Meet The Pro: Colton Robison, Diesel Technician

By Arkansas Next on Friday, October 10, 2025

Jacob Slaton

Hometown: Casa

Age: 21

Higher Education: Associate degree in Agriculture Equipment Technology at Arkansas State University-Beebe

Job Title: Diesel Technician

Employer: Greenway Equipment

Growing up in Arkansas, Colton Robison always had his hands on tools. Colton was familiar with machinery, whether working on his family’s farm or turning wrenches at a chip mill during high school. But it wasn’t until Greenway Equipment visited his school in Perryville that he realized diesel technology could be more than just a hobby. That early exposure paid off. After joining the AG-Tech Program and working part-time at Greenway, Colton quickly found his place. 

“After meeting a lot of the great people that work for Greenway, seeing how good they treat customers and how good they treat me and all the other employees I knew then this is a company I would want to work for,” Colton said. 

Now 21 years old, Colton works full-time as a diesel technician at Greenway Equipment, where he takes on a wide range of responsibilities. He prepares the shop, reviews work orders, diagnoses issues, repairs farm equipment, and ensures each machine is thoroughly tested, cleaned, and ready for the customer. Although balancing college and work was difficult at times, Colton credits Greenway for making it manageable.

“Greenway lets you work for them while going to college so you still have money in your pocket,” Colton said. “In high school, I was not planning on even going to college, but I’m glad I did this program and that college degree is something I’m proud of.”

Thanks to his career, Colton has been able to buy a new truck, invest in tools, and even start remodeling his house, which are milestones he knows not everyone his age has reached. “I feel like I may be a little further in life financially than some of my friends I went to high school with and I’m very blessed,” Colton said.

Jacob Slaton

MORE ABOUT THE JOB

Education Needed: 

High school diploma or GED

You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...

  • Enjoy hands-on work
  • Hate taking tests, but enjoy graded projects
  • Excel at tasks that a lot of other people struggle with
  • Like learning new skills

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    Do You Have What it Takes?

    Check off the experience you already have...

    ► Intense Physical Labor (yard work, building, lifting heavy boxes)

    ► Disciplined (sports, jobs, schoolwork)

    ► Precision (attention to detail in schoolwork and outside activities)

    ► Repetitive Work (Not bothered by doing the same thing over and over again)

    High-end earners (top 10%) make
    $71,850 Annual

    Median wages in Arkansas (top 50%)
    $51,300 Annual

    Sources: careeronestop.org for Diesel Engine Specialists in Arkansas

    WHERE TO LEARN

    • Arkansas State University-Beebe
    • Arkansas State University-Newport
    • Arkansas State University Mid-South
    • Bachoco USA
    • Greenway Equipment
    • Northwest Technical Institute (NWTI)
    • Stribling Equipment, LLC
    • Union Pacific Railroad
    • University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee
    • University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
    • University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
    • University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
    • University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College

    WHERE TO WORK

    • Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation
    • Arkansas State University-Beebe
    • Bachoco USA
    • Greenway Equipment
    • McGeorge Contracting
    • McKee Foods
    • Stribling Equipment, LLC
    • Union Pacific Railroad

    Sources: careeronestop.org

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