The True Mark of a Professional
Lessons from Alan Picker’s Legacy
I pulled into my driveway, and I looked and said, “That’s it!
Carlos Canino - a friend, a mentor, and a national hero - recently hit me with a question that stuck: What makes someone a professional?
He brought it up while people-watching, something he’s mastered after years of working in the shadows, tracking transnational criminals and illegal guns.
He admitted to me he could be just as inspired by someone sweeping their stoop with care as by a major league ballplayer honing their craft - if they did it with conviction and purpose.
We kicked the idea around for a bit, but neither of us landed on a clear answer. So, we let it go - at least for the moment.
But in the days since, that question has kept circling back in my mind. What does make someone a professional?
Is it just getting paid? No, that can’t be it.
Is it a certain level of skill? Maybe, but how do you measure that?
There’s something more to it. And I can’t shake the feeling that the answer matters.
In Memory
Today, Alan Bruce Picker, 57, is being laid to rest in Point Pleasant Beach.
On March 17, 2025, he passed away after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Born in New York City and raised in Rockland County, NY, he eventually found his way to the Jersey Shore, where he built a life as the owner and operator of All Time Auto Body.
But Alan’s story is about so much more than that. From a foster kid who faced homelessness to a man who built a successful business, a loving family, and a vibrant community around him, his journey was nothing short of remarkable.
His conduct and bravery in facing debilitating physical challenges, the affection he extended to those around him, and the inspirational support he consistently provided to others through his professional expertise are exemplary of what it truly means to be a professional.
Since 1994, Alan’s well-honed expertise in vehicle identification made him an invaluable asset to area police investigators, helping to crack some of the most serious cases. His keen eye and unmatched skill weren’t just respected - they were relied upon.
In a world where every detail matters, Alan’s knowledge and skills made a difference, proving that true professionals leave a lasting impact far beyond their own trade.
On March 6, 2015, a man was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Route 37 in Toms River, NJ. With no witnesses and no video footage, the case seemed destined to go cold and remain unsolved - until investigators brought a single piece of plastic grille to Alan’s shop.
Alan knew this fragment was the key. The color looked familiar, so that night, to help refresh his memory he drove around searching for a match. Then, as he pulled into his own driveway, it clicked. That’s it! He grabbed his camera, compared the image, and confirmed - it was from a Jeep Wrangler.
Using his paint camera, he pinpointed the exact paint code and generated a list of vehicles from 2010 to 2015 with matching VIN numbers. The next morning, he handed the information over to detectives - in a matter of hours they had their suspect.
Alan had something more than experience and expertise - he had relentless determination. And because of it, justice was served.
Almost a year later, Alan was asked to speak at a traffic safety meeting attended by area law enforcement about what he did to determine the type of vehicle that investigators were looking for in the Toms River hit and run case.
When asked why? Alan said, “I just have to help. Someone lost their life. I’m just trying to help them out.”
He was honored by the Ocean County Prosecutor with a civilian service award for a job well done.
What Makes a Professional?
Reflecting back on Alan’s life and achievements, I think I finally have my answer. It all comes down to the distinction between “being a professional” and “being professional.”
A professional gets paid for their craft - an athlete, an artist, a tradesperson. But being professional is something deeper. It’s about what you put in, how you show up, the standards you hold yourself to, and the impact you leave on others.
Alan’s legacy is proof that professionalism isn’t about a paycheck - it’s about purpose. It’s about showing up, doing the work with integrity, and taking pride in your craft, whatever that craft may be.
Rest in peace, Alan Picker.
Your service, dedication, and relentless commitment to others will not be forgotten, and your professionalism will always be worthy of emulation.