Breakfast for Top Techs

Depart for Tech Challenge

6th Annual NationaLease Tech Challenge

Universal Technical Institute Job Fair
This exclusive event will give members the chance to talk directly with students in the Diesel Technician Training program. Members will get their company’s name in front of the next generation of techs that will be graduating, providing recruiting opportunities for your business.

Universal Technical Institute Campus Tour
UTI will be offering a tour of their campus where members will get a first-hand look into the school’s Diesel Technician Training program, with a special stop in the Preventative Maintenance classroom. The classroom is exclusively branded with NationaLease materials and our member company logos, and a must-attend class for all students in the program.

Registration

Dinner – Top Techs & Judges

First-Timer Reception (Invitation Only)

Registration

Breakfast

Welcome and Introductions
Bill Litosky, Maintenance Manager, Bergey’s Leasing Associates, a NationaLease Member

President’s Welcome
Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease

In the Zone
During his keynote presentation, Michael Hahn will provide our attendees with change management and resilience building lessons embedded into stories of sustainable peak performance. From Chicago-based Michael Jordan to an Ottawa, IL-based World Record Skydive attempt, Michael will lead an interactive session highlighting our “Sweet Home Chicago” theme.
Michael Hahn, Motivational Speaker & Culture Transformation Expert, Beyond…Good Teams LLC

Driving Shop Productivity: Member Best Practices
Join this interactive session as Joe Puff leads panel of your peers in a discussion on the latest shop efficiencies and offers members some insight and best practices for running and maintaining your shop.
Moderator: Joe Puff, Vice President of Truck Technology & Maintenance, NationaLease
Panelists: Bill McAnally, Vice President of Maintenance, Miller NationaLease; Brian Roberts, Director of Maintenance, Kris-Way Truck Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member; and Jim Ryan, Vice President of Operations, Kris-Way Truck Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member

Break

Idea Session
During this time, members will be asked to present an idea or best practice utilized within their business that offers savings in money, time, productivity, improved morale, and/or increased customer satisfaction. Each member throws $10 into the kitty. Members will then vote on the best idea and cash will be awarded to the top three with the most votes. This is a great opportunity to not only share and hear innovative ideas, but also a chance to win some cash! Don’t miss this exciting session for a lot of fun and friendly competition.
Ronny Brown, Maintenance Director, Cargo Transporters, Inc.

7 Steps to Cut Technician Turnover
Finding great technicians is a challenge for everyone these days. Once you have one, you want to make sure they stay with your company, and don’t leave to work for the competition. Noted speaker and author Dick Finnegan will provide 5 steps to retaining your best employees.
Dick Finnegan, CEO, C-Suite Analytics

Lunch

Product & Technology Fair

Welcome Reception

Dinner & Entertainment

Breakfast

Shop Talk – Closed Session
Bill Litosky will lead a members-only open discussion on any issues that you are currently facing.  This is your chance to get input from the best in the business—your peers!
Bill Litosky, Maintenance Manager, Bergey’s Leasing Associates,
a NationaLease Member

Supply Management Update – Closed Session
Learn the latest on our supply management programs as Rob Garcia reviews with attendees the performance levels year-to-date on our products and services and also provides an update on some of our newest programs available to the membership. Rob will then discuss the latest in sourcing environment trends.
Rob Garcia, Vice President of New Business Development,
Supply Management, NationaLease

Break

Reciprocal Service Tune-Up
Reciprocal Service is the cornerstone of the NationaLease system, and an invaluable resource for its members and customers alike.  Even seasoned members can benefit from a refresher on this ever-important NationaLease Standard.  Get an in-depth look at what makes NationaLease stand out against the competition—the Reciprocal Service network, the best in the industry!
Kelly Kordowski, Member Services Advocate, NationaLease

Right to Repair
What do these new regulations mean for us? Aaron Lowe has been working to make Right to Repair a reality since the beginning. He will share his particular insights and how we can benefit from the regulatory changes.
Aaron Lowe, Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs, Auto Care Association

Lunch

Training, Technology & Warranty: Heavy Duty Breakout 1– Closed Session
In our first breakout session, members will have the choice to attend either Freightliner’s or Isuzu’s session which will cover some of the latest technologies and specs, current vehicle issues and the proper corrective measures, review warranty purchase options, and provide an overview of web-based training courses.
Terry Kerbe, Freightliner

Training, Technology & Warranty: Medium Duty Breakout 1– Closed Session
In our first breakout session, members will have the choice to attend either Freightliner’s or Isuzu’s session which will cover some of the latest technologies and specs, current vehicle issues and the proper corrective measures, review warranty purchase options, and provide an overview of web-based training courses.
Gerry Wadsworth, Isuzu

Training, Technology & Warranty: Heavy Duty Breakout 2– Closed Session
In our second breakout session, members will have the choice to attend either Volvo’s or Hino’s session which will also cover some of the latest technologies and specs, current vehicle issues and the proper corrective measures, review warranty purchase options, and provide an overview of web-based training courses.
Ray LeStrange, Volvo Trucks North America

Training, Technology & Warranty: Medium Duty Breakout 2 – Closed Session
In our second breakout session, members will have the choice to attend either Volvo’s or Hino’s session which will also cover some of the latest technologies and specs, current vehicle issues and the proper corrective measures, review warranty purchase options, and provide an overview of web-based training courses.
Steve Chiodio, Hino Trucks

Break

Keep Your Fleet Flying:  Best Maintenance Practices from the Airline Industry
Think it’s a problem when one of your trucks breaks down over the road? What if that truck was 30,000 feet in the air? Airplane maintenance professionals have no choice but to make sure their fleets have zero maintenance issues “over the road.” What can we learn from them? Eric Jones will share best practices from his years in airline maintenance, and now as a Professor of Aviation and Transportation. R.
R. Eric Jones, Department Chairman of Aviation and Transportation Studies, Lewis University

Autonomous Truck/Super Truck: Concept Meets Technology
The Freightliner Inspiration Truck is the first licensed autonomous commercial truck to operate on an open public highway, showcasing what is possible through the energy of infinite inspiration. Hear from Freightliner how they plan to reduce highway congestion and improve the environment with its exciting breakthroughs in safety and connectivity.
Michael O’Hearn, Regional Sales Support Manager, Freightliner Trucks

Cocktail Reception

Awards Dinner

Breakfast

Member Services Update
Find out what’s happening at the NationaLease home office as Jane Clark provides an update on new programs and services available through NationaLease and an introduction to new members.
Jane Clark, Vice President of Member Services, NationaLease

Road Rescue
Join Byron as he discusses NationaLease Road Rescue and explores the latest enhancements for you and your customers. Learn how NationaLease Road Rescue will help take NationaLease to the next level in the continued evolvement of the best-in-class, over-the-road breakdown system in the industry
Byron Lay, Maintenance Director, NationaLease

The Next Generation of Technicians: UTI Student Panel
The next generation of technicians is here! How can you attract the best and brightest in today’s competitive hiring environment? Hear directly from students in the Diesel Tech program at Universal Technical Institute on what they are looking for in a career, and how we can hire and retain the best of this generation to keep our businesses competitive.
Moderator: Jane Clark, Vice President of Member Services, NationaLease
Panelists: Daniel Shea and Joshua Tutt