RAC names its ‘Mobile Mechanic of the Year’

The RAC has awarded its ‘Mobile Mechanic of the Year’ award at an employee awards ceremony held at Silverstone. 

Qualified engineer, specialist technician and cancer survivor Sean Kimberlin, scooped the headline award

The 57-year-old, who lives in Leicester, beat more than 250 other RAC Mobile Mechanics to the honour thanks to his industry expertise and ability to solve complex technical vehicle issues.

He was also recognised for the exceptional level of technical expertise he brought to the RAC’s Mobile Mechanics division, which was launched in 2023.   

He helped pioneer specialist processes and created bespoke tools, usually only found in high-end engineering workshops, and applied them in the field, training an expert team. 

His role as a lead mobile servicing and repair technician also involves managing 28 other mobile mechanics across the eastern region, covering Norwich and Ipswich, and up to Skegness. 

He joined the RAC as a patrol in 2003 having been a master technician for a series of major motor manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Renault, progressing through the business to become a patrol team manager.

He said: “After 20 years as a roadside patrol in various guises, I joined the business’ mobile servicing and repairs division in 2023 after an RAC Mobile Mechanic shadowed me for a day. He told me about the role and it really excited me.

“I’ve always loved a challenge so I’m in my element as a lead mobile servicing and repair technician. I like to take on complex jobs that others might be less keen on, which could be anything from snapped bolts and seized injectors to spark plugs stuck in cylinder heads.”

He added: “I’ve been nominated for the RAC awards on four previous occasions, so this year was a case of fifth time lucky! Winning was a real career highlight and when my name was announced, I got goosebumps. I feel so proud driving around in a new electric Ford Transit Custom van with the prestigious SM21 RAC numberplate.”

Before the pandemic in 2019, Kimberlin was diagnosed with leukaemia. During his recovery, he took an RAC office role, working from a laptop instead of fixing vehicles on the road.

Several years later, he decided to further his career and join the new RAC Mobile Mechanics division servicing, diagnosing and repairing customers’ vehicles on their drives or at their workplaces.

His current role requires a wide skillset as it involves all the tasks a garage would normally carry out: front-of-house customer liaison, technician and workshop manager.

RAC regional service manager Ian Rickard said: “Sean truly has ‘RAC orange’ blood flowing through his veins. It’s not only a privilege to have him in my team, it’s a privilege to work alongside him.

“He’s just so passionate about what he and his team do for our customers and members. He puts everyone before himself to ensure they have all the support they need at every stage.

“Sean never stops. He’s always travelling the length and breadth of the country to help fix issues in any team, not just his own, ensuring the RAC meets its customers’ expectations, because that’s what Sean is all about.

“He is without doubt a shining example of everything the RAC stands for.”

In July, Chris Alexandrou was named the RAC’s Patrol of the Year after rescuing drivers at the roadside for six years.

The 32-year-old, who covers the Portsmouth area, was selected from more than 1,600 patrols for his technical knowledge and customer service, helping RAC members get back on the road as quickly and smoothly as possible.