Iron Buffalo Hosts SkillsUSA Regional Diesel Competition, Investing in the Next Generation

If we want a stronger diesel industry tomorrow, we have to build it today.

Iron Buffalo recently hosted the SkillsUSA Regional Diesel Equipment Technology Competition, welcoming 15 high school students for a hands-on, industry-driven event designed to test real-world technical skill, professionalism, and safety standards.

This wasn’t a classroom exercise. It was the real thing.

Six Stations. Real Equipment. Real Pressure.

Students rotated through six timed stations that mirrored the challenges professional diesel technicians face every day. The competition included:

• Precision measuring
• Preventive maintenance inspections (PMI)
• Tire and wheel service
• Component failure analysis
• Fastener identification
• A 50-question ASE-style written exam

Each station required more than technical knowledge. Competitors demonstrated communication skills, safety awareness, and professional discipline — the same qualities fleet managers depend on when uptime is on the line.

At Iron Buffalo, we believe skill is built under pressure. This competition delivered exactly that.

Powered by Industry Partnerships

Events like this don’t happen without collaboration.

Colorado Drywall Supply (CDS) provided trucks for students to compete on, giving participants invaluable real-world exposure.

“Having the opportunity to give back is what it’s all about. We hope today’s event sparked some sort of fire that will lead these future mechanics into a career path they are excited about. CDS is happy to be a small part of their story by providing our vehicles for this competition.”
— Nick Sleeman, Managing Partner, Colorado Drywall Supply (CDS)

DPF Express supported the component failure analysis station with real failed aftertreatment components — not simulations, but actual industry failures technicians see in the field.

“Modern diesel systems are more advanced than ever, especially when it comes to aftertreatment and emissions components. At DPF Express, we believe students need exposure to real-world failures so they can understand not just how systems work, but why they fail. We’re proud to support this competition and help prepare the next generation of technicians for the realities of today’s industry.”
— Dave Shaw, Owner, DPF Express

That’s the difference between theory and readiness.

Why Iron Buffalo Hosts Events Like This

Iron Buffalo powers uptime for commercial fleets across Colorado. That responsibility goes beyond repairs. It includes investing in the future workforce that keeps trucks running.

Co-Owner Austin White put it simply:

“If we want a strong diesel industry tomorrow, we have to invest in students today. At Iron Buffalo, we take that responsibility seriously. Partnering with area schools, mentoring interns, and hosting competitions like this are all part of building better technicians and a better industry.”

This event reflects who Iron Buffalo is:

• Resilience, Integrity, and Professionalism
• A true One Stop Shop for complex fleet challenges
• Specialized services designed around uptime

When fleet managers bring us their toughest problems, we say yes. That mindset extends to workforce development. The diesel industry demands elite skill, advanced tools, and continuous learning. We’re committed to helping shape technicians who are ready for that level.

Building the Pipeline for Uptime

Throughout the day, students demonstrated focus, technical ability, and pride in their work. After station scoring was completed, awards were presented during a closing ceremony and lunch celebration.

More importantly, they left with experience.

They handled real equipment.
They diagnosed real failures.
They operated in a professional shop environment.

That exposure matters.

The diesel industry continues to evolve — emissions systems are more complex, electrical systems are more advanced, and fleet expectations are higher than ever. Competitions like this bridge the gap between classroom instruction and field performance.

For Iron Buffalo, that’s not a side project. It’s part of powering uptime at every level.

A Strong Industry Starts with Strong Technicians

The event was widely regarded as a success, showcasing the strength of local diesel programs and the power of collaboration between education and industry.

Iron Buffalo extends its appreciation to:

• The students who competed
• The judges and instructors
• Colorado Drywall Supply
• DPF Express
• The sponsors and volunteers who made the day possible

We do it all for trucks that work as hard as you do. That includes helping develop the technicians who will keep them running for decades to come.

Keep your cool. Call Iron Buffalo.

We Power Uptime.

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