TRAIN WITH THE BEST!
For automotive repair technicians investing in advanced training on today’s increasingly complex vehicle systems and diagnostics, the experience and background of the instructor make all the difference. Training is most effective when it’s led by instructors who are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but who have also spent years as shop owners themselves. These instructors understand vehicle systems at an engineering level — from advanced electronics and network communications to drivability, calibration, and system integration — and they know how those systems fail in the real world. Just as importantly, they understand the daily challenges of running a repair shop: managing workflow, making accurate diagnoses under time pressure, avoiding comebacks, controlling costs, and maintaining profitability in a competitive market. Their instruction goes beyond theory, connecting complex diagnostic strategies to real-world scenarios technicians face every day in the bay. Learning from instructors with this depth of experience saves time, sharpens diagnostic accuracy, and builds confidence in tackling the toughest problems modern vehicles present. Don’t waste your time or money training with instructors who aren’t true experts — your career, your shop’s reputation, and your bottom line depend on training that’s grounded in real-world expertise and proven success.
Bernie C. Thompson
(A.A.S. Gasoline and Diesel Technology)
Mr. Thompson has over 40 years of experience in automotive gasoline and diesel repair. Over twenty years of experience in design, engineering, and fabrication of automotive diagnostic equipment. Mr. Thompson holds 38 US and International patents. Additionally Mr. Thompson writes automotive training curriculum for the automotive industry, is an editorial contributor for Motor Magazine, Motor Age Magazine, and has co-authored an SAE paper. Mr. Thompson teaches advanced automotive diagnostic curriculum and also posts case studies on YouTube. Mr. Thompson also founded Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.
Jeff Zide
From his high school days, Jeff could always be found in the Auto Shop, developing a deep passion for automotive technology. He went on to attend the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston, earning an Associate of Science (AS) in Automotive Technology. Jeff began his career at Clark & White Lincoln Mercury, where he earned ASE Master Automotive Technician certifications and, over 12 years, achieved Top Ford Technician in the country status through Ford’s Certified Training Program (CTP).
After opening his own independent shop, Jeff returned to the Ford dealership for six more years. A repeat customer, a Technical Foreman at GTE Government Systems, convinced him to join their team, where he helped computerize and automate the Printed Circuit Assembly department. While at GTE, Jeff pursued night classes and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Information Technology. Outside of work, he built and raced hot rods, even campaigning a D-Gas Chrysler Hemi to run the quarter mile in 9.46 seconds at 146 mph.
Following 11 years at GTE, Jeff moved on to Digital/Compaq/Hewlett Packard, traveling the world and specializing in high-performance data systems. A little over three years ago, he joined Automotive Test Solutions, where he has been able to merge his two lifelong passions: automotive technology and advanced systems. There, Bernie and Neal entrusted him with creative freedom to lead world-class support, product development, and training, helping technicians and teams succeed while combining hands-on automotive expertise with cutting-edge technology.
Josh Weaver
Josh Weaver brings a unique combination of formal automotive education, dealership experience, advanced diagnostic training, shop management, and real-world diagnostic experience to automotive repair training.
Josh earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Automotive Technology from a college affiliated with General Motors and Chrysler. He also completed an internship with Ford, giving him hands-on experience with all three major domestic manufacturers.
He spent 10 years working at a Kia dealership, where he achieved Kia Master Technician status and served as a lead technician. This role exposed him to some of the industry’s most challenging customer concerns and diagnostic problems.
Josh is an experienced Pennsylvania State Inspection and Emissions Technician and holds an emissions waiver license, ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance, ASE L3 Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist, and EPA 609 certifications.
His experience also includes managing a six-bay automotive repair facility with an additional six-bay body shop. This provided extensive exposure to electrical and drivability problems, advanced diagnostics, module programming, and a wide variety of vehicle systems.
Today, Josh owns and operates a mobile diagnostic business, where he continues to work on difficult diagnostic problems involving modern vehicle technologies, key programming, and module programming. This hands-on experience keeps him current with the rapidly evolving technology found in today’s vehicles.
Josh’s training focuses on real-world diagnostic techniques, practical testing methods, and understanding how modern vehicle systems work, giving technicians the knowledge and confidence to diagnose problems accurately rather than relying on guesswork.
