From Broken Back to Master Tech - Chris Biediger aka @TxToolGuy on Wrench Turners Podcast
Chris Biediger, better known online as Texas Tool Guy, has lived a technician's story that doesn’t fit into a clean little box. He broke his back at 17. Lost hearing in one ear. Left college. Worked the lube rack. Got humbled by an electrical diagnosis. Left the dealership world. Went back to school. Bartended. Fixed cars in his driveway. Got pulled back into the trade. Built a social media following by accident. Then helped launch a Toyota and Lexus specialty shop in Texas. But this episode isn’t just about tools, certifications, or dealership drama. It’s about what it actually takes to survive and grow in this trade. Chris talks about learning the hard way, asking for more money, getting certified, reading service information, flat rate pressure, dealership politics, mentorship, content creation, Toyota and Lexus work, ADAS, and why technicians have to take their physical and mental health seriously. Because if your body goes, your career goes with it. And if your head isn’t clear, your diagnosis won’t be either. This is a real technician conversation about grit, growth, money, mentorship, family, and building a better life with a wrench in your hand. Follow Chris: Texas Tool Guy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txtoolguy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@txtoolguy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @TxToolGuy Hill Country Yoda Works Toyota and Lexus Specialists in New Braunfels, Texas Subscribe to The Wrench Turners Podcast for real conversations with technicians, shop foremen, service leaders, trainers, and automotive professionals who are working to make this trade healthier, happier, and more productive. Negative pushes. Positive pulls. j. ⚠️ Disclaimer: I’m a licensed mechanic. That doesn’t mean I know what I’m doing, whether it’s fixing things or filming things. Do your own due diligence. Listen to The Wrench Turners Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ScwRP0DFMtDsp83JxPhPK?si=26aeb4be65da45eb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuataylor/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjtaylor/ Chapters 00:00 Chris Biediger, TxToolGuy 04:07 Breaking his back... 08:41 Leaving college for the dealership 10:26 Getting humbled 15:17 The mentor who taught him 20:16 Certifications, flat rate, and pay 28:26 COVID, side work, and the auto pull 38:22 Ford, heavy line, and learning value 51:06 Leaving Toyota to build something 55:59 Starting Texas Tool Guy