For years Dan Kaus served our country by maintaining light armored vehicles for the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his service, he decided his next role would be serving his family.
“I had a kid on the way and a life outside of work that I needed to support,” Dan said.
While completing a degree in automotive technology, Dan interviewed for a job at Metro Transit. At the time, he was also working at a dealership, but the dealership couldn’t match the opportunity at Metro Transit.
“The pay here was a lot better than what the dealership was offering, so it was kind of a no-brainer,” he said.
Dan’s interest in mechanics started long before his military service. Growing up, he often helped his dad in the garage, learning the basics while working on family vehicles.
“My dad was a mechanic too,” Dan said. “I was always the one he grabbed for projects.”
Today, as a hoist mechanic, Dan handles repairs that require lifting a bus off the ground. The work ranges from major jobs like removing transmissions or servicing differentials to routine maintenance.
Unlike at a dealership, Dan also appreciates the opportunity to work at different garages. To date, he’s worked at Nicollet, Ruter, Heywood, and now currently at North Loop Garage. With each assignment, he’s built experience with different systems and teams.
“I’ve done powertrain work, general repair, Arctic work and hoist,” he said.
While much of the job happens inside the shop, Dan also enjoys responding to road calls that take him out to repair the occasional bus stuck in the field. “It’s nice to get out of the shop and be outside instead of working in the same spot all day,” Dan said.
After nearly ten years of service, he takes a mentor role seriously and encourages new mechanics to stay curious and take advantage of every chance to gain hands-on experience.
“Try to learn something every day,” he said. “The more hands-on experience you get, the better you’re going to be.”