HAMLET — Automotive mogul Rick Hendrick landed in his helicopter at Richmond Community College on Wednesday to break ground on a future building bearing his name.
College and company officials as well as local and state dignitaries gathered at the back of the campus for a ceremony in honor of the Hendrick Center for Automotive Training.
President Brent Barbee joked, “We’ve been waiting on this for more years than we would really like to admit.”
The project, expected to be complete in about a year, is starting just over three years after the formal announcement was made, though plans have been in the works since 2019 — a vision of former president Dr. Dale McInnis.
“He realized that there was a need to bring additional workforce training here to Richmond Community College,” Barbee said, “specifically related to automotive maintenance and repair.”
Dr. Dale McInnis, former president of Richmond Community College, greets Rick Hendrick.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
McInnis and Hendrick were connected through a mutual acquaintance to discuss workforce needs in the automotive industry, according to Barbee.
“And who better to rely on that than an industry leader who has built one of the largest, most successful dealer networks in the country,” Barbee continued.
Representatives of Hendrick Automotive and the college made trips back and forth to each other’s respective home bases “to better understand this industry and the unique demands that it has,” Barbee said.
There have been several delays and hurdles in the six-year planning phase, Barbee said, including the COVID pandemic, securing funding from the N.C. General Assembly, and working through the approval process with the state construction office.
Brent Barbee, president of Richmond Community College, details the six-year process of the future automotive training center.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
“But, we persevered, as this is our nature here at Richmond Community College,” Barbee continued, adding that the project wouldn’t be possible without the support of those gathered.
State Sen. Dave Craven, R-Randolph, said that the N.C. Senate included a $2.5 million grant in the state budget to complete the project, in addition to $5 million already allocated, including $1.5 million in the 2022 budget.
“That shows how dedicated we are to ensuring this comes to fruition,” Craven said.
“We are so excited for what is coming here for the next generation of automotive maintenance, repair and technician work,” Craven added. “This is an excellent example of what a private-public partnership should be in this state.”
State Sen. Dave Craven, R-Randolph, talks about the funding provided by the General Assembly and local foundations for the project.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Additional funding came from the Richmond Community College Foundation, the Community Foundation of Richmond County and the Cole Foundation.
“We truly thank you for your faith, your belief and your investment in our college and our communities,” Barbee said.
RichmondCC, he continued, has taken a new approach to guiding and preparing people for high-demand, high-salary careers with companies not only throughout the region, but across the state.
“We have found that intensive, cohort-based, short-term training programs can provide students with the skills, knowledge and competencies employers are desperately seeking now,” Barbee said, “in a fraction of the time and a fraction of the cost to the students, while also learning the values of teamwork and customer service.”
Like many of the other programs at the college, the automotive programs will last weeks instead of years, without students having to go into debt, according to Barbee.
Roger Mesiemore, of Hendrick Automotive Group, talks about the need for technicians in the industry.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Roger Mesiemore, vice president of Fixed Operations for Hendrick Automotive Group, said the program will allow “a lot of people to turn a passion into a profession.”
“The opportunity is absolutely huge,” Mesiemore said.
According to Mesiemore, there are more than 18,000 franchise car dealerships across the nation that could hire two auto technicians “at any given moment.” He added that there are around 1,200 current openings just in the state — 250 within Hendrick Automotive.
Mesiemore went on to describe three main benefits of an automotive program:
Hands-On, Real-World Training - “It’s not just classroom. The students get under the hoods and get their hands on it…and they learn skills that they will use each and every day in the real world.”
Pride and Purpose - “There is something really prideful about fixing things with your own hands, and to see folks grow into that skill level is very, very rewarding. Automotive technicians keep families safe…and they basically … keep life moving…and that’s meaningful and essential work.”
Job Security and Demand - “These jobs are stable, high-paying and they can’t be outsourced.”
“This automotive program…will launch so many careers that are respected, rewarding and built for long-term success,” Mesiemore said.
Rick Hendrick recalls starting his first dealership in nearby Bennettsville, South Carolina.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Hendrick said he tells his employees they’re not really in the car business, but in the “people business.”
“I don’t care what kind of business that you’re in today, you have to rely on people,” Hendrick said. “And we have a tremendous need for technicians.”
Hendrick partnered with Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte more than 20 years ago to start the Joe Hendrick Center for Automotive Technology — named in honor of his late father — and opened the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence at Wake Tech in 2022.
“But this feels like home to me,” Hendrick said, referencing his start in the business with a dealership in nearby Bennettsville, South Carolina.
“This school is special and we’re very, very honored to be able to be a part of your program,” Hendrick continued. “Because I see unlimited opportunities and potential for young people.”
Graduates of the program, according to Hendrick, will make between $48,000 and $50,000 annually. He added that there are some female technicians making more than $100,000 per year.
“It’s a field that we’re always trying to work hard to gain technicians and…we need them,” Hendrick said.
Part of his role, Hendrick said, is working with vehicle manufacturers like General Motors and Toyota to provide cars to help with the training.
Hendrick continued, saying he sees the program expanding within a few years of starting.
“We will make sure that this is one of the best in the state and the country.”
