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How these Utah companies delivered quality service in the classroom

How these Utah companies delivered quality service in the classroom

(Young Automotive Group)


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The efforts of the Young Automotive Group's collision operation have not gone unnoticed within Ogden High School's automotive program. Commercially known as Young Collision Center, their team has held training sessions, hired graduates and even donated a $14,000 waterborne paint mixing system to the program. They also frequently deliver paint supplies.

That said, for the division's director Chris Hudson, no effort has been quite like the one they engaged in last month.

Collaborating with partners Precision for Collision, Car-O-Liner and the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation, Young Collision donated a new spot welder to the school — a Car-O-Liner CTR9 model valued at over $42,000.

"This donation idea started as something significant, but quickly evolved into something unforgettable," said Hudson. "We're grateful to work alongside incredible organizations who not only understand the importance of investing in our communities, but going above and beyond as well."

Delivered on Jan. 9, teachers, students and school district leaders gathered at the shop to witness a demonstration of the machine by Precision for Collision General Manager Mike Hasko. Speeches were also made by Hudson, Hasko, Young Caring for Our Young Director Tami Olsen and Young Mazda Service Advisor Thomas Vigil — a student at Ogden High. Each individual not only talked about their organization's relationship with the school, but opportunities in the industry as well.

"I'm truly grateful for Young Automotive and the fact that they put me in a position where I can work while also going to school," Vigil said. "Where Young Automotive can build that bridge, it's just huge for kids like us who didn't know that we had these opportunities."

How these Utah companies delivered quality service in the classroom
Photo: Young Automotive Group

An operation with collision and autobody repair shops across Layton and Ogden as well as Burley, Idaho, leaders at Young Collision first decided to donate a spot welder after having to replace models at their operations. Hudson then approached Precision for Collision about the initiative and they immediately agreed to join.

While both organizations were planning to donate a used model, they did realize that the machine could become obsolete within a few years. Rather than deciding to scrap the project, they made some phone calls and increased their contribution amounts for something current.

"We wanted to provide the school with something that had some longevity," Hasko said. "This is far from a base-level piece of equipment. It's what the best technicians in the industry are currently using. As far as I'm aware, no high school or technical college within the region has a machine like this."

While addressing the students, Hudson and Hasko mentioned the current industry-wide shortage of technicians — a frequently brought up talking point at the IBIS USA 2024 Conference, which they both attended.

"We're hoping that by providing these students with this level of machinery, we're making them more ready for the job market," Hudson said. "If your passion is to work on cars as a career, then we want Ogden High School to be your destination."

According to James Cook, an automotive and collision repair teacher who's been with the school for 19 years, Ogden High is unique within northern Utah for having a collision repair program.

Young Collision Center's closest facility to the school is less than five miles away. The business frequently hosts career training sessions with students and teaches them how to be a part of an operation that specializes in handling auto body and paintless dent repair needs as well as full restorations. Many of the technicians on staff not only have years of experience, but are original equipment manufacture certified by several vehicle makers.

"It takes us from just an ordinary high school to an advanced training center," said Cook about having a community partner like Young Collision. "Our students will be worth more money in the industry. Our students will be well-trained and this is something that could not be done without their help and a strong advisory committee, and the help from Young [Automotive Group]."

Earlier this year, both Young Collision and the Young Caring for Our Young Foundation received a notice informing them that they were selected as the regional Business Education Partner of the Year for Utah's Association for Career and Technology Education. They were recognized during a conference in St. George on Jan. 31.

Throughout 2024, both organizations took part in the Young Automotive Group's celebration of 100 years in business. Founded by Seldon "Jack" Olsen in Morgan, Utah, the company has expanded from a single location to over 30 operations across Utah, Idaho and Montana.

The company's 18-year old philanthropic nonprofit, Young Caring for Our Young has said that 2024 was their most impactful year as a foundation. In total, they helped feed more than 24,000 children, clothe over 2,600 students and deliver resources to nearly 500 teens experiencing homelessness.

"None of our leaders across the Young Automotive Group look at their operation as just a business," Hudson said. "We're not just a certified auto body repair shop in Ogden. We're incredibly passionate about our areas. The people around us have made our success possible, and we know that by investing in our local community, we all experience growth."

Learn more about the Young Collision Center at the link.

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