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Grad Howard Thornton
2010 GRAD HOWARD THORNTON
As far back as he can remember, Howard Thornton has been surrounded by automobiles.
“My father was a mechanic and my stepdad,” he said. “I pretty much grew into it.”
An August 2010 graduate of NCC’s Youth and Adult Automotive Training Center program, Thornton landed a job at Goodyear Brake-o-Rama in Elizabeth three months later. He does everything from engine replacements and transmission repairs to working on radiators and axles.
“There’s no job that can’t be done,” he said. “I’m always looking to get the job done. You just have to be motivated and be willing to learn and do the work.”
Former NCC Automotive Trainee Now Owns Autobody and Gasoline Shop
Started with NCC in 1995 as an automotive trainee. Attended NCC night and day programs.
Most graduates went to dealerships. Did not like that idea because at dealerships they usually work on one kind of car and would limit his exposure to learn various types of cars.
Instead he went to STS Tire and Auto Service in Greenbrook, NJ. Stayed about 3 years. Learned a lot and was exposed to a lot different cars such as high-end vehicles Ferraris, porches, Mercedes, etc.
STS sent Tarik to school to get Automotive Service of Excellence certification. Test was so he could be certified for brakes, exhaust and other categories.
Left STS because money got “slow”. Then went to Midas in Clifton, NJ (stayed for 2 years) then moved to Midas in Totowa, NJ (stayed 3 years) went from mechanic and became manager after 2 years working Clifton Midas and then went as manager in Totowa for another 3 years.
Took a year brake then moved to PA. After a year a friend told him about a shop in West Orange. It was a gas station with a mechanic shop. Offered good income and as he worked there he watched money come in as a gas station auto shop. He did not realize that gas station auto shops made so much income. Saw an excellent business opportunity.
Same friend took him to a location in East Orange, which happened to be a gas station auto shop. He immediately decided to buy it March 15, 2007. Opened officially May 15, 2007 as MotorHead Auto Body Shop.
It has been going really well. Best thing about his venture is he feels completely independent and can run it the way he wants. He also feels he graduated into the world of businessmen and that he is proud of his accomplishment as a businessman. Feels like he is part of a “new community”. He is always busy.
It’s a blessing. Went from NCC and always visited NCC because of there he was pushed into pursuing this career. He has asked for new graduates to work at his shop. Loves that he can do that and give back to NCC and its graduates.
He is an eligible bachelor, living in East Orange, NJ.
New Community Mission
To help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual God-given dignity and personal achievement. Under One Roof
Started with NCC in 1995 as an automotive trainee. Attended NCC night and day programs.
Most graduates went to dealerships. Did not like that idea because at dealerships they usually work on one kind of car and would limit his exposure to learn various types of cars.
Instead he went to STS Tire and Auto Service in Greenbrook, NJ. Stayed about 3 years. Learned a lot and was exposed to a lot different cars such as high-end vehicles Ferraris, porches, Mercedes, etc.
STS sent Tarik to school to get Automotive Service of Excellence certification. Test was so he could be certified for brakes, exhaust and other categories.
Left STS because money got “slow”. Then went to Midas in Clifton, NJ (stayed for 2 years) then moved to Midas in Totowa, NJ (stayed 3 years) went from mechanic and became manager after 2 years working Clifton Midas and then went as manager in Totowa for another 3 years.
Took a year brake then moved to PA. After a year a friend told him about a shop in West Orange. It was a gas station with a mechanic shop. Offered good income and as he worked there he watched money come in as a gas station auto shop. He did not realize that gas station auto shops made so much income. Saw an excellent business opportunity.
Same friend took him to a location in East Orange, which happened to be a gas station auto shop. He immediately decided to buy it March 15, 2007. Opened officially May 15, 2007 as MotorHead Auto Body Shop.
It has been going really well. Best thing about his venture is he feels completely independent and can run it the way he wants. He also feels he graduated into the world of businessmen and that he is proud of his accomplishment as a businessman. Feels like he is part of a “new community”. He is always busy.
It’s a blessing. Went from NCC and always visited NCC because of there he was pushed into pursuing this career. He has asked for new graduates to work at his shop. Loves that he can do that and give back to NCC and its graduates.
He is an eligible bachelor, living in East Orange, NJ.
New Community Mission
To help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual God-given dignity and personal achievement. Under One Roof