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Top Tech Repair understands the importance of finding a well-trained & qualified automotive transmission technician in the Billings area. This is why our expert transmission technician staff is professionally trained and certified. Each transmission repair expert on our Billings automotive service shop staff strives for excellence in every automotive repair service our shop offers.
Darin Shaw - Owner
Ever since I was a small Boy, I have always had the knack for figuring out how things operate---sometimes with my parents disapproval! I have always liked muscle cars (Mopar's the most), 4-wheel drive trucks (lifted of course) and fabrication! My Father taught Me a lot when I was young, by the time I was 15 I had rebuilt my Roadrunner's engine and was on my way to becoming a Master Technician! In High School I learned how to weld, design and fabricate items from raw steel---which has help so much in my field! I went to Wyoming Tech in 1986, Graduating with a Degree in Automotive and Diesel Technology! I have worked in many different types of repair facilitys both large and small, gaining a huge base of knowledge from the "Old Guys!"---which I have now become! I haven't always been able to do it all, but I knew that if I was going to be successful I would have to listen and learn from those who had been around the block! I've been a Master Technician since 1990 and have recertified twice now. In the mid 90's I decided that I would have to open my own repair facility after finding that the Dealerships were not the answer I was looking for! So in 1999 Corinna (My Wife!) and I opened our new facility "TOPTECH AUTOMOTIVE" offering our customers the areas best base warranty of 2yrs 24,000 miles (PARTS AND LABOR NO B.S!)!
Most any shop can Warranty the repair for 6 to 12 months, but to cover the repair and parts for a full two years takes skill and knowledge! PERIOD! I have taken a lot of pride in this and have shown that by taking the time to properly diagnois, listening to the customer, having the proper tools and equipment, information and data for properly repairing the vehicle, hiring quality personnel and continually upgrading and reinvesting to keep up with the changes----WE CAN COVER ANY REPAIR FOR A FULL TWO YEARS! In less than eight years we have gone from a one hoist shop with 2500 square feet to a multi location facility with 11 lifts and over 10,000 square feet!
John VanderValk - Master Transmission Rebuilder
I was born in Los Angeles, Ca. Started building Transmissions in 1964. I went to General Motors Training Center in Burbank Ca, San Bernardino Valley College and Numerous training seminars. Moved to Billings in 2005 and still continue to build Transmissions. I like to go camping and ride my Harley! John.
Barry Wattles - Service Manager
Welcome, my name is Barry Wattles. I'm the Service Manager at TOP TECH "EAST" the Lockwood location! I'm a Billings native and have been affillated with the Automotive industry most of my life! My father owned and operated his own business since I was a crawler, so I grew up with oil and grease all over me. I began working on vehicles (actually getting in the way) since I was 8! After High School I went into the Military and started off as a Fireman and then went back into the repair field as a Machinery Technician. Following the Military I returned to Billings and went to work for my father and stayed until his retirement in 1985. Shortly after, I started my own business, B & R Classic Repair. I specialized in repair and restoration of classic and antique cars and trucks. I have worked at the Buick and Chevy shops as a Technician and Service Writer. I then went to Pontiac and Cadillac as Assistant Service Manager, and from there to Subaru as the Service Manager.
After leaving there I pursued other interests and finally retired. Now, for no practical reason, I have returned to help run and build a quality and growing business in TOPTECH! My main interests are getting on my 1989 Harley Electra Glide Classic and forgetting the world exists! I have owned many different Harley's, so if you want to stop and in just to talk about bikes or riding, feel free, I always make time for that! (Oh yea, car repair too!) I also take an active part in Circle track and Drag Racing!
Jake Cole - Forman (TOPTECH EAST)
Hello, my name is Jake! I'm Single! I've been at TOPTECH for two years now. I started at the bottom and have worked my way up to the Forman Position! I have the skills and knowledge to complete auto repairs in a timely and proficient manner. Did I mention I'm Single?!!! I personally strive to meet and/or exceed my boss's goals, (thank god for Fridays happy hour)!
I have been employed working other various positions such as: Bumper to Bumper in the parts counter services, a Drill Operator, a heavy truck driver in a Nevada Gold Mine to retreading Tires for Wingfoot Tires! Have I mentioned I'm Single???? I gained my work ethics by working on a family ranch. I enjoy hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, traveling and fast cars! I'm a bad___! Oh yea! I'm single too.......
Ryan Kelim - Technician (TOPTECH WEST)
Hello, my name is Ryan!
As a Billings native, born and raised, I grew up in the Heights area. I attended and graduated from Sky View Highschool. After Graduation I took a two year course at MSUB College of Technology for auto body repair and refinishing, where I learned how to repair damaged vehicles minor and major, from begining to end! This included frame straightening, panel replacement, glass installation, dent repair, welding and custom painting! After completion of the course I worked as a welder/fabricator, building Road Striping equipment for three years. There I learned many different welding processes and all phases of fabrication! I have worked at TOPTECH over 3 years now and don't plan on leaving! Everyday I learn something new and meet new people! Here at work I like to consider myself as the TOPTECH, just ask anyone! But the truth is we are all Top Technicians! I have been around and worked on vehicles my entire life, from Model T's to Jaguars---I have worked on most of them! I have done many frame off restorations on show winning antique cars. I have also wrecked a few cars in my life, that really sucks! I really enjoy working on late model vehicles. I love the new technologies they are going to as well!
One thing I have learned working at TOPTECH is that no two vehicles are the same and there is no problem that can't be fixed! In closing I would just like to say that I would rather be Paddlefishing than writing this BIO! Thank you!
Terry Garcia - Technician (TOPTECH WEST)
Hi my name is Terry-----I moved to Billings from Greeley Co, just 8 months ago! I Graduated from Greeley Central High School, I have two kids and a loving wife! After receiving my Diploma I joined the US Navy, for five years I was a Aircraft Technician! I attended many class's, completed many course's and tests! I received many awards for my duties and excellence in my field! During my time in the Navy I made the rank of E-5, got my EAWA WINGS, got to run a shop of 20 and was a Tech Flight Officer! I got to see some of the world, and had some great times! Now I decided to change things up a bit, and bring my skill to the auto world. I'm currently working on my ASE qualification, and learning something new everyday at TOPTECH!
Kim Gustke - OPERATION CONTROLLER/ MULTI TASKING AGENT!
I have been involved in the TOPTECH family since before it was born! I am part of the owners extended family and not only have I watched the Business grow for eight years, I have watched the family grow for 14 years! About a year ago while having my vehicle repaired I answered the phone for Darin so he could finish up. Shortly after that he offered to let me join the team and it just happened that I was ready for a new opportunity! Over the last year we have expanded the business and opened a second location (now that was an adventure)! Everyday there's something new and challenging for me to tackle, it defiantly makes the job interesting! We have a tight family atmosphere here, and I have to admit it "I work with a great bunch of guys!" I enjoy my job(s) very much and look forward to the years of success I'm sure we'll see as we grow!