Kunes Car Convos - Lake County Tech Campus

At Kunes Auto Group, great vehicles are only part of the story. The real impact comes from the people behind them. That is exactly what makes the partnership with Lake County Tech Campus so meaningful.

 

In a recent episode of Kunes Car Convos, Justin Hoffman sat down with Jack Wilson, Automotive Instructor at Lake County Tech Campus, while driving a vehicle that represents far more than transportation. The 2013 Chevy Traverse they were in is being raffled off, but the real story is what it took to get it there and who it helps along the way.

Jack Wilson has spent more than two decades teaching automotive service at the Tech Campus. What makes his story even more compelling is that he once walked those same halls as a student. That experience gives him a deep understanding of both the classroom and the career path that follows.

 

As a master certified technician, Jack brings real industry knowledge into the classroom. His goal is not just to teach students how to repair vehicles, but to prepare them for what the modern automotive world actually looks like.

The raffle car initiative began as a response to a growing issue in the automotive industry. There is a clear shortage of trained technicians, and many experienced professionals are nearing retirement. At the same time, awareness of automotive careers has not kept pace with how advanced the field has become.

 

Jack and his team wanted to change that. The raffle car program was created to bring attention to the industry, engage the community, and give students something tangible to work toward. It also helps local businesses see the value of the training happening at the Tech Campus.

 

Each year, students take on the challenge of transforming a vehicle that needs work into something they can truly be proud of. That process builds confidence, skill, and passion.

This year’s raffle vehicle is a 2013 Chevy Traverse LT with just over 120,000 miles. While that mileage is not unusual for today’s vehicles, the condition it started in required attention.

 

Students from multiple programs worked together to bring it back to life. The collision repair team handled cosmetic damage from a minor front-end incident, repairing panels and completing paint work. Automotive students focused on mechanical reliability. They replaced brakes, installed new tires and a battery, corrected electrical issues, and completed a full inspection and alignment.

 

By the time the work was finished, the Traverse was transformed. It now looks, drives, and feels like a high-quality used vehicle you would expect to find on a dealership lot. More importantly, it stands as proof of what these students are capable of accomplishing.

 

Jack described one of the most rewarding parts of the process. Taking a vehicle that does not run or has major issues and turning the key after fixing it creates a sense of pride that sticks with students long after the project is done.

The raffle itself is simple. Tickets cost ten dollars, and there is no limit to how many someone can purchase. The drawing takes place after ticket sales close, and the winner does not need to be present.

 

What makes it special is where the money goes. Every dollar raised is put directly back into the program through a tool scholarship fund. There are no outside allocations or hidden costs. The entire purpose is to support students.

 

Over the past several years, that support has added up in a meaningful way. Tens of thousands of dollars in tools have been awarded to students entering the field. For many, this removes one of the biggest barriers to starting their career.

One of the most surprising aspects of Lake County Tech Campus is that it serves high school students. Juniors and seniors from more than twenty surrounding schools have the opportunity to enroll in career-focused programs.

 

Students can explore fields ranging from automotive service and collision repair to construction, law enforcement, and even game programming. The goal is to give them real exposure to a potential career before they graduate.

 

Walking through the campus feels more like stepping into a professional training facility than a traditional high school. Students are learning skills that translate directly into the workforce.

A major part of the program’s success comes from its internship initiative. Students are not limited to classroom learning. They are placed into real shops and dealerships where they can experience the day-to-day reality of the job.

 

The program is structured to ease students into that environment. They begin with a short trial period and, if it is a good fit, continue into a longer internship that can include paid hours. Along the way, they build resumes, go through interviews, and gain valuable hands-on experience.

 

For many students, this leads to job offers or long-term career opportunities. Even for those who decide to pursue a different path, the experience helps them make a more informed decision about their future.

Programs like this do not succeed on their own. They rely on partnerships between schools, businesses, and the community. Kunes Auto Group has been proud to support the Tech Campus through training, internships, and outreach.

 

One of the most encouraging outcomes has been seeing students who start as interns grow into full-time employees. That kind of retention shows that both the training and the workplace environment are working.

For many people, the idea of winning a vehicle for ten dollars is exciting on its own. But even those who do not need a car can still find value in participating.

 

Jack shared that he personally buys tickets every year with the intention of giving the car away if he wins. It is a simple way to give back and make a difference in someone else’s life.

 

That mindset captures what this program is really about. It is not just about the car. It is about supporting students, strengthening the industry, and creating opportunities that would not exist otherwise.

The automotive industry continues to evolve, and the need for skilled technicians is only growing. Lake County Tech Campus is helping meet that need by preparing students in a way that is practical, engaging, and effective.

 

By purchasing a raffle ticket, you are doing more than entering to win a vehicle. You are investing in the next generation of technicians and helping build a stronger future for the industry.

 

To enter, visit techcampus.org and follow the raffle car link before the deadline.

 

Because sometimes, the smallest investment can create the biggest impact.