The bio Sulev “Swede” Oun sent for this article is truly impressive. It starts with the Marine Corps, 1965-68 and ends with being on the Board of Directors for the Automotive Technology and Energy Group today. Your jaw drops when you read how knowledgeable this man is. He knows everything about auto and truck repair. After military service, Swede became a truck and auto technician, then moved up to supervisor and management level in a large fleet consisting of approximately 300 pieces of equipment. Since 1982, he has owned O&K Truck Repairs in Tonawanda.

Swede credits the success of his endeavors to the support of his family. His wife Karen and son Brian both work at O&K. They know what it takes to survive today. “There is no way I would be able to spend time away from the shop doing training and other organizational activities if my family weren’t involved in the business,” says Swede. “It is a true team effort.”

Swede’s other son, Clint, also works in the truck and automotive field. He started on the ground floor and worked up to managerial positions. “I very much rely on Clint’s input for the many training concepts and materials I put together.”

Daughter Lisa teaches now, but growing up she, too, worked on equipment. And there’s a new generation – five grandchildren – also following in Swede’s footsteps. “We try to do a lot together, parties, camping etc. I am trying to make up for time lost in the process of trying to run a business.

But here’s what wasn’t included in his version of the bio:

People are motivated by Swede. People learn because of Swede. His energy is infectious.

People join things because of Swede. He doesn’t just have them come to meetings, he has them joining the Board, getting involved.

He is a great guy. The kind of guy you want as a friend and mentor.

He teaches. I have a classroom where I provide various courses on both automotive and heavy-duty trucks to in-service technicians.

He manages. In our shop we work on passenger cars and up to and including tractor/trailers and construction equipment.

He writes books. “Today’s Technician Series: Medium/Heavy Duty Electrical and Electronics for Delmar Publishing” and more.

He designs programs. I piloted the OBDII and Heavy Duty Brakes programs for the NYS Automotive Technician Training Program (ATTP). And I was part of the original National Train the Trainer program through Aspire for vehicle emissions.

He probably trained you. My training is also off-site throughout the state and out of state. I have been on the ATTP curriculum design/update committee since its inception. I provide training for various trade organizations. I am a trainer member of CAAT (Council of Advanced Automotive Trainers) and also a contract trainer for OTC/SPX. I have run the training program for ATE since 1982.

He gets involved.
Member of SAE
Automotive Advisory Committee for BOCES Schools
Member of NYS Motor Truck Association; State Chairman of the Maintenance Council
Board Member of the Automotive Technology & Energy Group of WNY since the 1980s

Former student greets Swede
at the 2009 ATE Trade Show