Set the Standard: Celebrating the 2026 IdealTECH Winners

At Idealease, expertise isn’t just a corporate value we throw on a poster. It is the benchmark our customers rely on every single day to keep their fleets moving.

That baseline was put to the ultimate test at the 2026 IdealTECH Technician Skills Competition. This wasn't just a test of knowledge; it was a high-stakes showcase of precision, speed, and raw diagnostic power where the best technicians across the U.S. and Canada gathered to prove what it truly means to Set the Standard.

From 165 to the Elite Eight

The road to the championship required nothing less than flawless execution. The competition kicked off with a grueling, timed online examination pushing 165 technicians to their limits. Only the top eight advanced to the live, hands-on championship on June 1, 2026, at the Indianapolis Convention Center during the Idealease Best Practices Meeting.

Under the intense pressure of the clock and the watchful eyes of judges, these finalists faced real-world, high-voltage diagnostic simulations. It was a masterclass in technical excellence, proving that when challenges arise, Idealease technicians don't just react—they establish the pace for the entire industry.

Hail to the Grand Champion: Ken Holleman

Cumberland Idealease | Nashville, Tennessee

Holleman earned the top overall score through exceptional technical skill, problem-solving ability, and performance across multiple stations. As Grand Champion, he will receive an engraved commemorative plaque and a $2,500 cash award recognizing his achievement as the top technician among Idealease locations in the U.S. and Canada.

His achievement represents the highest level of performance in this year’s competition and reflects the technical expertise, pride, and professionalism that define Idealease technicians across North America.

The 2026 IdealTECH Podium

While the competition was fierce, three elite technicians rose above the rest to claim the top spots:

Precision Under the Hood: The Station Champions

True mastery is built piece by piece, component by component. Special medals were awarded to the competitors who achieved the absolute highest score at individual testing stations:

• Electronics Champion: Ken Holleman – Cumberland Idealease

• Electrical Champion: Ken Holleman – Cumberland Idealease

• 90-Day PMI Champion: Adam Brandenburgh – Rush Idealease

• Liftgates Champion: Austin Trantham – Peterson Idealease

• Tires Champion: Ken Holleman – Cumberland Idealease

• Refrigeration Champion: Ken Holleman – Cumberland Idealease

• Air Disc Brakes Champion: James Brandenburgh – Rush Idealease

• Steering Systems Champion: James Brandenburgh – Rush Idealease

A Powerhouse Network: The Elite Eight Finalists

Getting to Indianapolis is a massive achievement in its own right. These eight individuals represented the pinnacle of technical excellence across North America:

• Austin Trantham – Peterson Idealease (San Leandro, CA)

• James Brandenburgh – Rush Idealease (Kansas City, KS)

• Adam Brandenburgh – Rush Idealease (Kansas City, KS)

• Andrew Dulle – Rush Idealease (Kansas City, KS)

• Zach Poths – Hill Idealease (Martins Ferry, OH)

• Michael Moody – Idealease of Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)

• Nick Hernandez – Peterson Idealease (San Leandro, CA)

• Ken Holleman – Cumberland Idealease (Nashville, TN)

More Than a Competition: Keeping North America Moving

At the end of the day, IdealTECH is about more than trophies and cash prizes. It’s about celebrating the backbone of our business.

Vehicle uptime, customer trust, and the seamless flow of supply chains rest squarely on the shoulders of our technicians. The professionalism, pride, and relentless commitment to service displayed by every single competitor this year prove that the Idealease network doesn't look to others for leadership. We build it ourselves.

Congratulations to Ken, Zach, James, and all of our 2026 finalists. Thank you for showing us all what it truly means to Set the Standard!