Darren Fischer
Darren Fischer is the owner and Shop Manager. Communicating with and scheduling customers, ordering parts, troubleshooting problems and directing employees is all currently handled by Darren. As the company grows the goal is to hire a parts manager to take that part of the job from Darren so he can focus on customer relationships and overall management of operations. The experience and knowledge Darren holds is invaluable and makes it impossible for him to not be an essential part of the day to day mechanic work in the shop. Teaching our employees is an important aspect of his job that will never be delegated completely.
Steve Beach
Steve Beach is our head Cat mechanic. Steve worked at Premier 94 for 6 years and then at Ziegler Cat for another 6 years before joining our team. Because of his past work experiences, Steve's strengths are Caterpillar engines and drivetrains. Steve's favorite part about working for Countryside is the people he gets to work with and the small (but growing!) company atmosphere.
Paul McAlpine
Paul McAlpine is a full time diesel mechanic here at Countryside Diesel. Paul graduated from Hennepin Tech in 2016, but has been around engines ever since he was a kid. Starting off on the farm, he worked on equipment and restored old tractors. After high school he worked at other area shops while going to school. Paul's strength is having a very mechanically inclined background which gave him the knowledge and experience to be the great mechanic he is now. Paul enjoys engine work and excels at Cummins. His favorite part about working for Countryside is that BOB 106.1 is always playing in the shop.
Michelle Otten
Michelle Otten is our Parts Coordinator/ Service Writer. When you call Countryside, 99% of the time you will be talking to Michelle. Michelle pursued two degrees throughout college. One for Farming Operator, and another for Associate of Arts. She obtained these degrees at Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN, and North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, MN. Michelle was an owner/operator for three and a half years after being a driver for five years prior. Michelle's strengths are being able to communicate with costumers about the diagnostics of their truck and coordinating a schedule to fit every customer in. Michelle's favorite part about working for Countryside is the people she works with.
Jayson Decker
Jayson Decker is our newest diesel mechanic. He is a self taught mechanic, and worked as one for ten years, then decided to become a tow truck driver. Ten years after that, he came back to being a mechanic again. Jayson's strengths are listening, solving problems, and answering any questions a customer might have. His favorite part about working at Countryside is the people he gets to work alongside with.
Clayton Field
Clayton Field is an Apprentice Mechanic at Countryside. He started working here in high school through Wright Tech, then decided to pursue a diesel technician education. He works here as an intern for Hennepin Tech, and is in his first year of the diesel tech program. Clayton's strengths include keeping an open mind to explore possibilities to diagnose a truck, and maintaining a positive attitude through anything. Clayton's favorite part of working for Countryside is the fun, positive, and friendly work environment.
Hunter Driver
Hunter Driver is an Apprentice Mechanic.