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About Us

Our Story

TST Seminars About Us — engine image illustrating automotive technician training; diagnostics and drivability focus, GDI and port injection systems, ignition and fuel trim analysis, labscope waveform testing, CAN network and OEM workflows; nonprofit based in Mahopac, NY.

Technicians Service Training (TST) was spun off from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) automotive technician service group, Service Technicians Society (STS). When SAE shut down their affiliate STS, "G" Jerry Truglia felt there was a void in providing information to technicians for a reasonable price. G and former STS board member Pierre Respaut shared a common interest in keeping technicians updated on today’s technology. They formed TST, a 501(c)(3) educational non profit organization that functions as a “not-for-profit” organization, to help fellow technicians and shop owners by sharing their knowledge.

 

TST produces an annual daylong training program called the “Big Event,” and is devoted to the following since its inception:

  • ​Keeping our fellow technicians up to date with the latest technology.

  • Providing quality training seminars and educational materials at a reasonable price.

  • Delivering practical, useful repair information.

  • Keeping technicians informed of industry trends.​

TST is a group of dedicated technicians and instructors who believe in updating and educating our fellow technicians, providing reasonably priced seminars as well as a yearly full-day Saturday “Big Event”. Our seminars are presented by nationally recognized instructors, who are all “hands-on” industry experts with up to date knowledge about current trends and practices. They provide useful information and skills to help you master those tough jobs that we all see on a regular basis.

  • TST's newsletter is full of real world technical articles, diagnostic case studies and solutions to the kinds of problems you may see in your bays every week. We welcome all new articles.

  • TST members frequently contribute to our newsletter which we encourage. 

  • TST member benefits include: discounts on seminars, webcasts, videos, books and other available training, as well as tools, equipment.

  • TST seminars are an excellent place to network with the best technicians in the business.

 “A pleasure and a privilege to sit in a room with any instructor of this caliber!”

- DS, The TST Big Event
Instructor: Bernie Thompson
Topic: Advanced Leak Detection

TST Seminars board member headshot — [Full Name], leadership supporting nonprofit automotive technician training, TechFlix video education, webinars and seminars; Mahopac NY

"G" Jerry Truglia

Founder/President

"G" Jerry Truglia is a ASE World Class Technician

ASE Triple Master Technician in Automotive, Truck & School Bus

Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1)

Advanced Light Duty Hybrid/Electrical Vehicles (L3)

Light Duty Diesel (A9)

Exhaust systems (X1)

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) (F1)

TST Seminars board member headshot — [Full Name], leadership supporting nonprofit automotive technician training, TechFlix video education, webinars and seminars; Mahopac NY

Pierre Respaut

Vice President

Pierre Respaut is a 50+ year veteran of the automotive repair industry. He owned a BMW repair shop (Ultimate Cars) for 30 years and has worked in dealerships and independent repair shops, some mobile technician work, training for Bosch and technical support for ATS (Automotive Test Solutions).

Pierre Has been active in BIMRS, STS and TST to help promote professionalism in the auto repair industry.

TST Seminars board member headshot — [Full Name], leadership supporting nonprofit automotive technician training, TechFlix video education, webinars and seminars; Mahopac NY

Rich Peterson

Secretry

Rich Peterson, also known as "Richie Shorts" for his electrical expertise, has operated a mobile diagnostic business in North Jersey since 1976 servicing dealers and repair shops.

He also runs an auto electric tech support program. Rich has worked with electrical systems in high school, trade school, and the military where he has earned awards and highest honors. He was the technical field representative for two major auto parts manufacturers where he taught classes and solved problems. He has been an instructor for TST and Automechanika. Rich is happy to contribute to the support that TST provides to the technician.

TST Seminars board member headshot — [Full Name], leadership supporting nonprofit automotive technician training, TechFlix video education, webinars and seminars; Mahopac NY

Vasilios "Basil" Stratos

Treasurer

Basil Stratos has been in the Automotive business for 38 years. He received his first automotive training certificate at 15 years old. He worked at his family business an automotive repair and gas station for most of his career. After his Dad passed, he opened his own automotive shop for a time and then decided to become a mobile technician.

He was involved with STS and is one of the original TST board members. He joined TST because of the great education it supplies to himself as well as other technicians young and old!!

TST Seminars board member headshot — [Full Name], leadership supporting nonprofit automotive technician training, TechFlix video education, webinars and seminars; Mahopac NY

Eric Dibner

Secretary

Eric has had a passion to fix cars since he was 13 years old. He started with repairing mini-bikes and whatever small engines came his way. Now 30 + years later he still has that passion. He is a Master Tech previously certified ASE Master Tech, a Vejer Electronic Tech with distinction and has received many other certificates of training. He knows the value of education and feels that TST has the tools to help succeed in the automotive industry. He dedicates his time to TST to help his fellow technicians advance as well.

TST

Professional Training, Seminars and Events for Automotive Technicians all over the World

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TST is an official 501(c)(3) educational not-for-profit that creates original training content, hosts events, and develops products for its Members of Professional Automotive Technicians.

© 2021-2025 TST SEMINARS

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