TECHNICIAN TUESDAY: Michael Fabretti

Michael’s first dive in the automotive industry started back in 2007 when he worked at AutoZone. He and a few of his friends had ambitions to open a Speed Shop. At the time, he was attending a trade school for auto mechanics and attending Monroe Community College. He mentioned with the economic crisis that happened in 2007, their goals of opening their own business got pushed to the side, and Michael mentions they were all presented with other opportunities that would serve them better. Michaels was taking part in the Mercedes-Benz Elite program in Boston!

Michael lived in Boston for four months to complete this training, getting equipped with all the latest technology and learning skills to better service vehicles. Michael was able to become Master Tech Certified, leaving him with the highest certifications you can achieve as a technician. Upon graduating this course, he then started at a Mercedes dealership on Long Island, where he worked for four years! Michael is a Rochester native, and he would always keep an eye on Mercedes-Benz of Rochester for job opportunities.

When thinking back on Michael’s time here at West Herr, he says one of his favorite memories he has was from a few Summers ago. He and a few of his co-workers bought remote control cars and on their lunch break would race them. “We even went as far as setting up the track with cones, it was a blast!” says Michael. He says that the work environment in the shop is great. “We have a good balance of having fun, but keeping it professional,” he adds.

Michael mentions prior to West Herr, he didn’t have a lot of dealership experience, but the experience he did have was not the best. Michael mentions that because of his experience at his previous dealer, he was debating leaving the industry all together. He mentions he was very hesitant to try another dealership, but he is so glad he gave West Herr a chance. “I always feel listened to here, I feel like my boss cares, and I feel like the culture here is much better than other dealers,” he says.

When Michael is not working, he loves to spend time with his wife and four-year old son! Michael is an avid biker and mentions how happy he is that his son is learning how to ride a bike! They love to camp in the Adirondacks and just enjoy each other’s company in the outdoors.

Of Michael’s twelve-year career here at West Herr, he has met a lot of people who have helped him get to where he is today. He wanted to shout out his previous Team Lead, John Suhr! John has just recently gone to explore a different career path, but Michael says he was an absolute pleasure to work with. He also wanted to shoutout his Service Manager, Cody Mundorff. “I’ve learned a ton from him. He has always made me feel respected, which just encourages me to do my best,” Michaels says. Lastly, Michael wanted to give a shoutout to Rich Rennie, his other Co-Team Leader. “We have complimentary skill sets, we can always bounce ideas and skills off of each other,” he adds.

Michael is just an all-around great leader to have in the shop. “I always try to give advice when it’s warranted. I never want to impose, but if I see someone struggling, I want to be there to help,” Michael says.

Michael wanted to keep pushing forward in his career by obtaining as many certifications as he can. One goal of his soon is to become a Mercedes Certified Diagnostic Technician, as well as EFK certified for electric vehicles. He mentions he had a few roadblocks preventing him from completing these certifications, but he feels as though he is ready and can’t wait to meet these achievements!

One fun fact about Michael is that he has been trying to learn to play the banjo for the last fifteen years! He loves bluegrass and folk music and was inspired to play some of his own! His favorite band is a Buffalo based group called The Brothers Blue, and he also loved Mumford & Sons!

Michael is such a passionate and motivated individual, and we can’t wait to see all that he accomplishes in his time here at West Herr! Way to go, Michael!

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.