With over three decades of experience, Dave Meyerhofer has seen it all when it comes to bus maintenance.
As Shop Supervisor for Kobussen Buses, LTD in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, he oversees the care and repair of a fleet of motorcoaches, ensuring they are always road-ready and safe.
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Meyerhofer learned to repair and maintain equipment from a young age, a skill that would eventually lead him to his award-winning career.
“I grew up on a farm, and I always enjoyed working on things,” said Meyerhofer. “That led me to technical college, and I’ve been with Kobussen since I was 18.”
Now, after more than three decades with the company, Meyerhofer has honed his skills through a combination of formal training and hands-on experience. While he has taken some specialized courses, the majority of his knowledge about bus maintenance is self-taught.
Competition and camaraderie
He has collected a shelf full of awards, testimony to his expertise. A regular in maintenance competitions, Meyerhofer has won three first-place titles at the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) Maintenance Competition.
“The camaraderie with the other mechanics is what I enjoy most,” he said. “The trophies are nice, but it’s really about the experience.”
Still, he has one more goal in mind: to win one final competition before stepping back and possibly joining the judging panel.
After 34 years at Kobussen, Meyerhofer remains as passionate about his work as ever.
“I’ve been doing this for over three decades, and I’m still learning,” he said. “Knowing that the work we do keeps people safe is what makes me proud.”
Bus & Motorcoach News caught up with Meyerhofer to ask him about his career, the highs and lows and what keeps him passionate about the industry.
What does your role as Shop Supervisor entail?
My role is all about keeping the buses running smoothly. I oversee all the maintenance and repairs for our motorcoach fleet, manage a team of mechanics, and make sure everything is done on time and up to safety standards. My main focus is on preventative maintenance so that we can avoid issues on the road. I’m also involved in the hiring and training of new technicians.
What’s the best part of your job?
The variety. No two days are ever the same, and that keeps it interesting. One day I might be troubleshooting an electrical problem, and the next, I’m working on a major repair. I’m not stuck behind a desk; I get to be hands-on with the buses and solve different challenges every day.
How big is the fleet that you oversee?
We have 24 motorcoaches spread across three locations. In addition, Kobussen has 26 facilities dedicated to school bus operations, but my focus is on the motorcoach side.
What repair job gives you the most satisfaction when completed?
I’d say working on electrical problems. They are often the most challenging because they’re never the same, but that’s why I enjoy them. Solving a tough electrical issue gives me a real sense of accomplishment. There’s something satisfying about figuring out a problem that doesn’t have an obvious solution.
What about the most challenging part of the bus to work on?
Definitely the electronics. Modern buses are packed with technology, and the systems are complex. It’s challenging, but that’s also what makes it interesting. You never get the same problem twice, so it keeps me on my toes.
Do you have a least favorite repair?
Brake jobs. They’re necessary, but they’re just nuts and bolts, and I don’t like getting too dirty. It’s not the most exciting part of the job, but it’s part of keeping the buses safe, so it has to be done.
What makes you most proud of your work?
I’m proud that we don’t see many breakdowns on the road. That means we’re doing our job right in the shop. When the drivers come back and tell me the bus ran perfectly, that’s the best feedback I can get. We’re responsible for people’s safety, and knowing that we’re keeping them safe is what makes me proud.
What would you say is the biggest challenge in your role?
Keeping the team motivated. It’s tough work, and sometimes the tasks are repetitive, so it’s my job to keep the mechanics focused and energized. Managing people can be harder than fixing an engine sometimes, but we’ve got a good team, so that helps a lot.
How much time do you spend on preventative maintenance?
I’d say 60 to 70% of our time is spent on preventative maintenance. It’s a huge part of the job because fixing things before they break down is critical. It’s much better to deal with a problem in the shop than to have a breakdown on the road, especially when you’ve got a bus full of people.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in this industry?
Embrace electronics. Don’t be scared of it. The buses today are so much more technical than they used to be, and understanding the electronic systems is key. It’s not just about nuts and bolts anymore. If you want to be successful in this field, you need to be comfortable with the technology.
You’ve clearly had a long and successful career. Do you have any career highlights?
Winning the Grand Champion title at the United Motorcoach Association Maintenance Competition three times is definitely a highlight. I’ve competed in the contest for years, and I was first runner-up in 2024, so I’m still going strong. My goal is to win one more time and then step back from competing.
How do you feel about the maintenance competitions?
I really enjoy them. The competition itself is fun, but what I like most is the camaraderie with the other mechanics. You learn a lot from each other, and it’s a great environment to test your skills. The trophies are nice, but it’s the experience that matters most to me. After one more win, I’d like to move into judging and give back that way.
Finally, what do you love most about your career?
The fact that no two days are the same. I love solving problems and working with my hands. I’ve been doing this for 34 years, and I’m still learning new things. Plus, there’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing that the work we do keeps people safe. That’s what motivates me every day.
