FALL 2014 | MARINE TECHNICIAN TODAY
5
AMTECH Board
Meet the
EMPLOYMENT:
Owner of North Atlantic Marine
Services, Wareham, MA
Q:
What do you feel AMTECH’s major role is?
A:
AMTECH fills the training gap that exists within
the industry. I personally have been to decades
of factory training, seminars and updates and
have never left without learning something
new. AMTECH allows myself and my workers
the convenience of getting expert information
on products that we do not routinely service.
The networking that is encouraged is invaluable
especially when you’re stumped on a repair and
need assistance
.
Q:
What made you decide to
volunteer to serve on the board?
A:
After taking a few classes and seeing how what
I learn in the classroom can immediately be put
to use in the field, I thought that I might have
a few ideas that may help grow training. As a
board rep for the technician’s it was just a great
fit for me; despite the many management hats I
have worn, I am first and foremost a Technician.
Q:
Where do you see the industry going?
A:
One word, “Computerized. ” We are working
on some very technical systems with fuel
injection, fly-by-wire shift and throttle and
electronics communication. This is the easy
stuff. The consumer is demanding that we have
the technology that is in the automobiles as
well as your house. Example, joystick controls
are common and being fitted into smaller
craft. Entertainment and communications are
wired throughout the boat using a computer
network to send and receive these inputs.
They all work great, but what about when they
age or software updates to one unit stops
communicating properly? In the future we
will still need our mechanical troubleshooting
skills but in addition, computer networking/
communicating skills.
Q:
What role does service
play in the marine industry?
A:
We have heard it before, “the Sales department
assists the customer once - The Service
department assists the customer multiple
times...a season.” Without proper servicing this
investment becomes unmanageable and we will
lose a boater. There is a great demand for quality
service. We started our business five years ago
running a mobile service out of a minivan with
a toolbox to converting an unoccupied car
dealership to a full service marine repair facility.
Even in the economic climate we have just
gone through, we have enjoyed steady growth
each year. We are constantly asking ourselves,
“Are we delivering what our customers need or
want?” We have to exceed their expectations
and make sure we do a great job by educating
them on our expectations.
I had a conversation recently with a new
customer...it went like this. “Withmy experience
and training, I am the doctor of your engine. Like
your family doctor, he has recommendations
for your health, and it is your decision to follow
them. I am recommending these items to keep
your engine healthy, but the decision is up to
you. by the way, When would you like to break
down on the water?
John Bernier,
Member, AMTECH Board of Directors Representing Technicians
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:
• Marine tech experience
starting in 1986
• Dealership level - Lead Tech
• Service Manager -
Grady White - Regal Dealership
• General Manager -
Two location service facility
PERSONAL HISTORY:
• Enjoy Boating, Bikes and Bruins
• Instructor for MASS
Safe Boating Course
• Instructor for Community College
level “Marine Technician course”
• Instructor for AMTECH
Technical Classes
