Working for Forsyth County Fleet Services, you never know what new task each day will hold.

As Senior Automotive Equipment Technician Chase Mattie said, Forsyth County is constantly upgrading equipment, “so we’re always facing new hurdles and challenges.”

But after working for the County for the last 13 years, Mattie said he couldn’t imagine himself anywhere else.

“I really like the challenges,” he said. “And we’re never rushed, so we get to tear something down, diagnose it properly, and actually get it repaired the correct way.”

When Mattie arrives to work each morning, he checks the computer for work orders. At Fleet Services, employees have the complete responsibility of repairing and servicing the County’s vehicles and equipment, making sure each department has what they need to serve the community.

Depending on if there are road calls, Mattie figures out what projects to prioritize each day and will either help out in the shop or leave to repair things on the road.

He also assists younger technicians, providing guidance and advice about policies or jobs.

“The whole job is enjoyable, really,” Mattie said.

Mattie started his career in mechanical work at the young age of 10, helping his grandfather, who was a mechanic, fix “18-wheelers, bulldozers and more.”

“I would always go over and help him,” Mattie said. “Whether it was fixing 18-wheelers or bulldozers, it was always fun. He also used to build airplanes, and we flew out of Mathis Airport when it was still open.”

As a life-long Forsyth County resident, Mattie said it is rewarding to now work for the County that he grew up in, especially reconnecting with familiar faces when he is out on jobs.

“It’s home,” he said. “It’s nice because you’re five minutes from the house, and being able to go out and interact with people I’ve grown up with – it’s a friendly face they can pair with the County.”

The friendly faces don’t stop at clients and residents, he said, as the people he has worked with in Fleet Services have been great.

“Everybody wants to help everybody succeed here,” Mattie said.

As far as success, Mattie said he is proud of his double Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification in both heavy trucks and automotives. Mattie explained he was able to get the certification through the County, taking all 16 master ASE courses and passing the exams.

Mattie is the only Fleet Services employee on the shop floor that is double certified. Many others are certified in only one aspect or do not work on the shop floor.

After 13 years of working with Fleet Services, Mattie said he is pleased how he has been able to grow his career and stability. With the County, Mattie said he is also able to take his time with repairs, completing them with the utmost quality.

While his goal is to become the director of Fleet Services someday, Mattie said “who knows” what the future really holds for him. He just knows he “couldn’t ask for a better spot” with the County to grow his abilities, work with like-minded people and enjoy fantastic benefits.