What have others said about “ACDC” recently?

Best College level textbooks I have read…

Craig I am on chapter 13 of your EMV Technology College textbook. I just wanted to take a minute and say it is one of the best College level textbooks I have read. The subject matter of the EMV you have covered and explained in the book is easily understood, in depth and comprehensible. I  will be recommending this book to anyone that is interested in learning about EMVs.  Thank you.

Mike

August 19, 2022
Mike Motto
The Disgruntled Mechanic

The greatest training experience I have ever had, really enjoyed it!

Hi Craig and ACDC family! Congrats on the Tesla purchase! I was wondering if we were still getting the college book sent to us? Also, now that you added the Tesla to the course will you be uploading any of the training videos online so we can watch them like the other ones?

I would also like to thank you again for the greatest training experience I have ever had, really enjoyed it!

Michael J Montinieri, Technician in Connecticut

August 1, 2022
Michael J Montinieri

This (Up Your Voltage III) was by far the best training I have ever received

Hi Craig,
I wanted to keep Vinces book and asked Deb to put it on the cc you  guys used when I paid for the class. She asked that I email you guys to  remind her.
This (Up Your Voltage III) was by far the best training I have ever received. I’ve been to many training seminars over the years ranging   from the mundane to the highly advanced and I can honestly say that your program far exceeds the standard of training out there as well as my own expectations of what training should be. The trainers were great and the facility was outstanding. Thank you again for putting together a well prepared and well executed training seminar. I’m looking forward to attending more of your training seminars when you are in my area.
Tom Palermo   Preferred Automotive
PS. Deb did a wonderful job with everything she did so if you would please extend my thanks to her as well I’d appreciate it.

August 27, 2020
Tom Palermo
Preferred Automotive

Nothing Short of Brilliant

Hi Craig,

I was introduced to your Army Ohm’s Law presentation by the folks at ConsuLab. I thought it was a little crazy at first but WOW it really works. Nothing short of brilliant. Thank you for sharing this idea.

March 13, 2018
Greg Buerk (Automotive Instructor)

I must tell you “well done”!

“Hello Craig,

I received your ASE L-3 training manual along with the webinar and I must tell you “well done”!  I am an ASE, Lexus master tech with L-1 since 1997 and been with Lexus and Toyota for 18 years now and have had extensive Toyota / Lexus training. The teachers and engineers at LEXUS COLLEGE here on east coast (which are brilliant btw) tell us they write their own lesson plans for their hybrid classes.

That being said I took the L-3 and failed it by 4 questions (first time I have failed an ASE test in 15 yrs.)! After reading that only 27% of tech pass this test on first try and I haven’t had a hybrid class in 5 years, I felt a little better. However passing this test is a must as every dealer in NEW JERSEY as they must now have L-3 and A-9 ASE in order to retain our state inspection repair facility license for 2018 until further notice. In your webinar you mention you can send a link for more info on IGBT’S that may help me further my studies and also a $55.00 class on 3 phase motors in more depth.

I professionally thank you and on a personal level I thank you (Also Deb as she was super kind and sweet to me)!  I will be recommending your programs to my crew of 7 team members I manage at the shop!

THANKS AGAIN

JASON … a team leader at a Lexus Dealership in New Jersey”

February 8, 2018
Jason (Team Leader)
Lexus Dealership in New Jersey

Best Training Class I have ever taken.

Hello Craig, this is Roberto Higinio. I recently took your 16hour hybrid training class and first ever Tesla class at Petaluma,CA. I had a great time learning. Best training class I have ever taken. Would highly recommend this class and Craig to anyone wanting to learn, received a wealth of information from a guy who just doesn’t talk about hybrids but actually works on them. Craig has a very good way of instructing where he has you on your attention at all times, who cares about breaks in between when your being taught by the Hybrid Guru.

