IAIN AND SETH

Trade Insight, Real Talk, and Finding the Right Fit!

When Iain, a job seeker with a keen interest in mechanical work, met Seth—a seasoned heavy-duty mechanic with over 15 years in the trade—it quickly became clear this was more than just a mentorship match. It was a conversation full of practical wisdom, encouragement, and the kind of candid insights that only come from lived experience. 

Seth, who maintains everything from tractors and shunt trucks to refrigerated units, shared how his journey started early—thanks to a family legacy of truck ownership. He told funny and insightful stories, recalling how he began removing and replacing parts as a teenager. Over time, curiosity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to ask questions became central to his growth. “I’ve never had someone in the trade turn me down when I asked a question,” he told Iain. “That’s how you learn.” 

The conversation covered everything from technical skills to mindset. Seth emphasized how the role is a blend of mechanics, electrical work, welding, and problem-solving. “If it didn’t break down, we wouldn’t have a job,” he said. “You need to be comfortable with struggle—it’s how you learn.” He encouraged Iain to keep challenging himself, especially with the parts of the job he finds hardest. “Whatever is your least favorite thing, do it until it isn’t.” 

Knowing Iain has a hearing impairment, Seth offered real-world reassurance, explaining how certain accommodations and visual troubleshooting techniques—like using air bubbles in water to detect leaks—can be incredibly effective. He also highlighted how mechanical work today blends high-tech diagnostics with hands-on, old-school ingenuity.