They may not be in the spotlight, but bus technicians keep the wheels turning — literally.
The United Motorcoach Association is shining a long-overdue light on the industry’s unsung heroes with the launch of its Ring of Honor, a new recognition for elite maintenance technicians whose behind-the-scenes excellence keeps fleets safe, reliable, and on the road.
The award was introduced at the 2025 UMA Motorcoach EXPO Awards Gala on Feb. 22 to honor technicians who have demonstrated consistent excellence over the years.
The inaugural class includes Wes Kanaga, Greg Lammers, Dave Meyerhofer and Darren Haines, who collectively have claimed 12 first-place titles over the event’s 17-year history.
“These are the best of the best,” said Kevin Whitworth, longtime competition organizer. “Once someone wins three times, they become eligible for the Ring of Honor but retire from competition. It opens the door for new talent to rise, while keeping our legends close to mentor the next generation.”
Each inductee shared reflections on their career, the competition, and the recognition.
- Kanaga, now Service Manager at TEMSA North America, earned his three wins while at Peoria Charter in Illinois. “Recognition from one’s peers is the highest compliment,” he said. “Every year, I competed to be better than the technician I was yesterday.”
- Lammers, who retired from Cavalier Coaches in Owatonna, Minnesota, after a 43-year career, said he was honored to be included. “I loved every minute of my career. Being recognized alongside these talented professionals means a lot.”
- Meyerhofer, Shop Supervisor at Kobussen Buses LTD in Wisconsin, holds a record nine podium finishes. “No two days are the same in this job,” he said. “I’m grateful to have spent 35 years in a shop that let me grow and improve.”
- Haines, owner of JAG Motorcoach in Gladwin, Michigan, praised the competition for keeping his skills sharp. “I’d prepare for weeks, and the challenge made me better,” said Haines, who won in 2019, 2020 and 2023. “This industry has given me so much. It’s an honor to give back.”
The Maintenance Competition, sponsored by ABC Companies, tests competitors on written knowledge and hands-on vehicle inspections. It’s part of a broader tradition that includes the UMA Maintenance Interchange — a 27-year-old forum where mechanics and operators share real-world solutions.
“Competitions like this aren’t just about bragging rights,” said UMA President & CEO Scott Michael. “They’re about elevating the skills of our maintenance professionals, encouraging learning, and spotlighting the vital work that keeps our fleets running safely every day.”
Whitworth thanked several people for their efforts in creating the lifetime achievement award, including the Risk Management Committee members Matt Dance, John Grzywacz and Mitch Guralnick. He also highlighted Ken Presley, UMA’s Vice President, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/COO, for creating a classic award for the inductees.
To commemorate the Ring of Honor, UMA unveiled a trophy — a bright red toolbox engraved with honorees’ names — that will return each year to EXPO. Whitworth credited Michael with the idea for the distinctive design, calling it “the perfect symbol for honoring hands-on excellence.”
“He told me, ‘Kevin, we need a permanent award on display at EXPO each year, something that honors our Ring of Honor members. Something as symbolic as the Stanley Cup.’ And Scott did exactly that, with the old-school red starter toolbox that every mechanic remembers,” Whitworth said.
“It’s more than a trophy,” Whitworth said. “It’s a reminder that greatness in this field is built one wrench turn, one diagnostic test, one fix at a time.”
