Our Hosts
Dave Riccio
Dave’s passion for fixing things started young—at just 10 years old, he repaired the family vacuum minutes after his dad had given up. Always eager to understand how things worked, he routinely took apart appliances before they ever made it to the trash. But it was his love for motorized hobbies—go-karts, dirt bikes, and modified Jeeps—that solidified his path into the automotive repair industry. By age 16, Dave had already rebuilt engines, differentials, and transmissions. In addition to repair work, he picked up welding and fabricating while building custom Jeeps for himself and his friends.
After high school, Dave found himself torn between three paths: becoming a technician, a schoolteacher, or a businessman like his father. In the end, he jokes that he never really decided—because today, he embodies all three.
His natural communication skills became evident early in his career when a customer called his boss to praise the "nice young technician" who had given her a ride home. Not long after, Dave was pulled from the service bay and put on the front counter. While he loved turning wrenches, he quickly realized he had a talent for breaking down complex car repairs into simple, relatable explanations. By 22, he was managing his first repair shop—transforming it from the lowest-performing location in a 15-store chain to number one within a year. Soon after, he took the leap and bought his own auto repair business.
Dave’s relentless drive for innovation and excellence has not gone unnoticed. His shop earned an international ethics award from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in 2017, and he has become a respected voice in the industry. He’s a regular national speaker for the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), sits on the Automotive Review Advisory Committee for the BBB, and co-created Bumper to Bumper Radio, Arizona’s #1 car talk show on 92.3 KTAR. His expertise has also been featured multiple times in Gears Magazine and other industry publications.
When he’s not working, Dave enjoys photography, mountain biking, personal development, and most importantly, being a dad. He also loves meeting new people and finding creative ways to improve the world around him.
Jon Riggle
Jon is no stranger to auto repair—it's been in his blood from the start. His passion for fixing things sparked early when his dad would bring home small, broken machines from work, challenging Jon to get them running again. It was no surprise that his first job landed him in the automotive world as a lot attendant at a dealership. From there, his love for cars and problem-solving only grew stronger.
With 45 years of experience, an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and a knack for intuitive problem-solving, Jon has cemented himself as one of the best in the business. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to translate complex automotive concepts into clear, everyday language. This rare gift has taken him beyond the repair bay—into classrooms training technicians, contributing extensively to ASE certification test development, and consulting with major tool manufacturers on product innovation.
Jon’s impact on the industry extends even further through his 20+ years with the International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN), where he has served as a behind-the-scenes technical support specialist, an active forum contributor, and the host of TechNight Live, iATN’s popular weekly online technical discussion event. His expertise and dedication were recognized in 2012 when he received the prestigious Jack Hyler Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)—a rare honor for an automotive technician.
Despite his impressive résumé, Jon remains one of the most down-to-earth guys in the shop. Known for his generosity and professionalism, he’s always ready to lend a hand to his coworkers and goes above and beyond to ensure every customer receives top-tier service.
Outside of the automotive world, Jon fuels his curiosity by studying science and physics, collecting and playing guitars, and continuously advocating for professionalism and integrity in the industry he loves.
About the Bumper to Bumper Podcast
The Bumper to Bumper Podcast is a true collaboration between Dave and Jon, who work closely together at Tri-City Transmission & Auto Repair. Jon’s sharp diagnostic instincts and Dave’s ability to translate complex repairs into clear, customer-friendly explanations make them the perfect duo. They often road-test vehicles together, tackling tough repair decisions where expertise and intuition go hand in hand. But their conversations don’t stop at fixing cars—every drive sparks discussions about improving the shop experience for employees, enhancing service for customers, and elevating the auto repair industry as a whole.