By Sandi Gohn | October 2019
There’s something about AAA Colorado Technician Andre McClure that sets him apart from the crowd.
Maybe it’s his in-depth automotive and car battery knowledge, honed over years of working in the industry. Maybe it’s his friendly disposition and dedicated work ethic. Or maybe, it’s simply the fact that he genuinely enjoys hopping in his truck, going to work, and helping people every day.
“It makes me feel good to know I actually played somebody’s superhero for the day,” said Andre.
“Hotwheels Guy” to Hero of the Highway
Growing up in the Denver area with his parents, Andre remembers always having a soft spot for cars, even though he never had any early ambitions for a career in the automotive industry.
“I liked cars when I was younger. I was one of those Hotwheels guys,” said Andre.
As he got older and, self-admittedly, became a fan of the Fast and Furious movie franchise, Andre decided to turn his love of cars into a long-term career. After graduating high school, he headed to IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs, where he earned his associate degree in automotive technology.
Not wanting to spend 40 hours a week cooped up in a garage, Andre began to explore more specialized roles within the industry, and ultimately landed a job with an auto glass repair company. Then, one of his friends, who worked in the insurance department for AAA Colorado, told him that the company was hiring roadside technicians. Two years, and hundreds of service calls later, the rest is history.
Heading to the National Battery Service Skills Challenge
Earlier this summer, Andre put his battery service skills to the test and competed against 12 other top AAA Colorado roadside technicians for the title of best battery service technician in the state. After winning first place—and taking home $1,000—he headed to Washington, DC in October to compete in the national 2019 Battery Service Skills Challenge against 29 other technicians from AAA clubs across the United States and Canada.
“It’s definitely an honor and I’m glad I got the opportunity,” Andre said.
While some technicians take years to refine their battery and customer service skills, McClure earned a spot at the national Battery Service Skills Challenge in only two years. According to Gerald Dong, director of AAA Colorado’s automotive repair programs, that isn’t something you see every day.
During the competition in DC, Andre and 29 other technicians were tasked with solving a simulated battery repair challenge, designed to mimic an actual service call they would receive in the real world. Technicians could practice for the competition ahead of time using the official scorecard, but crucial details of the challenge—the car, battery, and AAA member type—were kept a total surprise.
“You have to memorize or remember all the different steps and try not to miss anything,” said Seifu Belihu, business administration manager for AAA Colorado Pacesetter Roadside Assistance.
A Network of Support
Throughout the competition, Andre had a strong team of supporters that included family, friends, and coworkers. In particular, his mother, Dwyan McClure, has been his closest confidant, and traveled to Washington, DC with Andre as his “plus-one.”
“I’m really close to my son and I’m honored to be here,” Dwyan said. “I guess I was more excited for him than he was.”
Andre also benefitted from coaching and encouragement from his AAA Colorado colleagues. He even received a hand-made card from the call center team who has been following his success.
Still, the biggest motivating factor for Andre along this journey has been his two-year-old daughter, Alana, who lives in another state with her mother. If he won the competition, Andre said he would use some of the earnings—$20,000 first place prize—to visit her more frequently.
Despite his diligent preparation and hard work, Andre did not win this year, though he did finish 13th. Along with 19 other competitors, he was honored as a semi-finalist and received a commemorative plaque—but he already has his sights set on next year.
"Win or lose, I’m just here for the ride and experience, and just to know that [if] there’s an opportunity to be here again next year, I want to,” Andre said.
Sandi Gohn is an award-winning multimedia story teller, communication strategist, fitness photographer, and yoga teacher located in Washington, DC She followed and documented Andre’s journey throughout the national competition.