Fleet MaintenanceKen OtzenbergerMechanic 1 at Franklin County Highway DepartmentBeaufort, Missouri, USAI have been interested in becoming a mechanic since I was young. I kept getting in trouble as a kid for using my father’s tools to take things apart to see how they worked. Now, I've spent 16 years as a boiler technician in ... read more Heavy Duty Truck RepairChristopher CarterWelder/Fabricator at The 44 CompaniesPatterson, Georgia, USASo I started working at the 44 companies, 8 years ago as a clean-up guy and knew this was a company I wanted to grow with. I started to learn how to work on trucks and trailers. I remember one day, I asked Pete what I needed... read more Aviation/AerospaceEthan EastmanAircraft Technician at American AirlinesTulsa, Oklahoma, USAI’ve been working as a mechanic since I was 14 years old at my dad’s body shop. I started working in the family business at 14 by helping him sand and prime cars and cleaning the shop. As I worked with my dad, my cousin Jim ... read more Automotive - Specialty ShopDave StuckelManager/Lead Mechanic at HYMAN LTD. CLASSIC CARSFestus, Missouri, USAI got into the industry because my father was building hot rods in the garage. Now I've worked for 35 years. My advice to others would be to pay attention and listen a lot.
Public WorksJessica SwearingenStreet Maintenance LaborerNorth Branch, Minnesota, USAI wanted something new and exciting in my life with lots of variety. Working in street maintenance for public works allowed me the variety that I needed in my life. It's long and hot days, but rewarding.
Automotive - DealershipBryan MendezService Technician at Porsche MarinNovato, California, USAMy journey into becoming an automotive service technician started in an unexpected place: the Army. Right after high school, I enlisted and was assigned to work as an M1A2 Abrams tank mechanic. At first, I didn’t know much a... read more Aviation/AerospaceCrystalle LaamanenAME at Great Slave HelicoptersElmsdale, CanadaMy Dad was a Forest Fire Fighter so I suppose hearing about helicopters from him is what planted the seed. I have now been a Maker and Fixer for 25 years. My advice is to take the adventure when you are young! So many people... read more CarpenterAustin GillmanJourneyman Bridge Builder at Skanska USALake Elsinore, California, USAMy friend was a bridge builder and it sounded right up my alley, so I joined the carpenters union and never looked back. I learned everything there is to do with bridges and highway construction and was able to start my own ... read more Oil & GasTrent BushHeavy Assembly Lead at NOVHouston, Texas, USAI have been a Maker and Fixer since I was about 16, so a long long time. My father inspired me - a good man, mechanically minded, helpful, and pretty patient. He replaced two blown transmissions in the same truck for me. He ... read more Fleet MaintenanceDelvin IshmanSchool Bus Driver / Technician Apprentice at BhamCityBirmingham, Alabama, USAI have been a Maker/Fixer all my life! But within the last 5 years or so, I’ve taken under the wing of some of the most awesome mechanics and technicians on Earth. This team can do it all! Gas, diesel, propane; name it! In t... read more Automotive - DealershipJack WatsonHyundai Technician at Oxmoor HyundaiLouisville, Kentucky, USAMy uncle who has been working on cars since he was 8 taught me everything I know. He inspired me to work on cars when I started trying to do my first oil change on my first car a 1996 Nissan Maxima. I’m 28 now, and I’ve been... read more Automotive - General RepairDaniel MeineckeTechnician at Hopson Auto RepairWaukesha, Wisconsin, USAI have been a maker and fixer my whole life, growing up a 3rd generation automotive technician. I had to fix my own 4-wheelers when I was a little kid, otherwise I wasn’t able to drive them! My grandpa played a big part in m... read more ManufacturingMark LePoreSupervisor at TELTRU MANUFACTURINGSpencerport, New York, USASince I was a kid, I was always tinkering, building, and fabricating. My father worked for Kodak and was always fixing things for me and my 3 brothers. He always has a way of making something work, whether it is repairing, f... read more Automotive - Specialty ShopMaocheng YangOwner at YC Supercar Modification ClubGuandong, ChinaI've had a passion for mechanical engineering since I was a child, and I'm a huge fan of American cars. I enjoy customizing the power and structural performance of vehicles myself. I was introduced to Snap-on at a Harley-Dav... read more Automotive - Specialty ShopNicholas WilkinsonWorkshop Manager/Chief Diagnostic Technician at Griffiths AutomaticsCaloundra, AustraliaMy Father was a mechanic at his first job and he could fix anything. Now my advice to younger techs is to trust in yourself. Respect and honor all your senior staff members; it is very crucial to listen intently to people wi... read more ManufacturingMichael SanchezMachinist/Fabricator/Quality Control at Tel-Tru Manufacturing/Wilbert's Premium Auto PartsHenrietta, New York, USAMy friends and family all know me as a tinkerer. I've always been interested in working with my hands and fixing everything I could get my hands on. One piece of advice I would give my past self or to others is to get into t... read more RacingBrandon LamTransportation Specialist at Team PenskeMooresville, North Carolina, USAI’ve been a maker and fixer my whole life. Something I would tell others looking to get into this line of work is that your name is tied to the work you put out. When you see a project that turns out stellar, people associat... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsDave UnderwoodStudent TechSpokane, Washington, USAGrowing up I was a fisherman. I started at a very young age in that industry. But my grandfather, Clifford Jackson, was an enthusiast of anything with an engine. Being a former pro-NHRA drag racer, a heavy equipment operator... read more RacingJustin MooreJunior Mechanic at Team PenskeCharlotte, North Carolina, USAStay focused and take in as much knowledge and advice that you can from everyone that is willing to give it. There are no dumb questions. I come from a family of mechanics, but my uncle took me under his wing at his shop one... read more RacingChris PuskasEngine Tuner & Rear Suspension Mechanic at Team PenskeMount Ulla, North Carolina, USAFor essentially my entire life, I've been making and fixing. I grew up on a dairy farm in New Jersey and started racing at the age of 8. Here I am 26 years later, working for Team Penske and living the dream! I would tell so... read more Contractor, Renter, Flipper, Caregiver.Cynthia KarelsOwner at Be Positive LLCMoorhead, Minnesota, USAAll my life, I was taught by the best: my dad, and then I went to school to learn more. I learned about vehicle engines as an infant. I was strapped to a skateboard with the ice cream pails washing parts in the bucket. Then ... read more Automotive - General RepairMolly McKeeverStudentFort Mill, South CarolinaI’ve been working on small projects since I was little. In my sophomore year of high school, I joined the auto tech program at my high school and am now in the third level. I’m scheduled to take the last level later this yea... read more Automotive - General RepairHiromichiri OgawaOwner at Car Factory OgawaMatsudo, JapanI wanted to do auto repair, so I joined a store that did everything from repair to sheet metal and learned the basics. After that, I started my own store, but it did not start out well, so I started with what I could and wor... read more Automotive - General RepairHailey PattersonTIG WelderIndianapolis, Indiana, USAI have been TIG welding on and off for about 4 years but in this last year, I have taken it more seriously and wanted to expand my knowledge! My love for cars started when I was little and I would work on things here and the... read more Heavy Duty Truck RepairPeyton FedlerShop Hand at Henderson Heavy HaulFruita, Colorado, USAI started fixing my car a couple of years ago, it started an addiction. I can never be satisfied except by completing a hard job on a vehicle. I love creating new things and making engines run better, anything from a Honda 3... read more Flag Pole Repair and RestorationJonathan SchaudtOwner at K&D Family & Group LLCLake Zurich, Illinois, USAI've been thinking up ideas for tools for a very long time. My mind is always running. My first tool I made was while I was working for a tree company. We had a wood chipper that was going through bearings over and over, and... read more Aviation/AerospaceDestiney CasanovaCollege Student at Texas State Technical CollegeHarlingen, Texas, USAStay focused, don’t ever give up, and give it your all. For all my life I never knew what I wanted to do, I was always lost switching from subject to subject. Then I came across aviation, and I fell in love with it. I’ve alw... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsPeter SellersHarley-Davidson Instructor at Northwestern PolytechnicFairview, CanadaI got started fixing clocks and radios for my parents and family, then moved into bicycles, then skateboards, then motorcycles. I was inspired by my father who could seemingly fix anything. I have been a Maker and Fixer for ... read more Automotive - General RepairRobbie DouglasMechanical EnthusiastCalgary, CanadaEver since I got my first car at 16, a Pontiac Sunfire GT, I received a socket set for Christmas and I’ve been fixing everything I can get my hands on since. One of my favorite bush fixes was using 5 tire plugs and a broken ... read more Automotive - General RepairRei HayashiOwner at Garage HayashiIchikawa, JapanMy dad told me that he would give me this MINI when I got my driver's license, so I bought the tools I needed. However, they were too expensive for a junior high school student. After getting my license, I spent my days raci... read more RailNishanka BanerjeeSenior Section Engineer at Eastern RailwayKanchrapara, IndiaWe are thrilled to use the new Snap-on Control Tech Link with Digital Torque Wrench! It made the torquing of carriage wheels so much easier and more accurate. The digital readout is clear and precise, and the real-time data ... read more Heavy Duty Truck RepairJack BaconHGV Technician at BiffaBodmin, UKI have been in my line of work for 5 years. Do not give up, if a garage won’t give you a chance because you “don’t have the experience” apply for the next one until they let you prove your worth and once you’re in there, giv... read more Automotive - Specialty ShopDong FengMotorcycle Technician at Harley-DavidsonChengdu, ChinaI am a Harley-Davidson motorcycle technician in Chengdu, with 11 years of experience in the industry, and a certified Master Technician by Harley-Davidson. Since childhood, I have been passionate about motorcycles and studie... read more Automotive - General RepairAnthony HarlinAutomotive Technician Gas/Diesel Master Tech at University AutomotiveMather, California, USAAdvice to new techs: take every training class you can, listen to every bit of advice you can get, and always keep your eyes and ears open for new ideas. Do not go out and buy the most expensive tools or boxes, there are a l... read more ManufacturingJohn MuigaiManufacturing Engineer at Edwards VacuumChandler, Arizona, USAI guess I started when I was young, but I went to school for engineering and have been tinkering about most of my life. My advice is to start now with whatever you have. The biggest limit is usually yourself. I started as a ... read more Aviation/AerospaceDominick MadridAircraft TechnicianLas Vegas, Nevada, USAI’ve done skilled labor for the past 9 years! I started by joining the Air Force in 2015 since I knew it would set my future up with a marketable skill. I’ve always wanted to be handy and fix things in general but I never fo... read more Automotive - Specialty ShopWeilun ZhangBusiness Owner at JK Car Modification CompanyShanghai, ChinaI had a passion for motorcycles since my youth. 30 years ago, I owned my first Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, a large-displacement motorcycle. With a lifelong enthusiasm for mechanical engineering, I enjoy customizing the power an... read more Aviation/AerospaceMichael WallaceAvionics Electrical Technician First Class at U.S. Coast GuardHuntsville, Alabama, USAI grew up in Huntsville, AL and I knew I needed to get out of there for a little bit. I had never heard of the Coast Guard, but I went to go check the other services, the Coast Guard recruiter was there and he managed to tal... read more Aviation/AerospaceDarius GambleWSUTech Student/AMC CompetitorWichita, Kansas, USAI came to AMC because being an AMT student at WSUTech, I'm taking advantage of the opportunities and experience offered by the event, and opening up and being able to know that the aviation world is so large. I am networking... read more ManufacturingMarshall MaPower Tools Electronic Engineer at Snap-on Kunshan PlantKunshan, ChinaI am an electronic development engineer with eight years of development experience. I have been working at Snap-on for four years. At Snap-on, I am committed to developing the strongest and most suitable tools for every user... read more Automotive - General RepairTakahiro OgawaTech at Car Factory OgawaMatsudo, JapanI grew up in this environment in the shop since I was born, and it was a natural progression for me to work. I am learning a lot and looking for a direction to move forward.
Auto Body/Collision RepairKaden RobertsSkillsUSA ParticipantRoberts, Montana, USAI am in the autobody industry because I have a passion for art and painting cars is a very cool and challenging art project!
Automotive - General RepairShelby MathesSkillsUSA ParticipantWaterloo, Illinois, USAThe reason I chose my career cluster was because my parents own two automotive shops and I have been included with them since I was really young and I have always loved working with my hands and I love to figure things out.
Heavy Duty Truck RepairRusty BraggSkillsUSA ParticipantCastle Rock, Colorado, USAI chose chose my career cluster because my dad was a mechanic and that's what made me get into the field.
ManufacturingJayden BetancourtSkillsUSA ParticipantCaldwell, Idaho, USAI chose my career cluster because of the benefits of the trades. Mick Bell taught me everything I know.
Automotive - General RepairCole VogtSkillsUSA ParticipantNorfolk, Nebraska, USAI like Automotive Technology because it gives me useful skills that I can use for the rest of my life in multiple fields.
Technical Education - students and instructorsJeuk LeeProfessor at Ajou Motor CollegeBoryeong, South KoreaWith 15 years of experience in the industrial field, I transitioned to a teaching role at a college, driven by my passion for sharing my skills with others. I have a natural aptitude for restoring old cars and handling accid... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsClaude TownsendProgram Coordinator at Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills, Michigan, USACurrently, I work as a program coordinator and full-time faculty at Oakland Community College in the automobile servicing program. I've been doing this here for almost nine years. I used to work as a career tech center teach... read more RacingHunter AhrendtFront & Rear Assembly at AJ Foyt RacingIndianapolis, Indiana, USAMy name is Hunter, and I build and assemble all the front and rear wings for the racecar at AJ Foyt Racing. I love it. I’ve only been doing this for a few months, I started right before the season started! I’ve been into car... read more ManufacturingTensun XuProject Manager at Snap-on Kunshan PlantKunshan, ChinaIn 2005, I joined Snap-on as a product engineer and started working on product transferring from Snap-on worldwide. This included an aligner turn table from the USA, Tire changers from Snap-on Italy, Brake and suspension tes... read more Aviation/AerospaceEric RandleSenior Aviation Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Technician at FedExSan Antonio, Texas, USAI have been at it for 35 years. After a year of college, I joined the Navy. After serving 6 years, I returned to my hometown and got hired on at FedEx. Pick a career doing something you like. Put in the extra effort in your ... read more Fleet MaintenanceFisher ZhouService Manager of The Truck & Bus Division at Snap-onBeijing, ChinaI am Fisher Zhou, the Service Manager of the truck and Bus Division. I have worked in this position for 19 years. First of all, I have a strong interest and enthusiasm for this industry, and I deeply understand the customer ... read more Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsHunter ElamStudentMorton, Illinois, USAI decided to become a field tech because of my parents' farm, I’m always working on equipment. I have a great mechanic job, no debt from school and I recently graduated from high school.
Automotive - General RepairBrittni SpeckerInstructorBuckeye, Arizona, USAI originally started working on my truck in high school because I wanted to know how to do it myself, I was always a hands-on learner. I was told by my high school counselor that I was not allowed to take auto class. So, as ... read more Heavy Duty Truck RepairLiam ClarkStudentMoab, Utah, USAI am inspired by a family friend who owns a diesel shop. We work on lots of F-350s with the 7.3, and lots of old Mercedes 300 and 240DS.
Architecture & ConstructionBrycen McLaurinStudentGrand Prairie, Texas, USAI chose this industry in high school, when my former masonry instructor suggested I join his class, I’ve enjoyed every bit of it!
Auto Body/Collision RepairKoby Garvin CarrascoStudentRathdrum, Idaho, USAI chose to pursue automotive refinishing because of my draw to art and the chase of perfection. Nothing catches a persons eye more than a beautiful car with sleek body lines that just encapsulates and envelopes someone’s cur... read more HVACRyan IversenInstructorHanceville, Alabama, USAA career in tech education has been an opportunity that I have been very happy with. I’ve always thought I wanted to be a history teacher, but HVAC is a tool that everybody can use!
Auto Body/Collision RepairJoshua ThompsonStudentStar, Idaho, USAMy high school collision repair teacher taught me how to fix wrecked cars and make money doing it. He’s been a great inspiration to me because of his joyful attitude toward life and always treating others the way he would wa... read more Auto Body/Collision RepairAleah SauderStudentMarengo, Illinois, USALast year I placed 2nd at Nationals with two other girls on the podium and that made me decide that automotive refinishing is what I was born to do.
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsAngel ColonStudentCoamo, Puerto Rico
Auto Body/Collision RepairLuis TiradoStudentBellevue, Nebraska, USAMy father was a painter before me, he inspired me to follow in his footsteps and be passionate about the Auto-Body industry.
WeldingBrylie BallStudentButte, Montana, USAI’ve always been creative and interested in working with my hands. As a female welder, I can work as hard as the other boys. I am just as talented in the industry!
Automotive - General RepairJonathan GarrisonInstructorNew Albany, Mississippi, USAI loved my career as a technician working on cars and when the opportunity came to teach students I wanted to embrace that opportunity because of the lack of basic skills I was seeing in the industry.
Architecture & ConstructionJohn DavisStudentLeakesville, Mississippi, USAI got to SkillsUSA from lots of practice, hard work, and determination. Also, a great instructor with the right attitude and mindset.
WeldingNicole EhresmanStudentDuluth, Minnesota, USA
WeldingTyler WinsorStudentBellevue, Nebraska, USAMy dad was my biggest inspiration in helping me decide to become a welder and be the best I can be.
ManufacturingLily HallStudentMadison, Wisconsin, USAI took a class for $20 in high school and ended up loving welding. I went back to school for metal fabrication a couple of years after graduating.
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsJames ElseaStudentInwood, West Virginia, USAI chose this industry because I like working with my hands and making money.
Heavy Duty Truck RepairWyatt FrederickStudentWestminster, Maryland, USAMy father worked on trucks, he has since passed away, but he inspired me to get into the heavy-duty field.
HVACDaniel HostetlerStudentJoppa, Alabama, USAI chose this industry because I love HVAC with the flexibility and never being in the same place.
WeldingEmily RobinsonStudentShoreline, Washington, USAWelding is an amazing hands-on career that will help you make a wonderful future for you and your family!
WeldingClayton FegleyStudentMcClure, Pennsylvania, USAI chose this industry because my grandfather was a welder. I’ve been doing it for four years and I plan on becoming a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector).
Automotive - General RepairEduardo AdamesInstructorPonce, USAI love working on cars because I can understand how each component works together. Teaching is my passion and I love to see future automotive technicians in my community.
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsAbraham GarciaStudentBeach Park, Illinois, USA
Automotive - General RepairJovan luceroInstructorOmaha, Nebraska, USAI love being able to teach our next generation of automotive technicians. Being able to give students a different path to success. Teaching them everything I have learned in the industry
Automotive - General RepairTrinity DupreStudentMontegut, Louisiana, USAMy best friend got me into it the automotive industry! We were just working on cars in general. My other best friend is in it too and I just never left the industry. I thought it would be lame, turns out I really enjoy it.
Aviation/AerospaceZachary ThornhillAviation Student/MRO Team CaptainWichita, Kansas, USAI have a passion for this industry. I always want to excel, I want to learn, I want to know how this industry evolves. The reason I came to AMC is because I wanted to hone my skills in as a future A&P mechanic. Currently, I ... read more Automotive - General RepairAJ PetersStudentBradenton, Florida, USAI got into Automotive industry because taking my car to the shop was too expensive. After being in a dual enrollment at my local tech school, I learned how to do basic service on my family’s cars and saved a lot of money in ... read more Automotive - General RepairWenbin HuangFounder at Kaifeng GarageChongqing, ChinaI am the founder of Chongqing Kaifeng Garage. I have been working in the automotive industry for 17 years, mainly engaged in vehicle customization and modification, renovation and engine repair, chassis tuning, etc. I have b... read more Automotive - General RepairKiyomi MizogamiTechnician at Auto ProTokyo, JapanMy interest was not so much in cars, but in old analog electrical products. I took apart malfunctioning electrical appliances and wondered how they were constructed and how to fix them. I even built my own analog tester. Thi... read more ManufacturingRusitoForeman at Astra Daido Steel CompanyBoyolali, IndonesiaI’ve got a recommendation from friends and one from a family member who was working in the same industry. Since I graduated from school, I have already joined the Astra Daido company. Since I was in high school, I already ha... read more Automotive - General RepairTakayoshi SuzukiTech at FormeIchikawa, JapanI have loved cars since I was a little boy and wanted to work in the automotive repair field. The more I could do, the more I enjoyed it. Now, based on the skills I have learned, I am broadening my scope of applied work. Rec... read more ManufacturingAugustinus Genius GultomAssistant Manager at Snap-onJakarta, IndonesiaI began my career immediately after graduating from college, fueled by a passion for deeply understanding people. My enthusiasm lies in inspiring others, offering solutions, and convincing them to embrace the products while ... read more Auto Body/Collision RepairAnnie DovaliSkillsUSA ParticipantOmaha, Nebraska, USA
Automotive - General RepairWillie DeBruceSkillsUSA ParticipantTifton, Georgia, USA
ManufacturingAustin McClainSkillsUSA ParticipantLake Lillian, Minnesota, USA
Auto Body/Collision RepairAustin LambertSkillsUSA ParticipantHomer, Nebraska, USA
ManufacturingJessilynn LinkSkillsUSA ParticipantOttumwa, Iowa, USA
Wind PowerKevin WangOnshore Wind Service/Area Service Manager at GE VernovaTaipei, TaiwanMy name is Kevin, and I currently work as an Area service manager at GE Energy's Taiwan branch. Every day, my job presents a new challenge and requires a high level of technical skill, so having good tools is important for u... read more RacingDidier FrancesiaCrew Chief at AJ Foyt RacingHouston, Texas, USAI was born and raised in France. Since I was a kid, I always loved stuff that goes fast. So I started to race motorcycles and dirt bikes. I bought my first motorcycle when I was 13. My parents didn’t know. I was playing with... read more Aviation/AerospaceAlex FigueroaAOG Lead Technician at BombardierNewington, Connecticut, USAMy wife and I wanted to be bush pilots. Fly in the jungle, and do missionary work. And I thought “Well if I get flight training, I should probably understand what noise the plane is making, good or bad.” I figured I might b... read more Aviation/AerospaceMaddie GlassettAMP Student at Tarrant County CollegeFt. Worth, Texas, USAThere were so many things pointing me toward going to A&P school and becoming a mechanic, it just took me 24 years to act on them!
I graduated high school in 2017 and started my degree in aerospace engineering at the Univers... read more Auto Body/Collision RepairRobby LaytonShop Owner/Collision Repair Technician at Layton AutobodyEphraim, Utah, USAMy name is Robby Layton, and I'm a 20-year first-generation automotive technician. I mainly focus on the collision industry. From a young age, I knew I would never be able to work for somebody, so being my own boss was the o... read more Aviation/AerospaceFaizal AzuanTool Storeman at Leonardo MalaysiaKuala Lumpur, MalaysiaI chose this industry because it's dynamic and challenging. It offers opportunities for growth and learning. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing helicopters that I've worked on take off, knowing I've contri... read more ManufacturingKevin ChengPower Tools Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor at Snap-on Kunshan PlantKunshan, ChinaWhen I was a teenager, I liked to disassemble and repair electronic products, radios, televisions, and various household appliances. I really enjoyed this process of research and the happiness of seeing my work. After gradua... read more Automotive - General RepairPhilip KellermanSkillsUSA ParticipantLavonia, Georgia, USA
Automotive - General RepairKason ParsonsAutomotive TechnicianCrossville, Tennessee, USAI’ve been working in the automotive space for about 2 years. I've always had a love for cars since I was a kid, and I always had a technician for a brother who was always helping out the family. I thank him for inspiring me,... read more ManufacturingZongyang ZhaoEast China Sales Manager at Snap-onShanghai, ChinaAs a product specialist, my role revolves around providing customers with bandsaw solutions, addressing their issues, and conducting on-site testing and support. These responsibilities are a crucial part of my job.
Reflectin... read more HealthcareKevin WattsCertified Pedorthist/Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician III at Shriners Hospitals for ChildrenEasley, South Carolina, USA