The Mountainland CTE Region is excited to introduce the newest member of our Utah Diesel Tech Pathway Committee, Jake Johnson. His journey through the diesel pathway is nothing short of inspiring, and we are thrilled to have him as the Utah County UDTP Industry Chair.
Jake's story takes us back 25 years to when he was a sophomore at Mountain View High School in Orem. At that pivotal moment, his counselor posed the age-old question, "What do you want to do after graduation?" Jake's response was crystal clear – he wanted to work on heavy equipment. Without missing a beat, his counselor enrolled him in Diesel Repair classes at UVSC (now UVU) for his junior and senior years. And so, his dual high school and diesel tech education journey began.
In 2001, Jake walked the stage not just as a high school graduate but also as a UVSC Diesel program alumnus. He wasted no time and embarked on his career at Wheeler Machinery. Starting in the Heavy Repair shop, Jake delved into the intricacies of heavy equipment repairs, primarily focusing on CAT equipment. It was here that he found a group of mentors and friends who would support him throughout his career.
Soon, Jake was presented with a unique opportunity – to be part of a mining truck assembly crew in Ely, Nevada. Together, they built a fleet of 793 haul trucks, an experience that added invaluable expertise to Jake's skillset. Following this, he transitioned to Wheeler's CRC (Component Rebuild Center), specializing in engine rebuilds for small-bore engines, where he learned from some of the industry's best engine builders. But the defining moment came when he was entrusted with the keys to a field service truck, marking his transformation into a field technician. Picture the life of a field tech – responding to calls at all hours, conducting on-the-spot troubleshooting, and making repairs in diverse locations, often with limited cell service and challenging weather conditions. Jake not only thrived in this high-paced role but also cherished the unique experiences it offered.
About a year later, he became the resident Wheeler Field Tech for Geneva Rock Products at the Point of the Mountain, where he spent nearly 14 years repairing machines all across the state. Reflecting on this phase of his career, Jake holds an immense appreciation for the solid team of techs, operators, and drivers at Geneva Rock. In 2020, Jake was presented with an opportunity he had long aspired to – a Technical Communicator (TC) position. In this unique role, he utilized his career experiences to address technical support needs within Wheeler, making a significant impact in his field.
As we welcome Jake to the Utah Diesel Tech Pathway Committee, we also celebrate his remarkable journey, which embodies the spirit of dedication, learning, and perseverance. Jake's story is a testament to the countless opportunities and rewarding experiences that a career in diesel technology can offer. We look forward to Jake's contributions to our committee and the wealth of insights he will bring from his journey. Together, we will continue to shape the future of diesel tech education in Utah and inspire others to explore the vast possibilities within this industry.