Instructor Biography - Tom Finnerran
About the Instructor
![Tom Finnerran](/images/instructors/TOMF_2024_.png)
Tom Finneran
Intro – Biographical Information
EXPERIENCE AS AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN / DIAGNOSTIC SPECIALIST / BUSINESS OWNER |
|
|
|
EDUCATION - CERTIFICATIONS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TEACHING EXPERIENCE |
|
|
|
|
|
When I was active as a shop owner and technician, I was awarded the ASA’s (Automotive Service Association’s) “2002 Technician of the Year” award; concurrently I was recognized for having the highest ASE test scores in the nation. I was awarded as a Pacific region finalist in the first ACDelco “Technician of the Millennium” contest, one of only forty regional finalists in the nation. There were thirty two hundred contestants entered nationally.
I also have experience as a driver, fabricator and engine builder in NASCAR and open competition style race cars. As a result of this experience, I have gained a good understanding of vehicle dynamics. I’ve competed at tracks throughout California, Nevada and Arizona over the course of some twenty five years, winning several feature events and two track championships.
My teaching philosophy is simple. I believe any technical educational program should be relevant, convenient, and work hand-in-hand with the industry it serves. The student outcomes should provide them with knowledge that is deeper than what will be required for them to successfully complete their job on a daily basis. I believe the successful automotive technician for the future will require a much deeper knowledge in electronics than his predecessors. Finally, all courses offered should help technicians to be more successful and productive.