August 15, 2017
Roberto Higinio

Mr. Van Batenburg is also intent on helping others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Van Batenburg is also intent on helping others and giving back to the community.  Since 2013 he has returned to Worcester Technical High School not only as a guest speaker/presenter, but also as an invaluable, active member of the Automotive Technology Department’s advisory committee.  Additionally, as we were confronted with a difficult hybrid diagnosis and repair in the auto shop, he quickly and eagerly jumped in offering his expertise, equipment and components as well as providing our students (and instructors) with a wealth of real world, hands-on hybrid training.

Overall, I see Craig Van Batenburg as a bright, articulate, and personable individual, sensitive to the needs of others, and driven by a sense of commitment and dedication.  He has many gifts and talents to offer – both personally and professionally.  The tenor of his character, quality of his intelligence, depth of his technical expertise, and innate ability to inspire and teach makes Craig an outstanding instructor.

June 17, 2017
Gerald H. Giguere (Teacher)
Worcester Technical High School

I am a graduate of UYV 41, and I wanted to let you know it was amazing!

Good afternoon,

I hope this finds you well. I am a graduate of UYV 41, and I wanted to let you know it was amazing! I successfully passed my L3 soon after attending and grow even more excited about the technology ever since.

We are implementing Alternative Transportation Technology courses beginning this fall and I am currently searching for a textbook for use. I immediately thought ACDC, I still enjoy the text I purchased with my training and was curious if this has been updated. I know you are extremely busy, and I thought you had mentioned something about updating it at one time.

Thank you for your time and assistance, have a great day!

June 15, 2017
Don Ashley (Teacher)
Randolph Community College

I think that those statistics speak for themselves and now 2 years later I am recommending ACDC, craig and the courses and seminars he conducts.

At AG Autogas we had built up the largest automotive propane conversion business in Australia and also the first in the world to gain an ISO9002 accreditation. The propane conversion industry had run its course as ICE technology had advanced to the point where adding propane as a fuel had become too difficult to still integrate with the original systems. We saw hybrid vehicle technology as the next step into the future for automotive workshops and a market where there was apprehension over new technology and so an opportunity to lead the way.

On doing the research to find where and with whom we should start our training we came across ACDC and Craig. We ended up sending our managing director (myself John Vander Reyden) and our training officer Ian Dubbeld to attend the Up Your Voltage Course in April of 2015.

Of the attendees 2 were from Australia (ourselves), 3 from Switzerland, 2 from the Netherlands and one from the Cayman islands.

I think that those statistics speak for themselves and now 2 years later I am recommending ACDC, craig and the courses and seminars he conducts.

The time we spent was possibly the most mentally intense week I have spent for a long time and having arrived jetlagged after nearly 40 hours of travel it amazed me that at 61 years of age I was able to comprehend, absorb and retain the course content.

That is a huge credit to Craig especially as I am not hands on and havent been for more than 20 years.

We are now the go to source and experts on hybrids, especially Toyota, for a lot of workshops on the eastern side of Australia.

Much of the confidence with which we started on hybrid vehicles is thanks to Craig and the team and the course we attended.

I can recommend ACDC and Craig to anyone contemplating the training they offer.

Thanking you, John Vander Reyden

May 27, 2017
John Vander Reyden
AG Autogas

Since signing up, our hybrid work has increased dramatically.

Hi Craig,

I just wanted to share with you how our participation with the Qualified Shop Program has been going. Since signing up, our hybrid work has increased dramatically. People searching online for hybrid repair have found me easily through hybridshoplocator.com. Not only am I getting more work locally in my neck of the woods (Lawrence MA) but people are coming 20-30 miles for my specialized services. All tell me they are looking for a dealer alternative that can handle the unique service and repairs hybrids require.

Just thought I’d let you know.

Thanks,

Matt

May 13, 2017
Matthew J. Lamontagne (ASE Master Tech)
Leo & Sons Auto Repair

The training was intense yet with enough down time to let it sink in.

