Jon Hoseman

Technician

Automotive industry background

I grew up in Ontario, where my father taught me how to work on cars, including things like an engine swap in his 1981 corvette, changing the rear differential in his old Chevy 1500, changing body panels from a parts car onto his Passat and performing basic maintenance. However, it wasn’t until my brother sold me my beloved GLI that I started taking on bigger projects myself like installing multiple different aftermarket suspension setups changing the exhaust and changing the timing belt. I also started helping my friends with maintenance on their vehicles such as brakes and oil changes. I then got a job helping out at a local auto shop which specialized in European cars until I enrolled in Fanshawe college as a diesel mechanic.

Home town

I grew up in a small town called Queensville, Ontario. I was lucky to have a big backyard with usually 3-5 cars to tinker with when I was young.

Hobbies & interests

I have always been very involved with different car shows, meets and events that happened near me in Ontario. After moving to Alberta back in February 2019 I am still searching out new car meets and shows.

I would have to say a big one for me is modifying cars, but I used to spend a lot of time riding my bike, looking for jumps and making jumps out of dirt with friends. I have also had an interest in higher performance remote control cars and trucks, specifically fuel powered ones. I have always had an interest in racing as well, ever since my dad brought me to the Molson Indy when I was young. Which is why I enjoy spending time at the speedway.

I would like to achieve my racing license but, until then I will be attending every racing weekend possible.

Favourite rides

I have always really liked the Audi RS7, that to me is the ultimate luxury vehicle mixed with performance. I think it would make the best everyday vehicle. Although I do prefer European cars, I will always have a soft spot for Corvettes specifically a 67. And of course you can’t argue with a Porsche, specifically a RUF CTR Yellowbird due to it being so unique mixed with beauty and performance I cant help but to drool.

I must add that I have a weak spot for mark four VW’s and my baby is a 2004.5 GLI. My brother bought it from the original owner in 2008 with 140,000km on it and I drooled over it ever since. The original owner had installed a full custom stereo and gave the car a stage 2 performance tune. I finally saved up enough to purchase the car in 2011 when it had just over 200,000km. After different exhaust and suspension setups as well as a few other things, I decided to sell the car at 290,000km. However, a year later I couldn’t stand the heartache any longer and had to purchase my car back. It had 305,000km on it and was undergoing a big change. It got all new panels including a new roof thanks to Volkswagens rust warranty. It also got a full custom paint job with a subtle change to the original colour. It now has over 328,000km on it and safely made it to Alberta. It has some new parts with more to come and I couldn’t be happier.

Working at Rivercity Motors

Where do I start? I must say coming into work is enjoyable which is something I have always aspired to have. The group of guys I work with are all so knowledgeable and welcoming and that’s a huge part of the job. Secondly, my passion has always been Volkswagens, Audis, and racing. Coming into a job that specializes in those things is a dream come true. Lastly, I have learned more in the last 3 months than I have in years at past jobs. Working alongside these guys every day, I am learning so much!

Anything else?

I was just married on September 6th and yes, the GLI made an appearance. My wife even let me take a photo cleaning my wheel with her dress!