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We could tell you that you won’t find a better place to work in the local automotive repair industry. We could tell you that our benefits, pay, and advancement opportunities are second to none. But if you want to really know what makes Rad Air such a strong employer in Northeast Ohio, you have to hear from our current employees.
Michael Balough, the head technician at Rad Air Parma Heights, has been with Rad Air for more than two decades. He grew up helping his dad fix cars in the backyard and after he got his driver’s license, he immediately got a job in a local repair shop, changing tires and performing other small repairs. In 2002, he made the move to Rad Air—and it was an easy decision. He wasn’t very happy where he was and a friend was working at Rad Air. Michael interviewed with Andy Fiffick and started at Rad Air the next Monday.
Twenty-one years later and Michael is still serving our clients.
What’s kept him at Rad Air for so long?
Michael notes things like excellent pay, benefits, company outings, Christmas dinners, no holidays, excellent health care, and a 401K. But perhaps the most important factor is the team.
“Everybody gets along great,” says Michael. “We are quality, honest technicians who are willing to learn and help each other.”
If he wasn’t already working at Rad Air, he would be excited to apply because of Rad Air’s exceptionally high-tech and modern equipment.
“[Rad Air] is so different from other places,” says Michael. If something is needed, he asks for it and it arrives. The shop managers provide whatever is needed for the team.
Michael is currently mentoring a younger technician at the Parma Heights shop, sharing his knowledge and experience to strengthen the team.
It is so important for young people to consider a career in the automotive repair industry—and for them to receive hands-on, personalized training to help them excel in their chosen field. Andy Fiffick, Bill Snow, and other leaders at Rad Air make it a priority to visit local schools to talk about the shops and the opportunities that exist.
That’s how Bill Snow connected with Landon Zanick, a lube technician at Rad Air Westlake.
Landon started at Rad Air Westlake in December 2022. After he listened to Bill Snow talk to his school—the Matrix Trade Institute—he emailed Bill and then came to the store and asked for an interview.
Landon did bring some experience to Rad Air: He had worked at a dealer for 1.5 years before he went to school and then at another automotive repair shop doing oil changes and small repairs.
“It was appealing that everyone listens,” says Landon about his first days at Rad Air. “Lots of open communication. Lots of training and instruction. People are always available for questions and they provide answers.”
Landon appreciates the team and the culture at the Westlake shop, from enjoying cookouts and lunches with the team to knowing that any tools you need will be provided by the shop. He is also grateful for the opportunity to be mentored and trained by experienced automotive technicians.
“The biggest difference is that Rad Air will train you,” says Landon. “It made such a difference to know that daily training would happen. You aren’t held back to doing just the things you know [how to do].”
Landon is working towards becoming a brake repair specialist and then wants to become a suspension expert. Rad Air supports his personal goals and will provide any support along the way to help him continue to expand his skillset and advance his career.
We wish we could tell you every single Rad Air employee’s unique story and path to working in one of our automotive repair shops. Michael and Landon are two examples of how Rad Air can be a great fit for a mechanic with extensive experience to someone just entering the automotive trades right out of school. No matter what skills and experience you bring, we will work hard to give you every chance for success. You’ll be surrounded with a strong, caring team and provided with training and advancement opportunities—not to mention the positive and fun work environment.
If you would like to see current opportunities, please take a look below and apply today.