Craig, Before I took your training I wasn’t at all familiar with Hybrid vehicles. After a week of your training I left with the confidence to go back to school and integrate hybrid vehicles into our program. The training was intense yet with enough down time to let it sink in. I consider you one of the best authorities on hybrid and electric vehicles in the country. What we at QCC got was well worth more than what we paid. I almost forgot to mention your unique way of teaching electricity. The Army Men class is an outstanding way to illustrate the flow of current and voltage drop. Thanks for all you do.

April 18, 2017
Donald A. Morin (Coordinator & Associate Professor)
Automotive Technology, Quinsigamond Community College

Training is everything and ACDC leaves nothing out of the process!

I have met few people that have the passion and drive for training that Craig Van Batenburg has with ACDC! I first met him in my shop in Albuquerque NM with a Welcome to hybrids seminar where 30 plus shop attended to learn about servicing Hybrids. I immediately signed up for his “Up your Voltage” boot camp class and 2 years later attended a second time with a key employee. I intend on doing that again with another employee very soon.

Training is everything and ACDC leaves nothing out of the process! Anyone that is involved in the automotive industry should attend one or more of his classes. If you attend a boot camp it is just that; you will be immersed in the highest quality training camp that is available for Hybrids and electric vehicles. Hands on demonstrations with ample live cars, and an entire vehicle or two worth of parts on tables to touch and learn from. Vocational schools should make this class mandatory for all instructors that even mention Hybrid in their curriculum.

I can not give a higher recommendation to any organization. ACDC is worth every dollar spent to attend! And then some!

Sincerely,

James Maddox

April 13, 2017
James Maddox (ASE Technician)
Jim’s Automotive Inc

He asserts that fear of the unknown completely goes away once people acquire the proper training.

I was lucky enough to spent time and have a number of discussions between myself and Mr. Craig Van Batenburg. He recounted “That repairing electric vehicles is nothing that should be of concern, as long as you know what you need to know”. Technology in electric vehicles are changing rapidly, so it’s important for technicians to be up-to-date with this new technology. It would be dangerous to assume that, working on one type of hybrid vehicle, that you can use the same procedure for all types of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are diverse, there are pure electric, extended range electric, petrol, diesel and LPG /electric hybrid. Repair procedures will vary from type and model. Craig has stated that knowledge is the most important factor in becoming comfortable with repairing HEVs. He asserts that fear of the unknown completely goes away once people acquire the proper training. Training isn’t just for technicians, estimators and first responders. All types of repairers need to know where items are located in these vehicles such as the inverter, the high-voltage battery, the service-disconnect system, the electric air conditioning system, and locations of all the main HV cables.

I would like to highly recommend and thank Mr. Craig Van Batenburg CEO Automotive Career Development Centre (ACDC) and his partner Deb for their ongoing assistance and professionalism. Craig has become my mentor and taught me considerably about the hybrid industry. Craig knowledge and ‘hands on approach’ has made him and his Company ACDC a leader in training on Hybrid/Electric vehicles worldwide.

Kind Regards

Ron Locandro

March 27, 2017
Ron Locandro (Facilitator, Acting Senior Educator)
Chisholm Institute

I have never had a question go unanswered!

Craig is a hard taskmaster and it does not do well to correct or contradict him unless you have all your facts in order and are prepared to defend your position. That said, he will often call upon people that he recognizes to clarify a particularly crucial point if he feels that his method is not working. I have never had a question go unanswered! His depth of knowledge is unbelievable and I would rank him as the best instructor in North America in his field. Rather than being restricted to North America, Craig often teaches by invitation at various centres in Europe not only shedding light on the European hybrid / electric car scene but returning with “this is how they do it over there”. Often, in class, he will enlighten us as to the utility structures and commitment to renewable energy as practiced in Europe.

March 27, 2017
Al Playter (Professor)
Centennial College

I have attended the Up Your Voltage class twice and will attend again in the next year or so. 

