When it comes to national recognition for Service Technicians, Alan Nichols is cleaning up this year. He was recently named a winner of the Association Equipment Dealer (AED) Foundation's Knapheide Technician of the Year. This award comes after being
named one of five RDO winners of the John Deere Service Technician of the Year.
“Go out and give your best every day — even when it’s hard. As a technician, you’ll learn and grow so much over the years, which is something to be proud of,” said Field Service Technician Alan Nichols.
To recognize the best of the best in the technician field, the AED Foundation’s Knapheide Technicians of the Year Award is presented annually to eight technicians, one from each region of North America. Nominations are open to all technicians
with at least five years of experience who members of AED employ. Judging criteria for the AED Foundation's Knapheide Technician of the Year program focuses on years of experience, education, community and volunteer involvement, safety, leadership
and team-building.
His recognition through these awards represents what his team members have always known: Nichols is a talented technician, a role model in the community, and a great mentor to those around him.
In 2006, Nichols joined RDO as an Access Your Future (AYF) intern, where he gained experience during high school before joining the team full-time as a Field Service Technician.
In his role at RDO, Nichols drives hundreds of miles weekly to service equipment with maintenance issues in the field. During busy seasons, he can assist four to five customers daily, many of whom contact him directly.
“I understand how valuable the customer’s time is, and I do my best to research before making a trip. I always aim to get the fix done the first time, and that mentality has been a great way to build solid foundations with the customers,”
Nichols said.
Alan Nichols is AED's Foundation Knapheide Technician of the Year.
From Wasco to Pendleton, he has developed relationships with teammates to help himself grow as a technician.
“I’m grateful I’ve always had people to look up to at RDO. Regardless of the problem or question that I’m facing, help is just a phone call away," he said. "I always enjoyed learning from others’ experiences and having
the opportunity to bounce ideas off one another.”
Now, Nichols prioritizes mentorship to help others achieve the same growth he has had throughout his career. The RDO store in Hermiston, Oregon, has three AYF Interns, which has given Nichols ample opportunities to provide advice and education.
"I jump at the chance to take interns out in the field with me,” he said. “It allows them to see something new, and I can show interns how important it is to give 110% on every visit.”
Nichol's mentorship also carries over to his life outside of work. Whether leading facility improvements at his local church or helping with the local Little League team, Nichols understands the importance of being an active role model in the community.
“Try to make every day a success and do your best to help others around you," he said.
