In our June issue of TechShop, I asked our readers, “What’s your motto?” I told you my proposed motto for the Universal Independent Shop Owner and Professional Technician: “I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a support to every technician I meet.”

In response, I received this e-mail from reader Mike N:

Beth,
Just a quick note to say I enjoyed your Point of View page in June’s TechShop. I have been in the automotive business for some 30 years and when I first started working at my friend’s father’s gas station, he use to have a sign posted on the door in the office of the “Mechanics Creed.” I was wondering if you could help me find the original. I have found one, but it is an edited version of the aviation mechanics creed.

The one we had posted also spoke of keeping the service station repair shop, rest rooms and uniforms neat and clean. First impressions matter in every industry.
Mike N.

Here is the edited-to-auto-mechanics version of the Aviation Mechanics’ Creed I found online. It’s much more comprehensive than the motto I drafted for our industry. I think it’s close, but not quite the Automotive Creed that Mike is looking for.

“UPON MY HONOR I swear that I shall hold in sacred trust the rights and privileges conferred upon me as a certified mechanic. Knowing full well that the safety and lives of others are dependent upon my skill and judgment, I shall never knowingly subject others to risks which I would not be willing to assume for myself, or for those dear to me.

IN DISCHARGING THIS TRUST, I pledge myself never to undertake work or approve work which I feel to be beyond the limits of my knowledge nor shall I allow any non-certified superior to persuade me to approve vehicles or equipment as road worthy against my better judgment, nor shall I permit my judgment to be influenced by money or other personal gain, nor shall I pass as roadworthy vehicles or equipment about which I am in doubt either as a result of direct inspection or uncertainty regarding the ability of others who have worked on it to accomplish their work satisfactorily.

I REALIZE the grave responsibility which is mine as a certified technician, to exercise my judgment on the roadworthiness of vehicles and equipment. I, therefore, pledge unyielding adherence to these precepts for the advancement of automotive technology and for the dignity of my vocation.”

This creed is obviously old-fashioned. Rarely does anyone talk about sacred trust or grave responsibility these days. But truthfully, each one of you does have a sacred trust with and a grave responsibility to your customer. One repair done badly can have dire consequences — and I don’t just mean the loss of a repeat customer.

I also like Mike’s comments regarding the need to keep the repair shop, rest rooms and uniforms neat and clean. These should be a part of any professional technician’s daily work experience. First impressions are very important when cultivating repeat business.

Perhaps one of you can tell us where to find the missing Mechanic’s Creed? If you have a copy of one, or can direct us where to find one, please contact me at [email protected].

I would like to be able to forward it to Mike to thank him for reading TechShop as well.

Also, if the creed isn’t your type of thing, let me know what you find important on a day-to-day basis in your business. Are you interested in networking with others in a similar situation or type of repair shop? Do you want to know more about how other professionals are handling their healthcare situation? Is financial planning important to you? Does on-the-job training cost too much even when it’s free? Does the Right to Repair Act affect you? Do you even care about it?

Drop me a line and voice your opinion. This is a magazine for you and we want to keep the material fresh and relevant to you.