As an automotive instructor who started one of the first college Hybrid, Electric and Alternate Fuel Vehicle programs in the U.S. I highly recommend ACDC training.  I have attended the Up Your Voltage class twice and will attend again in the next year or so.  I have modeled my own program after it.  I have attended a number of other programs but have never found one with the level of instruction and especially the amount of hands-on training the ACDC class offers.  Craig puts on a great program that anyone wanting to expand into the EV Hybrid market should consider.  When you attend Craig’s wife Deb will make sure everything is in order for you to have a great experience.  Craig couldn’t do it without her!

Say Hi to Deb for me!

Wayne

March 3, 2017
Wayne Bridges (Automotive Instructor/CMAT)
Clover Park Technical College

I really wanted to thank you for all you have contributed to my ability to do that, training, mentoring, materials, and support.

November 2014

Hi Craig,
I will be presenting dedicated hybrid teaching/training curriculum for the first time over the next three weeks in my advanced electronics course and I really wanted to thank you for all you have contributed to my ability to do that, training, mentoring, materials, and support. I use your book a lot in preparing for class and have found it to be an invaluable resource. I think it would be very beneficial to my students as well and will recommend they consider purchasing it. Hope all is well for you and Deb, please send her my regards as well.

Thanks,
Mike Richards

November 11, 2014
Michael Richards
College of the Redwoods

I just wanted to say thank you for setting me straight in not buying the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid

Hi Craig,

I just wanted to say thank you for setting me straight in not buying the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. I’m an engineer by trade and had done a fair amount of research before hoping to buy that hybrid up around Springfield. Taia Cessana at East Coast Auto Salvage gave me your number and explained you’re incredibly knowledgeable about hybrids and overall great guy. I’m very interested in buying a hybrid for the fuel economy but realize there’s a lot more to it financially than simple MPG. If you happen to know of any good deals on hybrids less than $8K please let me know. Thanks again for setting me straight on Tuesday. I will recommend you wanna be hybrid owners and hopefully our paths will cross again.
Mr. Taylor
Hartford, CT

August 3, 2014
Mr. Taylor

Your the best in my books and I will always be Grateful.

Hi Craig,

I just want to say thank you for the straight forward training you gave me starting on 9/26/11 – 9/30/11 on the Hybrid Electric Vehicles in South Gate, Ca.

I may not have told you but I have a 2nd grade education as well as ADD.  I have always had it a little hard to understand thing until I read it several times or do it.  You class changed all that with your very clear and easy to understand training, I cannot say enough good thing about you Craig.  Your the best in my books and I will always be Grateful. God has bless me with a true privilege of knowing you.

 

I will be calling Ms. Van Batenburg Monday to pay for the tools you were kind enough to trust me to pay for, Thank you for your trust.  Also at no charge in a few weeks as I told you I will be changing my web site and place your name and or contact e-mail address there, I pray it will help other people like me to contact you.

October 2, 2011
Jackie

You presented the information in a very simple and straight forward way, that made it very easy to understand.

Hi Craig:

Here it is a day later and I am still overwhelmed from your presentation. You presented the information in a very simple and straight forward way, that made it very easy to understand. I also realize that there is alot more that I need to learn.I am going to check, if the school district has funding, for the “Up Your Voltage ” class.

We also talked about some grant information, and you were going to send me some email addresses of people that received the information.

I am also interested in the Internet Hybrid Training. I am enclosing both of my E mail addresses so I can be contacted on either one.

February 7, 2011
Don Broda (Auto Technology Instructor)
Charlotte Technical Center

Thank you so much for the informative class today.

Craig,

 

Thank you so much for the informative class today. I came wanting to know why both Toyota and Ford run the same operating system in their hybrid ecms.

By the second hour, you had given me the answer.   I don’t have my notes with me, but I do remember it was a 4 letter company who did consulting/design for both companies.

