Training That Actually Trains with Brandon Steckler & Bob Leonard [E206]

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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Live from “pre-ASTA,” Matt sits down with two “industry nobodies” (his words) who… are anything but. The trio gets honest about what makes training worth the time and money—and what ruins it. They dig into presenter prep (yes, 40 hours for a 4-hour class), class vetting, sponsor pressure, why a sexy scope trick isn’t always the right first move, and how to bring new voices onto the stage without burning attendees. They also share practical advice for first-timers at training expos so you learn more and regret less.

What we cover

• Why one weak class can poison a whole event—and how to prevent it
• The difference between a presenter and an educator
• Brandon’s CTI “boot camp” lessons: pacing, body language, audience interaction
• Teaching your experience vs. reading someone else’s slides
• The “pico math channel” vs. relative compression—start simple, earn the complexity
• Real-world prep: building a class, flow, case study sourcing, time costs no one sees

Sponsor dynamics: class quality vs. class quantity

• Vetting ideas: short audition decks, Zoom mini-presentations, real Q&A
• Pathways for new trainers: Techs Informing Techs, vision-style tech talks, co-teaching/mentorship
• Feedback that helps: beyond Scantron; what to write so organizers can act
• Attendee playbook: note-taking, pacing yourself, lobby networking, post-event review

Quick takeaways

For trainers

• If you didn’t write the class, make it your own—prep until you could answer questions without the deck.
• Lead with the right test, not the flashiest one. Wow factor is not a learning objective.
• Ask a veteran to review your flow. Co-teach if you can.

For event organizers

• Don’t let sponsorship replace standards. Vet instructors with a 10–15 slide audition + live Q&A.
• Reward quality: fewer tracks > more mediocre tracks.
• Follow up for feedback after the event; invite longer-form comments.

For attendees

• Bring a notebook/app, a highlighter, and capture 3 “do-this-Monday” items per session.
• Don’t try to copy every slide—listen for the why and the decision tree.
• Network on purpose. Introduce yourself. Follow up a week later as you review notes.

Notable moments/quotes

• “Teaching is the fun part—I’d do that for free. You’re really paying for the prep.” — Brandon
• “You can’t preach ‘training matters’ and then short-change the delivery.” — Matt
• “We need an on-ramp for new presenters—safe reps before three-hour sets.” — Matt
• “Start with the test that answers the question fastest.” — Bob

Shout-outs & mentions

• MobilityWorks — Bob’s focus on vehicles modified for physically disabled drivers/passengers
• CTI/Worldpac instructor boot camp (presenter craft)
• Techs Informing Techs / vision-style tech talks — great first stage reps
• Pico Technology concepts referenced (math channels, relative compression)

Who this episode helps

• Techs deciding whether to spend the time/money to travel for training
• New and aspiring trainers looking for the right entry path
• Organizers who want higher attendee retention and better word-of-mouth

Call to action

• Been to a class that changed your workflow—or wasted your time? Send Matt what made the difference and why.
• If you’re an aspiring presenter with a killer case study, draft a 10-slide mini and reach out—let’s get you reps at a tech-talk format.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech...