Makers and Fixers Stories

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Auto Body/Collision RepairNikita RennieAuto Body Journeywoman at Wreck Amended RestorationsColdstream, British ColumbiaI am an auto body journeywoman and have been restoring cars for 7 years and counting. I got sick of working unfulfilling jobs and thought to myself, what do I love? Well I love Volkswagen's, being creative, working with my h... read more

Province

British Columbia

Industry

Auto Body/Collision Repair

Heavy Duty Truck RepairBrianna WilsonCommercial Transport MechanicPrince George, British ColumbiaHi! I’m Brianna, a 22 year old from western Canada. I’ve always had an interest in heavy trucks and equipment, as my dad has owned trucks/ equipment since he was my age. I grew up wanting to be in the shop with him 24/7. Whe... read more

Province

British Columbia

Industry

Heavy Duty Truck Repair

Automotive - General RepairJulia RubertoApprentice MechanicVaughan, OntarioI've been working in the automotive industry as an apprentice technician for two and a half years. While I didn't realize it in highschool, working with my hands has proven to be the greatest way I learn. Paired with my grow... read more

Province

Ontario

Industry

Automotive - General Repair

Heavy Duty Truck RepairBarry RodriguesTruck and Transport Journeyman at J.J. trucking LtdCarlyle, SaskatchewanI got into this line of work because I live for figuring out the problems with the units that come in the shop door. I had a friend that managed a shop and asked me if I wanted to come work in a nice warm shop. At that time ... read more

Province

Saskatchewan

Industry

Heavy Duty Truck Repair

Brp dealerEric LaperriereMechanic at Groupe ContantSainte-Agathe-des-monts, QuebecI got into mechanics because I just love getting my hands dirty and having the chance to fix any kind of problems that can be easy or very complex to fix. I started 10 years ago in a BRP dealer as a apprentice mechanic and h... read more

Province

Quebec

Industry

Other (Fill in the blank)

MiningJared StoryHeavy Equipment Mechanic at Westmoreland MiningEstevan, SaskatchewanI started the trade in 99. I spent the first 15 years fixing iron in “the patch”. When oil and gas took a turn for the worst I started with a sand/gravel/concrete business. I spent nearly 4 years in that industry which was v... read more

Province

Saskatchewan

Industry

Mining

Heavy Duty Truck RepairMarc ShepardHD Truck and Transport Mechanic at GFL (Green For Life)Victoria, British ColumbiaI was late getting into my trade of HD truck and transport mechanic. When I graduated from high school I went into the Canadian army and worked with the military for almost 12 years total. At my last unit there was an older... read more

Province

British Columbia

Industry

Heavy Duty Truck Repair

Automotive - DealershipJordan TotzkeService Technician at BMW Grand RiverElmira, OntarioInitially I got into my line of work by doing a co-op placement at a local repair shop. Growing up I didn’t have anyone to show me how to work with my hands but I always had a passion for cars, taking things apart, and figur... read more

Province

Ontario

Industry

Automotive - Dealership

Agriculture Equipment RepairMathieu ThebeauTechnician at Green Diamond EquipmentRogersville, New BrunswickI work in the peat bog driving a John Deere tractor and fell in love and took my heavy equipment service technician experience and landed my dream job with John Deere.

Province

New Brunswick

Industry

Agriculture Equipment Repair

Heavy Duty Truck RepairJon BanmanDiesel MechanicWinnipeg, ManitobaI grew up around semi trucks and diesel equipment my whole life. It was either drive or fix them. I chose to fix. In my career, I’ve worked on trucks, trailers, locomotives, military equipment etc. Been to places such as Afg... read more

Province

Manitoba

Industry

Heavy Duty Truck Repair

Fleet MaintenanceOwen DunlopTechnician at STG Fleet ServicesSaskatoon, SaskatchewanI got into this line of work through the SASK youth apprenticeship program threw school. I had an opportunity to do an 8-week apprenticeship. After that I got the job part time through school. I’m a 17 year old apprentice wh... read more

Province

Saskatchewan

Industry

Fleet Maintenance

Heavy Duty Truck RepairDerick ArsenaultMechanic at Matrec Green For LifeQuebec City, QuebecI used to be a tractor and heavy equipment mechanic for Massey Ferguson then I started washing trucks and cars, then I found a job to be a mechanic on garbage trucks. I bought a Snap-on tool chest and Snap-on tools after 2 m... read more

Province

Quebec

Industry

Heavy Duty Truck Repair

Agriculture Equipment RepairMathew SuttonService Techn at Mazergroup EquipMariapolis, ManitobaI am a Full Red seal certified Agricultural Technician and have been in the trade for 10 years! I have worked at John Deere dealer, Case IH dealer and now a New Holland dealer. I have done both shop and road work! I love my ... read more

Province

Manitoba

Industry

Agriculture Equipment Repair

Fleet MaintenanceRobert JaapTech at Red Deer Emergency ServicesRed Deer, AlbertaI got started at Outlaw Marine Jets through my high school automotive class. I feel in love with the work instantly. A few months after graduation I started my apprenticeship, and got my first ticket in 1998. I love helping ... read more

Province

Alberta

Industry

Fleet Maintenance

LoggingDan WattsOwner at D.R. Watts TruckingQuesnel, British ColumbiaMom has been a logging truck driver for 10 years. Dad has been an owner/operator of logging trucks for 20 years. Their philosophy is start them young, so I'm learning now!

Province

British Columbia

Industry

Other (Fill in the blank)

Aviation/AerospaceLisa McGiveryAircraft Mechanic at AAR - WindsorWindsor, OntarioI grew up on the east coast of Canada, raised mainly by my father. At a young age I remember being at the cottage with my father and seeing a water bomber come down on the lake and gather water. This moment was significant b... read more

Province

Ontario

Industry

Aviation/Aerospace

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“After graduating I got a job building emergency vehicles and specializing in the 12 volt wiring of them. I’ve worked on everything from custom one-off Tahoe’s that are converted into undercover police vehicles, repairing brand new front line ladder trucks on the emergency scenes, to my most recent undertaking, converting a military surplus truck into a high water rescue truck for heavy flooding near the coast. When I’m not at work I’m also volunteering as a firefighter in my home town.” –Valentino Gotay #makersandfixers . . . #emergencyvehicles #trucks #military #militarytrucks #chevy #tahoe #wiring #technician #police #firefighter

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Racing wasn’t in Todd’s family growing up, but he discovered the adrenaline rush of the pit area through a summer job. Years later, he moved south and began knocking on doors in an effort to pursue his dreams. Today, he is a Crew Chief for Team Penske! He worked with @joeylogano for 7 years and will now be working with @ryanblaney10! #makersandfixers . . . #teampenske #penske #racing #auto #automotive #cars #nascar

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When Scarlett enrolled in vocational school for Automotive Repair, she got asked what a lot of women in the industry get asked- “Are you sure?” Her responsive- “Yes! I am positive!” Today, she’s been in the industry for 9 years, and loves what she does. #makersandfixers . . . #automotive #auto #car #cars #femaletech #womenintrades #mechanic #femalemechanic #mechaniclife #girlmechanic

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After getting his A&P certificate, Sean has had the chance to travel the world and work on the U.S. Military’s Predator and Reaper drones. He’s now working for the Nebraska State Patrol and is the only Aircraft Mechanic the State of Nebraska employs. Sean has worked on so many cool projects we can’t fit it all in an IG caption. You’ve got to check out his full story out at makersandfixers.com. #makersandfixers . . . #helicopter #airframeandpowerplant #airframe #certificate #military #usmilitary #drone #aircraft #aircraftmechanic #nebraska #nebraskastatepatrol

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Tim Schwuchow started off as a kid sweeping the shop floor. Now he owns the place! Being a mechanic is truly in the Schwuchow family- Tim’s grandmother and grandfather, great-uncles, dad, uncles, son and daughter are all mechanics. #makersandfixers . . . #auto #autoshop #car #mechanic #technician #shopowner #automotive #cars #familyowned #family #familybusiness

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We’ve received some awesome racing submissions recently! Check out Interior Mechanic Daniel Lynch’s road to NASCAR on makersandfixers.com! It all starts with a father-son project car and a trip to Daytona…. #makersandfixers . . . #penske #teampenske #pitcrew #nascar #racing #projectcar #car #pit #race #mechanic #interiormechanic #auto #automotive #daytona #daytona500

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Meet Elena, an Aircraft Technician from Miami, Florida. She started her career as an intern with American Airlines, and has worked on overhauling hydraulic pumps, heavy aircraft maintenance, and line maintenance. She has also put together an all-female team for the Aerospace Maintenance Competition @amcaero! #makersandfixers . . #aircraft #technician #aircraftmaintenance #hydraulic #airplane #aerospace #amcaero

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Matthew is $500 richer this month after sharing his story to makersandfixers.com! Matt is a Diesel Technician who transitioned to public transportation a few years back. He takes pride in keeping his city moving. Thanks for the hard work @_mattlarson and congrats on the win! #makersandfixers . . For more information on how to win the Share Your Story Contest, visit the link in our bio. #shareyourstory #contest #diesel #dieseltech #techlife #mechanic #publictransportation #keepitmoving

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Brayden is the owner of an automotive specialty shop and has been working on cars all his life. As he says, “I was born and raised into the greaser go-fast world thanks to the gear head of a great grandfather I had. The objective of my business is to help people save money and treat you like family and your vehicle like it was my own!” Today, his restoration shop works on everything from engines and re-builds to gas pumps and coolers. #makersandfixers #shopowner #car #cars #auto #restoration #greaser #engine #autoshop #technician #automechanic #fast

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Chelsea’s dream is to open a shop where all technicians feel comfortable at their job and love what they do. Who else wants to open their own shop one day? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ #makersandfixers . . . #auto #automotive #autotechnician #automotivetechnician #autoshop #femaletechnician #car #cars #shop #shopowner

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“I’ve always loved airplanes and aviation. When I started looking at aviation jobs, I knew I would face some hurdles…then I discovered my local Tech College had an aviation maintenance program. The job had everything I was looking for; airplanes, mechanics, electronics troubleshooting. Everything! It’s been nearly 3 years and I haven’t looked back since.” – Sam Meyer #aviation #airplane #aircraft #mechanic #techschool #techcollege #technicalcollege #aircraftmechanic 2d

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Diesel Fleet Technician Sana started her career working on cars, then transitioned to HVAC. Now she works on semis and trailers. She is still learning and wants to learn even more trades going forward! #makersandfixers #cars #auto #hvac #tech #technician #semi #semitruck #diesel #trades #learning #femaletechnician

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While working as a mechanic, Mike had the opportunity to become contractor at a test facility working on prototype motorcycles. He taught as an instructor at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute before joining Harley Davidson where he works as the Lead Test Mechanic! #makersandfixers #technician #mechanic #motorcycle #test #testing #testmechanic #bike #harley #harleydavidson #mmi

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Taylor started her career when she bought a mig welder at 19 years old! She became a CNC machinist and then attended welding school. Now, she works as a steel fabricator and welding instructor where she teaches a women’s welding program! #makersandfixers #nationalweldingmonth . . . #weld #welding #steel #fabrication #cnc #machinist #femalewelder #womanwelder

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“I got into my line of work by blowing up my mom’s car. She had to have the engine replaced twice (we were all young once right?) Anyways, I saw the cost of repairs and said I want to be the person that helps people with their cars.” -Nick Fediuk, Electrical Euro Tech #makersandfixers . . . #auto #car #cars #motor #engine #mechanic #technician #eurotech #repair

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As a Fire Truck Mechanic, Michael is living out his dream and is proud that the work he does helps save lives. He’s worked on some pretty cool projects- including building an undercover police car. Read more about Michael’s work at MakersandFixers.com! #makersandfixers . . . #firetruck #mechanic #firetruckmechanic #police #auto #truck #vehicle #firedepartment #emergencyvehicle #firstresponder

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“Back in Jamaica, my father told me I couldn’t drive a car until I first learned how to fix one so I would appreciate it. I enjoy the work. It’s challenging but good. You meet different kinds of people, different kinds of cars and technology.” -Billy Anderson, Head Technician #makersandfixers . . #auto #automotive #autorepair #technician #snapon #tire #wheel #cars #technology

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Meet Cory- our $500 winner for April! Cory’s cousin introduced him to working on VW and Audi vehicles in high school, and he’s been doing it ever since. Congrats Cory! #makersandfixers . . . #VW #Audi #car #cars #auto #engine #technician #autotech #mechanic #tools

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When facing the 2008 recession, Juan enrolled in technical school doing BMW FastTrack. He’s now a Master Technician doing what he loves - working on cars every day! #makersandfixers . . . #auto #cars #technician #service #bmw #engine #techschool #technicalcollege

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At 13, Willie began working on cars and built a 1923 Ford Model T! He continued working on cars to help him cope with the stress of being a Social Worker helping children in the foster care system. Today, Willie owns a small metal fabrication company (and still drives that Model T). #makersandfixers . . . #hotrod #hotrodder #metal #fabrication #modelT #ford #fordmodelT #socialwork #socialworker #shopowner #cars #auto

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Meet Robert, a full-time Emergency Vehicle Technician and part-time aviation enthusiast. #makersandfixers . . . #technician #snapon #snaponbox #aviation #emergency #vehicle #fleet #maintenance #firstresponders

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Single mom and Millwright Andrea Havlin moved her family across the country to continue her career. She’s recently been offered a position as an Adjunct Welding Instructor and wants to inspire the next generation of welders! #makersandfixers . . . #millwright #welding #weld #mom #steel #welder #steel #steelmaking #maintenance

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Meet Rick, a military veteran who was injured in Afghanistan and lost his right arm and leg. He uses prosthetics, which he considers “just a different tool” and continues to work on his favorite project cars. #makersandfixers #thankyouveterans . . . #tools #cars #auto #military #chevy #camaro #snapon

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Blake worked on military trucks as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic in the U.S. Army. Since then, he’s worked on a bunch of cool projects as both a professional and a student. Read about all the things he’s worked on, including a purple limo, at MakersAndFixers.com! #makersandfixers . . . #limo #auto #military #army #usarmy #dodge #jeep #chevy #cars #trucks #snapon

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Today is National Worship of Tools Day! Let us know what tool you’re worshipping. 🙏 #makersandfixers #NationalWorshipOfToolsDay

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Meet Jenna- A Flight Technician at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory where’s she helping build the next MARS ROVER!! As a part of the Mars 2020 team, Jenna worked on hardware assembly, testing, sheet metal fabrication, and support equipment design and modification. Check out the Mars Rover (recently named Perseverance) launch in July of this year! #makersandfixers . . . #nasa #nasajpl #space #mars #mars2020 #marsrover #Perseverance #rover #omgrobots #robots #aerospace #explorer #rover

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And our $500 winner for March is……JAYCIE! After over a decade working as a fleet mechanic for an independent trucker, then a school district with 25 vehicles, Jaycie opened her own diesel performance shop. Congrats, Jaycie! #makersandfixers

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If there is one thing we’ve learned from reading your stories, it’s the importance of overcoming obstacles! Juan failed his auto class in high school… with a bang. (The engine he was re-building exploded.) But years later, Juan has worked his way up to being the Lead Transmission Technician. Tell us what you’ve overcome to get where you are! #makersandfixers

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Josh started buying, fixing and selling cars in MIDDLE SCHOOL! How old were you when you first started? #makersandfixers #youngmechanics #automechanic

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Technician. Dad. Motohead. Adam does it all. What roles do you take on every day? #makersandfixers #racing #motohead

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Ricky Wong speaks the TRUTH! Check out our website to see more aviation stories like Ricky's! #makersandfixers #aviation #aircraftmechanic

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"All the industries we're in are constantly changing and evolving. This requires us to adapt and change our self along with the tools we use." - Brian F. #makersandfixers

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Everyone has a reason for going into their career. What’s yours? #makersandfixers

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Started from the bottom now he's here! Check out Josh's journey on MakersandFixers.com! (link in bio) #makersandfixers #snapon #toolbox

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Liz said it best herself. She's let nothing stop her from achieving her goals and becoming a Diesel Marine Technician. #makersandfixers #diesel

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Jerry's interest in helping people led him to create a program for veterans where they can work with their hands, be creative, and help with PTSD. Some vets have even started their own businesses using the skills they learned in Jerry’s program! #makersandfixers #UNL #veterans

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Meet Augustine, our $500 winner for February! He became a technician through the help of a very important mentor in his life. Has anyone helped you get to where you are today? #makersandfixers #contest

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After getting her first Dirt Bike, Liana decided to follow her dreams and go to Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. She now works in one the biggest dealerships on the East Coast, and runs an Instagram page connecting and inspiring female mechanics. Read more about Liana and the cool projects she’s worked on at makersandfixers.com! #makersandfixers #motorcycle

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Join the community of Makers and Fixers. Share your story to be featured on our website and be entered in the monthly contest. #makersandfixers #shareyourstory

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Any shop owners or managers out there turning wrenches every day? #makersandfixers . . . #auto #garage #shopowner #shopmanager

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Even though Ryan works on multi-million dollar airplanes every day, his favorite projects are still the cars he fixes with his dad. Together they’ve worked on a Plymouth Duster, '63 Corvette, convertible '85 Suburban, and a convertible '68 Camaro. What’s your project car? #makersandfixers . . . #aviation #auto #fatherandson #plymouth #corvette #chevy #camaro #convertible

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“When I was little, I wanted to be a mechanic. Lots of people do a job just to get money. Me, I like this. I like doing this every day.” –Carmelo V. #makersandfixers #snapon #auto

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At just 22 years old, Logan opened his own shop doing upholstery fabrication and custom paint. Four years later, he’s booked out a year in advance. #impressive #makersandfixers #selfmade #hotrod

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A love for all things mechanical has taken Ryan from working on trucks in his dad’s garage, to medaling at the WorldSkills competition in Russia, to a full-time career as a Heavy Duty Diesel Technician. Ryan’s full story is well worth the trip to our website. #makersandfixers #diesel #skillsusa

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ANNOUNCING OUR FIRST $500 WINNER 🥁🥁🥁…. JO BODEN! Check out our IG story to see the three $100 winners. Congratulations to all! Read their stories on our website and submit your own story for a chance to win (link in bio). #makersandfixers

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A plane isn’t like a car. If you have engine trouble in the air, you can’t just pull over on the side of the road.” –Eric Cornell #makersandfixers #aviation

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Just call us Santa! Check out Dan's story on our website - link in bio! #makersandfixers #merrychristmas

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What’s your story? #makersandfixers

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Trust is an important part of any Maker and Fixer's job. Just ask Alex, a Heavy Duty Tech at a John Deere dealership. #makersandfixers #diesel #agriculture

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Since she was 12 years old, Lisa knew she wanted to go into aviation. Today, she encourages other women to go into the field as well. Check out our website to see more of Lisa’s story! #MakersandFixers #aviation #aviationwomen

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Alex is more than a tech, he's a little bit of everything. What roles do you take on every day? #makersandfixers #technician

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Wise words from Heavy Duty Tech Chelsea out of Denver, CO. What's your Maker/Fixer motto? #makersandfixers

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Meet Jason. He followed his gut and went into an industry he loves. Tell us what industry you work in! #makersandfixers #snapon #automotive

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Want to be featured on our page? Submit your story- link in bio! #makersandfixers

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This is why we’re here. This is what we believe. Part 1 of 3 #makersandfixers #snapon

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This is why we’re here. This is what we believe. Part 2 of 3 #makersandfixers #snapon

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This is why we’re here. This is what we believe. Part 3 of 3 #makersandfixers #snapon

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Are you ready? #makersandfixers

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THE MAKERS AND THE FIXERS

Stories of the Makers and the Fixers

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@MakersAndFixers