At Coastline Equipment, we take pride in setting the standard for customer support, service expertise, and technical excellence. This year, one of our own reached a milestone that sets a new national standard. Josh, one of Coastline’s in-field service technicians, has become the first technician in the United States to earn the Product Specialist certification for the VÖGELE paver line, the highest level of recognition awarded by the Wirtgen Group.
This achievement reflects years of dedication, training, and a deep understanding of the machines that keep our customers paving the roads of tomorrow. We sat down with Josh to talk about his career journey, the path to this certification, and what this milestone means for him, Coastline Equipment, and our customers.
From the Field to the Forefront
For Josh, a career in heavy equipment wasn’t just a job, it was the perfect mix of problem-solving and passion.
“I have always enjoyed taking things apart and learning about how they work. When I was young, it didn’t matter what it was: a TV remote, a remote-controlled car, bikes I rode as a kid, you name it, I tore it down to figure it out. Now, getting back together and working properly was hit-and-miss. So, when it came to making a career change, becoming a diesel technician just seemed right.”
Josh joined Coastline Equipment in 2020 and quickly became known for his hands-on approach and commitment to keeping machines running smoothly.
“My role has changed a lot over the past five years, from an intern with no knowledge or experience to where I am today with some experience, a decent amount of knowledge, and a whole lifetime to learn.”
The Road to Product Specialist
The VÖGELE Product Specialist certification is the highest level of technical training offered within the Wirtgen Group. Technicians who achieve it must demonstrate advanced knowledge of machine systems, diagnostics, hydraulics, electronics, and application technology — both in the classroom and in the field.
“Originally, I did not want to pursue this path. I had a manager who told me, ‘You are going to be my next Wirtgen guy.’ Next thing I know, I was enrolled in online courses and sent to Nashville for in-person training. It was then that I knew this was for me. The amount of support Wirtgen Group provides is at the next level. Seeing the support available and training center capabilities sold me on the product line, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
The process is rigorous, requiring months (and often years) of training, study, and testing.
“I started this at the end of 2022 with the foundations level online courses. I achieved the Master Tech title in February of 2025. Once the courses were released for the specialist paths, I enrolled as soon as possible and gained this in October of 2025.”
Throughout his journey, Josh credits Coastline’s support as a key part of his success.
“Speaking with the training staff at Wirtgen, it is estimated that it’s about 5 years before the Master Tech level is reached. With the help of the team in Las Vegas, I was able to achieve it in a little over two years.”
“Coastline Equipment provided me with their confidence and patience. By that I mean they gave me the opportunity to learn and make it my own. Towards the end, I was feeling frustrated because I could not use my knowledge as much as I had hoped. The manager noticed this and made opportunities for me to use them, prioritizing those field calls for me. Coastline Equipment made my training a priority so that we as a team can make our customers the priority. Having the ability to respond to situations our customers bring to us not only builds trust and confidence with the customer but also allows us to stand above the competition, regardless of what they bring to the table.”
Setting a New Standard in Service
Being the first technician in the country to achieve this certification is a remarkable personal milestone, but for Josh, it’s also about what it means for Coastline’s customers.
“It has given me a great sense of achievement. I am very proud to be the first to hold this title for myself and the company. I feel it has given me more confidence in my abilities, not that I never need help, but that the amount of help I need is now limited. This certification will benefit the customers greatly with quicker diagnosis of issues, as well as Coastline Equipment proving they are dedicated to their customers by getting us technicians the most training available to support our customers' needs.”
With this certification, Josh can now provide an even deeper level of expertise on VÖGELE pavers, helping customers optimize machine performance, minimize downtime, and improve jobsite results.
“The reflection of Coastline Equipment’s commitment, shown with the acquisition of this title, is massive. With how much time, effort, coordination, and expenses it takes to reach this level, it is proof alone of how important and dedicated we are as a team to excellent service.”
This milestone also reflects Coastline’s long-standing commitment to investing in its people and ensuring every technician has access to the tools, training, and technology needed to deliver top-tier service across every location.
Looking Ahead
While being the first certified Product Specialist in the U.S. is an incredible achievement, Josh is already thinking ahead.
“I am currently enrolled in a Hamm roller pilot course and in the learning path for Wirtgen mills.”
He’s passionate about sharing his knowledge with other technicians and helping the next generation of service experts grow their skills.
“I tell other technicians just starting out ‘do not look at the smaller picture.’ When I first started, I was expecting a quick gain and didn’t look at how I would fit into the big picture. Now looking back, I see where I struggled and how it molded me, but most of the struggles I had were my own doing. If I had taken a step back and seen how the long road I went through helped me get here, it would’ve saved me some struggles.”
Congratulations, Josh!
Coastline Equipment is proud to recognize Josh for his incredible dedication and for setting a new benchmark for excellence across the country. His achievement is a testament to the hard work, curiosity, and professionalism that define Coastline’s service team.
“This achievement means to me the start of an exciting and fulfilling career.” “I’d like to thank my family for putting up with all the traveling I had to do to reach this goal, my wife, Andrea, who has been an amazing mom and wife who puts up with my crazy hours, late-night calls, and long on-the-road trips I have taken. I would also like to thank Cody Carlson up in Idaho for always having my back when it came to needing help or coverage in Las Vegas. Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank the great team down in Las Vegas for helping me support our amazing customer base.”
Congratulations, Josh, and thank you for representing the best of Coastline Equipment and the Wirtgen Group.
