition to transparent practices, Hawkins champions technological advancements such as predictive analytics and digital platforms. These tools enable early detection of mechanical issues, reducing breakdowns and enhancing fleet readiness. For younger recruits accustomed to tech-driven environments, these innovations serve as recruitment advantages. Furthermore, integrating systems like HALO unifies operations, providing real-time insights that boost safety and operational excellence. Embracing change while explaining its purpose ensures all team members understand and benefit from modern solutions.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, Green Drop, an automobile maintenance and repair company based in Portland, Oregon, is making waves as an environmentally conscious business. Founded by Farhad Ghafarzade, this organization has become a leader in eco-friendly practices within the Pacific Northwest's auto industry. The company attributes its success to customer demand for greener services, utilizing innovative techniques such as re-refined motor oil and comprehensive recycling programs. Despite its modest size, operating six locations across Portland, Green Drop stands out as one of Oregon's few certified B-Corps, meeting high environmental and social standards.

A Closer Look at Green Drop's Sustainable Practices

Established amidst the vibrant landscape of Portland, Oregon, Green Drop emerged under the vision of its founder, Farhad Ghafarzade. This enterprise did not initially set out to be a pioneer but has naturally assumed that role due to its commitment to environmental stewardship. At the heart of Green Drop's operations lies their utilization of re-refined motor oil, which offers significant environmental advantages over traditional alternatives. By collecting used oil, purifying it, and reintroducing it into circulation, they create a closed-loop system conserving energy and resources.

Beyond motor oil, Green Drop implements numerous green initiatives. These include recycling waste oils, coolants, and other fluids via specialized contractors, employing low-VOC chemicals, establishing a thorough battery recycling program, offering sustainably manufactured tires, and providing electric vehicle (EV) loaners alongside bicycles during summer months. Their meticulous attention extends even to shop floor cleaning methods, ensuring no harmful substances enter storm drains. Partnerships with local utilities further enhance these efforts, allowing customers temporary access to EVs powered by renewable energy sources like wind.

Ghafarzade emphasizes balancing quality service with ecological responsibility, prioritizing customer satisfaction while advocating for sustainable choices. He envisions continued growth through incremental improvements benefiting employees, the environment, and communities alike.

From a journalistic perspective, Green Drop serves as a shining example of how businesses can integrate environmental considerations without compromising service excellence or profitability. It challenges conventional perceptions about what constitutes responsible corporate behavior in traditionally non-eco-centric industries. For readers, this story inspires reflection on individual contributions toward sustainability and encourages supporting companies aligning values with actions beneficial to both people and planet.