technical expertise, leader- ship and a commitment to
B
continuous improvement. After graduating from Illinois Valley
Community College in 2018 with mul-
tiple automotive technology certifications, Bentlin began his career as a dealership techni- cian before expanding his diesel experience at CIT Trucks in Peru, Illinois. He later spent more than four years maintaining municipal fleet vehicles ranging from light-duty units to Class 7 trucks and heavy equipment, earning both ASE Master Automobile Technician and ASE Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician certifications along the way. Just over a year ago, Bentlin entered the pupil transportation industry. “What drew me to pupil transportation was the opportunity to make a direct impact on student safety and reliability every day,” Bentlin said. “Knowing that my work helps ensure students are trans- ported to and from school safely is rewarding.” His impact was quickly recognized. Less than a year after joining Durham School Ser- vices, Bentlin was promoted from technician to maintenance supervisor. Today, he oversees two shop locations, supports a fleet of more than 130 school buses, and manages a team of four technicians. A third location will soon be added to his responsibilities. No two days are the same. Bentlin balances administrative duties such as purchasing parts, managing budgets and coordinating sched- ules while also supporting technicians with diagnostics and repairs. He works closely with other departments to ensure maintenance and operational goals remain aligned. “The best part of my job is seeing the direct impact of our team’s work every day,” he said. “I also enjoy mentoring and developing technicians, helping them grow their skills and advance their careers.” One area Bentlin believes sets Durham apart is its investment in technician development.
42 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2026
Brady Bentlin: Advancing Through Leadership Maintenance Supervisor |Summit School Services
rady Bentlin’s rise in pupil transportation has been marked by a combination of
The company offers ASE certification support, OEM training opportunities and hands-on learn- ing designed to help technicians expand their skills and advance their careers. Technology also plays an important role in fleet operations. Bentlin relies on a real-time, out-of-service tracker that provides immediate visibility into vehicle status across his locations. The system helps prioritize repairs, allocate resources and maintain fleet availability. “Having real-time visibility into fleet avail- ability enables me to prioritize repairs and ensure we maintain the capacity needed to support daily operations safely and efficiently,” he said.
Outside of work, Bentlin said he enjoys golf- ing, fishing and attending Chicago White Sox games. He also coaches his stepdaughter’s recreational baseball team, an experience he considers especially rewarding. For those entering the industry, Bentlin em-
phasizes patience, hard work and a willingness to keep learning. “Success comes from consis- tently showing up, taking pride in your work and being willing to learn from experienced professionals,” he said.
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