Careers at Panhandle Diesel and Automotive

From the small-town of Spearfish, South Dakota, to the bustling service bays of some of the biggest automotive brands, my journey as a technician has been fueled by a relentless drive to be the best in my field. My name is Rex Brist, and I have dedicated my life to mastering the art and science of automotive and diesel repair.

Growing up in Spearfish, I was always drawn to the world of mechanics. Whether it was tinkering on my first truck or helping out in local shops, I knew early on that my hands were meant for turning wrenches. My passion led me to work at various dealerships, including Ford, Chevy, and Dodge, where I gained hands-on experience with some of the most advanced automotive technology in the industry. Alongside these large dealerships, I also spent time growing my knowledge at independent repair shops across South Dakota and Nebraska, learning the intricacies of diagnostics, repair, and customer service.

In 2022, I made the move to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, in search of greater opportunities and new challenges. My goal has always been clear—to be the highest-producing technician wherever I work. I pride myself on efficiency, precision, and the ability to diagnose and repair vehicles with speed and accuracy.

Outside the shop, my world revolves around my other passions: working on my project truck, hunting in the great outdoors, managing cattle, and enjoying time at the shooting range. These hobbies keep me grounded and remind me of the value of hard work and patience—qualities that translate directly into my profession.

As I continue my career, my ultimate goal is to achieve ASE Master Certification, a testament to my dedication and expertise in the field. But beyond certifications and accolades, my true ambition is to keep growing, learning, and refining my skills. The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and I am determined to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that I am always the best technician I can be.

I was born and raised in the panhandle of Nebraska, where small town values, hard work and love from the outdoors shaped my life from an early age. Growing up in the open country gave me a deep appreciation for nature, adventure and the importance of family.

I now call Scottsbluff, Nebraska my home where I live with my incredible wife and my two young children. Being a husband and father is the greatest blessing in my life, and I cherish every moment spent with my family. Whether we’re exploring the outdoors, working on projects together, or just enjoying time at home, family is the heart of everything I do.

One of the greatest passions is teaching my sons about cars and trucks. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a fascination with mechanics and the way things work. That passion turned into a lifelong interest and now, I love passing my knowledge on to my boys, showing them the ins and outs of vehicles and how to take care of them. Watching their curiosity grow and seeing them get their hands dirty in the garage is one of the most rewarding experiences as a father. When I’m not working or spending time with my family, you’ll find me outdoors. I love camping, hunting, fishing, golfing and riding trails in my Polaris RZR.

Professionally, I have a strong drive to continue improving my skills as an ASE Certified automotive technician. My ultimate goal is to become ASE Master Certified, ensuring that I continue growing in my field and expanding my knowledge in automotive service.

My journey in the automotive industry began in 2017 at Twin City Auto, where I had the privilege of working for Mike Valentine. Since then, I have developed a deep passion for vehicles, and one of my greatest joys is driving my Ram RHO.

I am a proud mother and wife to an incredible son and an amazing husband, as well as a cat mom to our furry child, Simba. My love for vehicles started at a young age, having grown up around racetracks, demolition derbies, and gearheads who fueled my enthusiasm for the industry. One of my favorite aspects of working in the automotive world is witnessing the constant evolution of vehicles and technology.

In my free time, I enjoy watching football—GO BIG RED & CHIEFS KINGDOM! —traveling, working on house projects with my husband, and spending quality time with my son at his sporting events. Family and close friends mean the world to me, and I cherish every moment I can spend with them.

My goal in this industry is to become a shop manager while continuing to provide five-star service to our customers. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working with an incredible crew and management team, which makes work feel more like a home than a job. Panhandle Diesel and Automotive has truly become my home away from home, and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Honesty and integrity are core values that I take great pride in. I treat every customer as if they were family, always going the extra mile to ensure they receive the best service possible. I look forward to assisting our customers with all their vehicle needs for years to come!

Born and raised in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, TJ is proud to call the Panhandle home. After graduating from Scottsbluff High School, TJ spent time working for the local radio station before making the jump into the automotive industry three years ago — a move that’s turned into a genuine passion.

Now bringing that experience to the team at Panhandle Diesel and Automotive as a Service Advisor, TJ is excited to help customers throughout the community get the honest, reliable service they deserve.

Outside of work, T.J. is a proud father who loves spending time outdoors. Whether it’s camping under the Nebraska sky, casting a line while fishing, tearing through the snow on a snowmobile, or hitting the open road on a motorcycle, T.J. is always looking for the next adventure with family close by.