02/25/2026
Today I had the opportunity to visit Northwest Technical Institute - NWTI of Springdale, Arkansas and speak with 30+ diesel students — and I’m fired up about what I’m seeing in diesel tech training right now, and in the skilled trades more broadly.
We’re now up to 24 NWTI students on the Diamond Fleet Tech Network — live technician profiles that students can share instantly as a link, QR code, or PDF, so employers can quickly understand who is graduating soon, what they can do, and who’s entering the workforce.
My goal is simple: help bridge the gap between schools and employers. I’m using technology to bring Amazon-level convenience to technician hiring — giving employers faster visibility into real talent that’s already out there and ready to help fill open bays.
What stood out most today was the conversation after the session. A few students shared how frustrating the application process can be, and how helpful it is to have another option that makes it easier to get seen. They were excited about their profiles and how easy they are to share as a link, QR code, or PDF — giving employers a fast way to get straight to their profile details in the format that works best for them.
The next generation expects tools that are simple, fast, and easy to use — and I believe we should be leaning into the technology already at our fingertips to help them launch strong careers.
One reminder I shared with the class: you’re more valuable than you realize. With roughly 65% of fleet shops understaffed, the opportunity for techs has never been stronger — and we’re in a moment where skilled trades careers are seeing lower unemployment than many traditional 4-year degree paths.
Huge thank you to the instructors who welcomed me in and are leaning in to help their students win:
Tony Peachee
John Martin
Ken Chambers
Zack McClain
I appreciate y’all for letting me speak with your students today — and for being open to new ways to connect great technicians with great opportunities.