This is the second class I’ve had with you at on of Paul’s conferences. I teach industrial electronics and spend most of my time instruction students on single/3 phase electric motors along with variable speed drives.

As soon as the state of GA lifts our out-of-state travel restriction, I’ll be coming to the UYV class!

Thanks again!

January 12, 2011
Matt Peacock

I have to say you are one of a kind teacher and a good one at that.

Hi Craig,

I was so suprised with how much Hybrid knowledge that I learned in such a small amount of time with you. I have to say you are one of a kind teacher and a good one at that. Also you made it fun to be there.

Thank you

November 19, 2009
Glenn Goslin

…presented a technical subject in a manner that was easy to relate to and comprehend…

Hi Craig:

Thanks very much for a very educational as well as entertaining hybrid intro class last thurs at Manheim Auto Auction. For me, you presented a technical subject in a manner that was easy to relate to and comprehend in my auctioneer mind.

All the best.

Keep on truckin’

November 15, 2009
Paul " Hollywood " Erickson

Thanks for the tip and alot of good information.

Hi Craig,

I was in your class in Montpelier Vt. at Autocraftsman. We had the discussion about 4 quarts of oil in a Prius. This last week I had one of my regulars in and opened up the throttle plate to check for oil. You win 4 quarts is to much. It had oil in the intake. 3.7 quarts ftom now on. Thanks for the tip and alot of good information.

October 18, 2009
Cam Wrisley

…I will put what I have learned to good use at the auction.

Hello Craig,

I recently attended your Hybrid Essential Class at Manheim New England Part 1 and 2. It was a great learning experience and the I am sure I will put what I have learned to good use at the auction. Your presentation of hybrid knowledge was by far the best and easiest learning experience I have had in the automotive field. I want to thank you for coming to Manheim. I learned alot!

September 6, 2009
Brian P. Pacheco

Your RESPECT and CONFIDENCE in me really gave me a boost

Hi Craig:  Just a short note to say how much I ENJOYED the Hybrid Graduate  class.. I found it EXTREMELY INTERESTING AND CAPTIVATING!!! I always ENJOY  AND LOOK FORWARD to your classes. I ALWAYS learn alot and I REALLY get into     (if that is the correct phrase) our discussions and the trading of   information and ideas. Even if it is not Hybrid related. I can honestly say     that I feel that you are a wise and knowledgable man in many respects. I am   PROUD to consider you both my FRIEND and TEACHER!!  I also want to THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH FOR THE GIFTS!!! I am  wearing the Denso hat with pride as we speak. I also REALLY appreciate the book/technical manual that you gave me. I found it very FACT FILLED and     INFORMATIVE!!  But most of all I want to THANK YOU IN THE UPMOST WAY for your allowing me to assist you in teaching / training the other students/technicians. It REALLY MADE MY DAY AND WEEK!! I actually found it a very REWARDING function. I am HONOURED that you thought that I was up to the standards of being an assistant. I tried to model my behaviour/methods on yours and relate to the technicians. I hope that I performed the function satisfactorily. The questions that I was asked were very intelligent and made me think of a thorogh answer. Your RESPECT and CONFIDENCE in me really gave me a boost. And I definately needed it. I am seriously thinking/planning in the future ( I’m not sure when due to this economy and being able to take off for a time) to attend your Up Your Voltage class and look to persuing it a bit further as an assistant instructor for your course/company.  Again let me EXPRESS MY SUPREME GRADITUDE for all you did for me at the course. If I can EVER be of ANY assistance (even helping unload/load your vehicle) please do not hestitate to ask. I hope that   everyone is fine there and as I wrote to Deb in my E-mail Please give my congradulations to your son on his Graduation.  Look forward to hearing from you soon and getting together the   next time you are in the area. Please keep me posted on any and all events/info via your newsletter or an e – mail to me.
Take care and give my best to everyone.
Best Regards.

