small fleet to produce that many miles is quiet an endeavor, and he makes that happen.”
Tat maximization has been
buoyed by nearly $1 million in grants Harder applied for and has received to purchase two new buses, replace 23 diesel particulate filters and secure a DPF filter oven and filter blaster. “I had to lock myself in my office for a couple months to get them written,” he recalled. Of course, the ascent of school bus technology has required Harder and his mechanics to also learn var- ious computer software programs to diagnose issues. “It’s no longer you pull wrenches all day and change tires and stuff,” he added. While Harder said he still enjoys working on buses and helps out in the shop whenever he can, a good portion of his day is spent maintaining the dis- trict’s digital video camera systems and reviewing footage to identify instances bullying and vandalism. Not surprisingly, Harder con- fidently takes on any challenge presented to the garage. In fact, Rondeau said “no” is not in Harder’s
vocabulary. Instead, he builds rela- tionships. “Our school community knows that Don is always a person you can count on.” she said. For example, like most districts,
Tahoe-Truckee is experiencing a mechanic shortage, but Harder said his staff is so good at what they do that any challenges keeping up with the work are negligible. “Tey are the A-Team. I couldn’t do it without them, and they know it,” he added. Recently, mechanic Jorge Abac was named classified employee of the year by the California Association of School Transportation Officials. “Don’s management style is one of empowerment,” added Rondeau. “He encourages staff to enhance their skills through exploring their creativity and ongoing training and professional development. Don truly exemplifies the team approach. Don also believes everyone has value and appreciates diversity.” At 62 years old, there are still many mountains left for Harder to climb, literally and figuratively, as he’s in love with his garage and staff and he’s having too much fun to
slow down, whether that be out in nature or in his garage. His philos- ophy in the shop and in life keeps him sharp, motivated and open to the possibilities. “Tere are four things I’ve learned,” he said. “I’m not always right. I don’t always get my way. Other people have great ideas, and you best listen to them. And there is more than one side to every story.” Whatever, dude.
Harder’s maintenance program keeps the district’s buses ready for regular treks to and from Lake Tahoe (background).
{
THE COMMUNICATOR Daniel Ahuna Title: Director of Maintenance Employer: Roberts Hawaii Location: Honolulu
When many fleet managers retire from a transit agency after
26 years, they are more interested in relaxing and not jump- ing to an operation that services six times more vehicles. But that’s Daniel Ahuna for you. Te director of maintenance at Roberts Hawaii, the state’s second largest school and tour bus operator, said a desire for “bigger challenges” prompted him to leave Oahu Transit Services nearly a year and a half ago for the 75-year-old family company. Tat meant embracing a fleet of 1,200 when previously he oversaw 235 transit buses. “Living in Hawaii isn’t always a paradise when the parts for
your 1,000-plus vehicles in operation are across 2,500 miles of ocean,” said Michael Mills, territory manager for Cummins Pacific when nominating Ahuna for Garage Stars. Ahuna explained that it can take three days to a week to re-
ceive new parts, so strategizing maintenance is key. Under Ahu- na’s watch, Oahu Transit Services was twice recognized by the
32 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2016
THE LIST STN received 105 nominations of 94 fleet managers, lead techs, foreman and other maintenance professionals from across the nation. Find out who they all are at
http://stnonline.com/2016-garage-stars.
American Public Transportation Association as America’s Best Transit System. He took those same key maintenance practices and implemented them at Roberts Hawaii. “From increased vehicle uptime, implementing more safety stan-
dards and telematics changes are being made to increase safety and efficiency. Increased driver and rider satisfaction is being heard a lot through what we in the islands call the ‘coconut wireless,’” Mills said, referring to what mainlanders calls the “grapevine.” Still, a result of a booming constructing industry, Hawaii is not immune to a shortage of able-bodied technicians, and nei- ther is Roberts Hawaii, Ahuna admitted. But word of mouth is spreading that, at Roberts, mechanics are afforded opportunities to work on the latest technology while also being treated with the utmost respect and given professional freedom, exactly how the Iwamoto family wooed Ahuna over to Roberts Hawaii in the first place. He said the family values match his own philosophy of fostering employee appreciation. “If your employees are happy, they will do anything for you,” added Ahuna, who lives by the mantra of never assigning a job that he wouldn’t or couldn’t do himself. “I’m approachable and there’s always two-way communication, and I help the solve problems, not just tell them what to do.”
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