M & M Tire and Auto Service Has a Master Mechanic

You don’t need to call Ryan Chamberlain a master mechanic, but if you did you’d be correct.

Chamberlain, who works at M & M Tire and Auto Service on Hopmeadow Street in Weatogue, recently received his master mechanic certification from the Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

It took several years to complete the nine tests it takes for certification — he passed them all on the first try.

Chamberlain, 27, of Granby, has worked at the shop for three and a half years. Previously, he worked at Wagner Ford in town until it closed.

So why did he challenge himself?

“I wanted to do it,” he said on the day the shop was celebrating his achievement with balloons and cake.

His boss, Bill Walsh, who owns M & M, said he would pay for the tests if he passed and wanted to try.

Chamberlain saw it as a challenge for himself. The tests are given twice a year in various locations. In the United States only about 87,000 people have achieved the level of ASE Master Mechanic. Others at M & M, including Walsh, have some certification but Chamberlain is the one who is a master mechanic.

The nine testing areas, in which he now will have to be recertified every few years, include areas such as brakes and engine repair. The tests are written.

Walsh took over the shop just before Chamberlain started.

“We were lucky to get him,” said Walsh.

And now, with the master certification, he knows just how lucky he got when Wagner closed and Chamberlin was looking for a job.

The master certification is a voluntary effort for Chamberlain and others who seek the certification. But it means a great deal in the industry.

“It’s the only real benchmark for mechanics,” said Walsh. “It’s not that easy to do.”

The certification is posted on the wall inside the lobby area of the business and a sign outside the shop notes that certified mechanics work within, said Walsh, who has about a half dozen employees, four of whom are mechanics.

“It’s important to us that our customers have confidence in our abilities and that we provide to quality service at a reasonable price,” said Walsh.

Just because he has the certification, don’t expect Chamberlain to be resting on his laurels. Each day brings new challenges and new understanding of his work.

“Everyday you learn here,” said Chamberlain, adding that several other mechanics also live in Granby and they know each other well.

In fact, later that day the employees were attending a training that Walsh had arranged. Walsh said he is committed to the local community — he lives in Simsbury – and gives back to organizations such as the food pantry and the ABC House. He said he appreciates people who want to patronize local businesses as well.

M & M Tire and Auto Service is located at 268 Hopmeadow St. in Weatogue. Call 860-651-6816.