June 11, 2009
Dave "Harley" Daresi.

He unselfishly walked me through the whole thing and I greatly appreciate it.

Craig has been a great help to me in getting my hybrid business off the ground. I want to thank him especially for the help with the procedure for checking and repairing a 2002 prius battery. I was able to confirm the dealer diagnosis of a bad battery in a prius. Together, although 2500 miles apart, we communicated via email and phone to completely tear down, check out, and get a good used battery in my customer’s car. Needless to say, she is a happy camper. This is something I could not have done without Craig’s help. He unselfishly walked me through the whole thing and I greatly appreciate it. I am also looking forward to purchasing more training material from Craig and hoping to attend his classes in Mass. someday.

Thanks Craig !!

November 7, 2007
Scott Redfern (Shop Owner)

  I had one attendee that stopped me in the hall to tell me how wonderful your session was. 

Hi Craig & Deb,

 

I just wanted to say thank you for a job well done.  I really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and experiences with others in the collision repair industry.  I had one attendee that stopped me in the hall to tell me how wonderful your session was.  She was only able to attend one of the sessions, but said it was absolutely fabulous.  She said the two of you had great chemistry together and that you made a real impact on her.

I wish I could have sat through your sessions.  It was a pleasure to meet both of you!

Many thanks.

November 5, 2007
Teresa Raney (Conference Manager)

Here is what few had to say about our FIRST “UP YOUR VOLTAGE” CLASS:

What a great experience from the beginning to the end Craig went all out to make this event absolutely spectacular.  Craig and His wife Deb , did an superb job with food, accommodation and transportation. Every event traveling to and from locations made sure that all participants had to drive different Hybrid vehicles. I’m not sure those that drove with me were so happy :}. I drove more Hybrids than I’d ever driven before, Prius early and late, Honda Insight stick shift and Highlander.  Now this is nice if they    bring this to Australia I’ll have to have one.  All participants and trainers who were flying in were picked up and delivered to and from the Airports. Craig was absolutely amazing. My flight from Sydney to San Fran was late , I missed my connection to Washington and then to Manchester , but managed to get a flight to Boston. Craig came to fetch me from the airport at midnight in Boston to take me back to his place for the night what was left of   it. Thank you that was the most amazing thing to do.
The trainers were just great , each bring their own unique perspective and expertise to make the whole experience so much more enjoyable and valuable. A special thank you to Dave for making a learning experience so much more by making it spiritual as well.
The class showed a whole lotta class. The look on Jacques face when he was working away getting his hands ‘dirty’ was just great. It was hard to tell who was having more fun this weekend Jacques or David I met and shared a room with an amazing man Rusty Flake .
I also have a whole bunch of new friends like Lee ‘beaver’ Boucher , who shared something really special.
Well done Craig this event was spectacular.

October 28, 2007
Gil Sher
Gil-Auto Maintenance

The course and  hospitality and facility and instructors were all top notch!

Greetings from Canada!
It is Tuesday  evening and after driving a total of approximately 2300 kms (1400 miles), a   total driving time of about 19 hours round trip, we are home. It was definitely worth all of it.  The course and  hospitality and facility and instructors were all top notch! I came away learning much more than I had expected. I feel now that after the hands on training I experienced along with the theory I learned, I can handle any Hybrid that comes in the door. The fear is gone. I know what to expect and what to   respect. Thank you all so much!
A special thanks to Deb for attending to my wife Annette. You are a special person to enjoy time with and you also somehow are able to find the time to look after the “behind the scenes” necessities. I have never been so well fed at a training course.   Thank you.

August 27, 2007
George and Annette Stuyt

I enjoyed your class on stress management at NACE so much that I haven’t quit talking about it. 

