It only takes the first few minutes of an interview to realize how proud Dan Walczak is of where he works and his involvement in the Automotive Technology & Energy Group. Unlike the other board members, he is not the owner of his shop. Dan has been general manager of Hettig’s Service for 27 years. So, if not the owner, why get involved? Dan says he wanted to do more than fix cars. He went to an ATE meeting and was hooked. “It’s a place to “pick people’s brains” - to know that you are not the only one with this or that problem and figure out a way to solve it together.” In fact, Dan says that would be the very first reason to tell prospective members to join.

Getting Involved
Another reason he got involved with ATE – plain and simple – Swede Oun. “Everyone in the industry should go to Swede’s classes. Swede gets you excited about learning – excited about keeping up with technology. And energized about being in the group.”

Treasurer of the ATE Group, Dan Walczak is also an advocate for bringing the Troubleshooting Competition back to the Trade Show. It’s the mechanic in him. He is also spearheading the ATE committee to sponsor Cruise Nights at the local VFW, to showcase classic cars. This will be a fun way to give the Automotive Technology & Energy Group some exposure and draw in new members.

Hettig’s Service
Even though he’s a manager, he has spent three decades with a passion for fixing and repairing vehicles. “At Hettig’s, we pride ourselves on our craft, getting the proper training and keeping up with technology and equipment,” he says. “It’s the core to what makes a business successful.” Dan also boasts not only of satisfied customers, but employees as well. They enjoy each other as coworkers and friends. It says a lot about a business when your employees never leave. It says a lot about the manager, too.

MotoCross Dad
Dan and his wife, Karen, enjoy camping with their kids, Dean, 13, and Drew, 10. Drew gets to go the Cub Scout activities route near their home in Lancaster, while Dean, an avid racer, has the family in the motor home touring the motocross circuit these days. Dean has been riding since he was 8 years old. Dad likes to say, “We’re probably the only family around here with a Bone Man on call!”

If you would like more information about the Troubleshooting Competition or Cruise Nights, call Dan or stop by Hettig’s Service in Williamsville. You can’t miss them. Look for the beautiful waterfall on Mill Street.