Technician Tuesday: Ian Steltmann

For this week’s Technician Tuesday, we visited West Herr Collision Center Rochester to get to know Body Shop Technician, Ian Steltmann.

“I grew up in Fairport and bought a house in Chili about six years ago.”

Ian hadn’t initially planned on working in the auto industry.

“I actually went to Purdue for a year and a half where I studied Industrial Design. I realized I wasn’t meant to sit behind a desk and needed to do something that involved being on my feet and using my hands, so I moved back home and spent a semester at MCC (Monroe Community College) while I figured out what I wanted to do next. My Father is a carpenter by trade and is one of the biggest reasons I wanted to try a skilled labor job. The auto industry was always something that was in the back of mind, so I ended up enrolling in the Auto Body program at Alfred State where I graduated from in 2015.”

Ian entered the workforce right away in Fairport.

“I worked for four years before deciding it was time for something more. I had remembered when I was at Alfred State that West Herr had come to talk to us about opportunities, but at the time they weren’t in Rochester. I decided to go over to the Rochester Collision location and speak to the Manager, John Furey. I ended up applying and getting the job a couple weeks later.”

Having been with West Herr since 2019, there is a lot Ian has come to enjoy about working for the group.

“First off how they care for their own. West Herr is miles and miles beyond others when it comes to taking care of employees. The benefits, looking after employees and the facilities we have are just amazing. Also, the opportunity for upward growth and training is great. I am actually going to Texas for Mercedes aluminum welding training and that is something I never would have been able to do without West Herr.”

When it comes to his future at West Herr, Ian hopes he can one day give back.

“I enjoy the work I’m doing so much I don’t see myself having to leave the shop to grow. If I have the chance to mentor or help teach the next generation of Techs, I think that’s something I’d really enjoy.”

While Ian remains plenty busy with work, he does have several things he likes to do in his free time.

“When I was younger, I did track, soccer and martial arts. Nowadays, I am usually tinkering in the garage with my car or truck, taking road trips on my motorcycle, or spending time with my dog, Layla. She is pretty much my fulltime responsibility outside of work,” Ian said laughing.

While Ian is thankful for all the help he’s received in his time at West Herr, two people in particular have gone above and beyond to help him get to this point.

“Tony Chatelle is an experienced Tech I was paired up with after about a year and a half at West Herr. I learned a lot from him, and he really helped me along the way. Also, my Manager, John, has been great. He’s the best boss I’ve had in this industry by far. Always there to help whenever you need it.”

In closing, Ian wanted to reiterate his thanks for just how much West Herr cares about its Technicians.

“I can’t say enough how good this company is for Techs. A lot of other companies don’t value us the way West Herr does. It’s obvious and very apparent how much we are cared for here. It will certainly keep me here for the remainder of my career.”

If you or someone you know is interested in applying to West Herr to join our awesome technician team, you can find more information over on our careers page.