Dear Craig & Deb,

What can I say to you that you haven’t already heard.  You two are awesome.  I enjoyed your class on stress management at NACE so much that I haven’t quit talking about it.  Just hoping I can apply what I learned  the way that I should.  I truly believe this was the best class I took at NACE.   I was so thrilled with your presentation that I was telling everyone.  I only regret I didn’t get in another class  from you two.  Thanks for all the great information and for fitting so many resources in to 90 minutes.

July 7, 2007
Tona Haywood
Gautier's Auto Body & Glas, Inc

I think you are on a winner. 

Dear Craig:
I hope this note finds you well and back home safe.  I hope you remember talking with me and my business partner at the   Vision conference.  I have a couple of interesting follow up notes for you. First, my son’s 6th grade physical science class was covering electricity.  I used your “Army man” theory to assist the teacher with instruction, purchased some multimeters and donated so we could   run some labs and had great success.  I think you are on a winner.  I still   have my army man on my desk to remind me to think about things differently.
Second, I really enjoyed your section on Hybrids.  I was somewhat skeptical about them, mainly from a lack of   education but after listening and then some follow-up research on my on I found that I was seriously interested.  I was not in the market for a car as   my husbands was scheduled for replacement in two years and mine in 3 to four when my husband decided to try and stuff his Dodge Intrepid up some guys   tail pipe.  It did not work and he managed to total the car and there I was in the market for the ever elusive hybrid.  Taking a gamble on Sat – I  stopped at the local Toyota dealer to see if they had one and test drive it   just to see what it was like.  The had gotten in a 2005 Prius the day   before, we drove it and bought it.  I am really excited as he commutes 80   miles (round trip) a day into Atlanta.
So you have two victories – A hybrid cynic is   now a hybrid owner and even I can teach electric theory.
Have a great day

June 2, 2007
Michelle Cannon (CFO)
C & R Fleet Services, Inc

…I appreciate your effort!

Craig,
I just wanted to send a quick thanks for the classes you presented at Vision 2005 in KC. I am a new instructor and have been enlightened about the amount of  work that even the smallest presentation requires. So I know how much effort   went into your class, and just wanted to let you know I appreciate your effort!
Maybe see you at C.A.R.S. or Vision next year. I’m off to buy some army men!

June 1, 2007
Tim Dwyer (Pro-Tech Instructor)
Oklahoma State University

From a college instructor on a hand written note:

“Dear Craig, Thank you very much for doing the hybrid seminar at Fullerton College and allowing the instructors to attend for FREE. Thank goodness for people like you!
Bob Gordon   CA., 2006

January 3, 2006
Bob Gordon

Craig has practical experience, great presentation skills, and a wonderful sense of humor. Works very well to describe how things actually work.

June 27, 2005
Bill Cannon (Former Editor)
MotorAge Magazine

Printed in “Import Car”

“Recently our entire service department office staff (made up of four employees) attended two   Automotive Management Institute (AMI) seminars presented by  Craig Van Batenburg at Rocket Training Center here in   Toledo. The seminars were titled “How to Sell Diagnostic Labor and Get Paid for   It” and “How to Work with Telephone Price Shoppers and First-Time Customers.”  One of Craig’s theories includes people who ask “how much” because they don’t understand our industry.   He suggests for the first visit you conduct an interview so you can qualify the customer and they can understand the terms of your relationship. Craig goes so far as to put his expectations in writing.
I encourage you to visit his website where all his forms are presented (www.auto-careers.org). If you have the opportunity to host any AMI classes in your area I recommend Craig.”
Owners:   Dan & Kathy Reichow     Location: Toledo, OH     Years in Operation: 18     Number of Bays: 8     Number of Technicians: 5     Repair Specialty: “Complete” Auto Repair, Used Car and Auto Rental

November 14, 2004

Class was “Telephone price shoppers” 

Craig, I really enjoyed your class at Linders and gained a lot of useful information   as well as reminding me of things that I have heard in other seminars over the past 20 years of owning my own business. I brought 2 other employees with me Saturday and know that they also found the class very informative. I   and my partner were also at the training that you did for PMTA in Lexington,  KY a couple of months ago as well as Linder’s Conference last year. Thanks for helping us to grow our business.
Complete Automotive Repair Inc.   2336 Palumbo Dr   Lexington, KY 40509
Thanks for everything

August 27, 2004
Jim Bailey (President)
Complete Automotive Repair Inc.

