Shop-Ware Names Winner of Future Tech of the Trade – VISION Experience Giveaway
Shop-Ware, a leading cloud-based shop management platform serving independent auto repair businesses across North America, has announced the winner of its highly anticipated Future Tech of the Trade – VISION Experience Giveaway. The initiative, created to recognize and elevate emerging talent within the automotive service industry, will send one promising apprentice on an all-expenses-paid educational journey to attend the prestigious VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo. The annual conference, widely regarded as one of the most respected and technically advanced gatherings in the automotive aftermarket sector, is scheduled to take place March 5–8, 2026, in Kansas City. This year’s recipient is Kaitlyn Schave of Wisconsin, a rising apprentice technician whose dedication, skill development, and passion for the trade distinguished her among nominees nationwide.
Partnership with Changing the Industry Expands Industry Impact
The giveaway was launched in collaboration with the automotive-focused podcast Changing the Industry, a platform known for spotlighting leadership, innovation, and workforce development within the repair and service community. By joining forces, Shop-Ware and Changing the Industry aimed to amplify the importance of investing in the next generation of technicians while reinforcing the value of continuous professional education. The VISION Experience Giveaway was designed not simply as a promotional initiative, but as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the talent pipeline in independent repair shops. Through this partnership, the program underscores the belief that cultivating skilled apprentices today ensures a resilient and technologically capable workforce for tomorrow.
Kaitlyn Schave’s Journey into the Automotive Trade
Kaitlyn Schave currently serves as an apprentice technician at TenPin Motors, an independent repair facility located in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Her path into the automotive field began with a personal motivation: she wanted to work on her own vehicles. However, rather than limiting herself to casual mechanical work, Schave recognized early that developing true expertise would require structured learning, hands-on practice, and mentorship. She entered the industry with humility and determination, understanding that technical mastery demands both knowledge and real-world application. Over time, her curiosity evolved into commitment, and her commitment translated into measurable growth within the shop environment.
Schave was nominated for the award by her employer, Angela Mitchell, owner of TenPin Motors, who has witnessed firsthand her apprentice’s dedication to excellence. Mitchell described Schave as someone who consistently seeks to expand her responsibilities, willingly stepping into larger and more complex repair assignments as her skills develop. Rather than hesitating when confronted with new challenges, Schave approaches them as learning opportunities, balancing independence with a willingness to request guidance when necessary.
Leadership and Mentorship at TenPin Motors
Angela Mitchell’s leadership at TenPin Motors has cultivated an environment where apprentices are encouraged to grow through structured mentorship and accountability. Mitchell emphasized that Schave not only demonstrates technical capability but also embraces the culture of professional development. According to Mitchell, Schave actively looks for mentors within the shop, listens carefully to feedback, and then applies that insight to future tasks. Importantly, she maintains ownership of her work, taking responsibility for outcomes rather than shifting blame or deferring accountability.
Mitchell also highlighted the additional challenges that can arise for women entering a historically male-dominated industry. The automotive repair sector has long struggled with gender imbalance, and female technicians often face skepticism or bias. Schave, however, has navigated these obstacles with professionalism and resilience. By consistently proving her competence, maintaining a strong work ethic, and demonstrating genuine commitment to continuous improvement, she has earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike. Mitchell summarized her apprentice’s approach succinctly, noting that Schave maximizes every opportunity to learn and improve.
Industry Recognition from Vehlo Leadership
The broader automotive technology ecosystem also acknowledged Schave’s potential. Cavan Robinson, Vice President of Operations at Vehlo, the parent company of Shop-Ware, praised her as a representative example of the industry’s future. Robinson emphasized that emerging technicians like Schave embody the dedication, adaptability, and forward-thinking mindset necessary for an automotive landscape increasingly shaped by digital diagnostics, evolving vehicle technologies, and customer expectations for transparency and efficiency.
Robinson further stated that recognizing apprentices through initiatives such as the Future Tech of the Trade program reinforces the industry’s commitment to workforce sustainability. By celebrating talent at the apprentice level, organizations can inspire other newcomers to pursue long-term careers in automotive service while demonstrating that hard work and passion do not go unnoticed. Schave’s selection signals confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the profession for years to come.
The Significance of the VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo
The VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo has earned a reputation as one of the most comprehensive educational conferences in the automotive service sector. Drawing technicians, shop owners, service advisors, and industry suppliers from across the country, the event offers in-depth technical training sessions, leadership workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees gain exposure to emerging diagnostic tools, evolving repair methodologies, and best practices in shop management.
For apprentices like Schave, access to such an event can accelerate development in ways that routine shop work alone cannot. Technical seminars allow participants to deepen their understanding of advanced vehicle systems, while peer networking fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange. Exposure to nationally recognized trainers and industry thought leaders helps young technicians see the broader possibilities within the field, from specialization in high-tech diagnostics to future leadership roles.
Personal Growth and Professional Aspirations
Schave has expressed clear goals for what she hopes to gain from attending VISION. She intends to strengthen her technical skillset, particularly in areas that require advanced diagnostic reasoning and precision. Beyond technical proficiency, she also aims to build greater confidence in her capabilities. For many apprentices, confidence grows incrementally as experience accumulates, but immersive educational events can provide transformative boosts by validating existing knowledge and expanding perspective.
Her philosophy of what defines an excellent repair technician reflects maturity beyond her current stage of training. She believes a strong technician is someone who continuously learns from others while remaining accountable for their work. In her words, confidence should never cross into arrogance. Instead, the ideal professional is confident yet humble—willing to seek guidance without relinquishing responsibility. This balanced mindset aligns closely with the values promoted by Shop-Ware and its partners in launching the giveaway program.
The Purpose Behind the Future Tech of the Trade Initiative
The VISION Experience Giveaway is rooted in a broader mission: giving back to the automotive community by supporting apprentices who demonstrate passion, craftsmanship, and dedication to growth. Independent repair shops rely heavily on skilled technicians, yet workforce shortages remain a pressing concern across the industry. Programs that elevate and invest in apprentices help address this challenge by reinforcing career viability and celebrating the trade as both intellectually demanding and professionally rewarding.
The selection committee for the award included representatives from Shop-Ware, Changing the Industry, the VISION event organization, and independent repair shop leaders. Candidates were evaluated on multiple criteria, including demonstrated enthusiasm for the automotive profession, commitment to ongoing education, evidence of work ethic, and alignment with community-oriented values. Schave’s nomination stood out because it illustrated not only her technical promise but also her character, resilience, and eagerness to grow.
Strengthening the Independent Repair Community
Independent auto repair businesses form the backbone of local automotive service networks. Unlike dealership service departments, these shops often depend on close-knit teams and personalized customer relationships. Investing in apprentices strengthens this ecosystem by ensuring continuity of expertise and preserving institutional knowledge within communities. Shop-Ware’s role as a technology provider uniquely positions it to observe trends across thousands of independent shops, giving the company insight into the urgent need for skilled talent development.
By launching initiatives like the Future Tech of the Trade – VISION Experience Giveaway, Shop-Ware demonstrates that technology providers can extend their influence beyond software solutions into meaningful workforce advocacy. Supporting apprentices not only enhances individual careers but also strengthens the operational capacity of independent shops nationwide.
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