Craig.
I was in your class because of what I knew I didn’t know.  Boy you hit home with many of the things you covered on price   shoppers and first time customers.  On the drive home to Michigan Sunday, I began to make changes in my business. I now have an answering machine on both lines & am committed to changing messages twice daily.  My phone skills really needed work!  I’d forgotten the correct way to answer a phone.  Monday morning I turned my first “how much” into an appointment, using what you taught.  My second customer “a regular” handed me the keys said “Fix it, I need it by Saturday”.  I  replied as always,  “As soon as I get it checked out I’ll call you with an estimate.”  And his reply was and is always the same, “You don’t need to call, just do whatever it needs.”
Today, Tuesday I had my first price shopper that had their car in   another shop.  It felt good to be in charge of the conversation and   refer them right back to where they were at.  And away from the   dealer who had lowballed the estimate.  I’m looking forward to   calling that shop in the morning ( they were already closed tonight).  You had mentioned that you could send some copies of form that we could adapt for my shop, would you send those.  I have been unable to locate Nwzworks or George Zebrecki, can you give me a phone number or email address?
Thanks again for the GREAT class!
Mr. No Employees,
David Taylor   Taylor Automotive

August 20, 2004
David Taylor
Taylor Automotive

Hi Craig, just a note to ask for the business forms that you mentioned during our class last weekend. Class was great and I got to say hi to your son and he seems to be a very fine young man. Thanks for taking the time to present the topics and giving us more   ideas and reinforcing what we already know to be the way to conduct business. I learned a lot about Ego and how it can be a problem. Would have liked some role playing on phone technique with phone price shoppers but you did help me realize   that it takes practice with the customers to get it right. Some of my problem is not knowing the technical questions to ask when they keep demanding a price. I have now have the “Free Time” technique to try and hope that that will help.   Barry one of our owners thinks is a good thing to try.  We area small shop but we still have our employee meeting over lunch and I will be giving a synopsis of why I though it was well worth the time to attend you class.
Thanks again

August 16, 2004
Barb Franzone
Pro-Tec Auto Repair Inc

Class was “Electrical analysis.. a new model”  

I attended one of your classes held in Indianapolis I was with Brown’s  Autotech my name is Michael C. Dyer.  I enjoyed your class very much, and it was right on time. Me and my boss were  arguing about voltage drop testing, the newer Fords are horrible for corrosion in the positive cable causing eminent “starter death” I new this and new why and how to check for it and my boss( who thinks he is God The Super Tech ) just   couldn’t accept the fact this particular Ford truck needed a battery, cable and   starter. Hey, I like being right just as much as the next guy. I have an associates degree in automotive technology from Ivy Tech and although they did teach electricity using water flow they also very thoroughly covered the ground side and voltage drop testing. It is a great school and a great bunch of teachers at least in Indy for anyone interested.
    Ed Note: I hope his boss doesn’t see this!

August 16, 2004
Michael C. Dyer

My Service Writer  learned so much this weekend.

Craig,
You dah Man!! Great classes this weekend. My Service Writer  learned so much this weekend. I’ve been telling him the some of the same things you have taught, sometimes hearing them from someone else helps. We have started using your teachings as early as 7:30 this am. We even tried using a New England accent but offended a few of the Locals here in the Ozarks. ;-)
Your method of breaking out in groups for discussion helped us tremendously. We are having a problem keeping our owner off the phone though. Since he pays the phone bill he feels like he can call whoever he wants.
Thanks again.
Quack

March 6, 2004
Alan Quackenbush