When we ask BFGoodrich drivers “What are you building for?” we get a wide world of different answers. Some people are focused on their careers, their work and their relentless pursuit of excellence. But more often than not, the answers we get are about others. Because a legacy isn’t something you build just for yourself. It’s something you create for generations to come.
It’s a beautiful thing to build for others. Today, we celebrate three nonprofit organizations with an intrinsic passion for the automotive industry and uplifting their communities. The simple act of changing someone’s tires could be the catalyst for changing someone’s life, and these three organizations are out to show us how. The Piston Foundation, Automotive Mentoring Group and The Lift Garage are three examples of what it looks like to build a legacy with the power to spread positivity, improve the lives of others and uplift future generations.
The Piston Foundation
Minding the Gaps
“The idea that kids don't like cars is just fiction. Every American generation falls in love with cars, bar none. Take Gen Z. They might be following 25 different car accounts on social media. But if you ask them, ‘Do you think you could turn this interest into a career?’ Most of them will say, ‘I don't even know where to begin.’” – Jeff Mason, COO of The Piston Foundation
Another gap is the distance between auto shop wages and the cost of living in the cities where these shops exist. Even the graduates of esteemed tech schools aren’t ready to be fully billable technicians right away. It takes a few years to get there. So, for those first years, shops pay them considerably less, putting the onus on the apprentice to figure out how to make ends meet. Many are forced to move on to other careers during this time.
“Our research finds that the average gap between what a shop can afford to pay an apprentice and what an apprentice needs to live near that shop is about $15,000. Next year, we plan on launching Piston Academy, an apprentice program that will help place qualified candidates in shops that can teach them the skills they need, while we provide wage-gap funding to make it possible for everyone financially.” – Jeff Mason
Get Involved
Automotive Mentoring Group
The Automotive Mentoring Group is a Chicago-based nonprofit built to help young folks develop life skills as they restore classic cars. Many young people face challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. As part of this group, young adults learn how to focus their energy in the right place while communicating effectively, and at times therapeutically, with their peers and mentors. We spoke with the Founder and CEO of the Automotive Mentoring Group, Alex Levesque, to learn more about his work in Chicago.
“The ultimate goal we are trying to achieve when it comes to this work is to be proactive against gang and gun violence in Chicago. We are trying to use these cars to give these young people an alternative to crime by exposing them to the industries in the automotive sector.” – Alex Levesque, Founder and CEO of the Automotive Mentoring Group
Restoring Generations
Alex Levesque’s love for cars dates back to when he was just 5 years old. Over the years, his appreciation for vintage cars grew as he did, culminating in the purchase of his first project car in his 20s — a 1964 Mustang. Due to a lack of knowledge and role models, he never learned that his love for cars could turn into a career. Later, he worked as an architect, which landed him in Chicago. While there, he grew disheartened by crime rates and discouraging statistics as he watched the youth struggle to find their way.
For years, Alex recounted hoping that someone would do something to help the misguided residents in his area and beyond. When he continued seeing no change, Alex described a gut feeling that he had to do something about the problem himself — a gentle nudge from above. Not knowing where to begin, he pushed it aside, only for the whisper of it to come back months later. Finally, he decided to begin anyway. He would use his passion to help his community, and he’d just have to figure it out along the way.
Alex turned in his notice at work, went back to school and earned a vehicle restoration certificate. Soon after, he purchased an old auto body shop as his first building location. Then it was time to find some students. He began going door to door, spreading the word about his inspiring program to anyone he could find. Eventually, enough participants got on board, and the Automotive Mentoring Group began to take shape.
The volunteer program grew as the young adults took an interest in the cars they made. The real magic arose through the connections made inside the shop. Former law enforcement officers began volunteering as mentors, placing police officers under the hood with Alex’s students — most of whom had felony backgrounds. Alex quickly noticed how working together with mentors from “the other side” had the power to reframe the relationship these students had with authority. On any given day, his garage is abuzz with these life-changing mindset shifts.
Alex prides himself in the success stories he hears from people who have found their way thanks to his program. He recounts several automotive startups, family-owned businesses and restoration shops that have sprouted from the seeds he planted. Alex has shown his community the power a common interest can have and how far a little positive energy can go.
“I’m trying to use what little I have to create as much change as I can. I know with this program we’re reaching people. My kids are thinking differently because they finally have someone to show them how.” – Alex Levesque
Get Involved
“If someone has something to give of value, time, experience, wisdom, to their communities, then they should do that.” – Alex Levesque
The Lift Garage
“The Garage is about fixing cars, but it is also about creating a space where people, who are often disregarded because they don’t have money or access, are welcomed, dignified and heard.” – Cathy Heying, Executive Director of The Lift Garage
Lifting Communities Up
In most parts of the U.S., people need cars to survive. For folks who are already struggling financially, a breakdown isn’t just a savings account setback — it can be the difference between getting or keeping a job opportunity — or making or missing rent this month. The ripple effect that a breakdown can have on someone’s life is immeasurable. It can change a person’s, or a family’s, whole trajectory.
That’s where The Lift Garage comes in. For drivers who meet the 150% Federal Poverty Guideline, the garage offers auto repairs at just $15 per hour for labor, allowing customers to reap the benefits of a full auto repair shop with reduced financial stress. Other beneficial resources and connections are available to customers as well.
Organizations like The Lift Garage are not as widespread as they should be, and technicians are often met with disbelief when a client finds out all they can get for the price. Sustained by private donations and volunteer support, The Lift Garage has managed to grow its operation from one to seven service bays.
“Cars are necessary tools that help us not only survive but thrive. By simply taking one more thing off of their plate, we’re helping improve our customers’ quality of life.” – Cathy Heying
Get Involved
Lastly, Cathy urges everyone with automotive resources and expertise to share them whenever they can. Whether that’s offering advice to a struggling friend, giving a neighbor a ride to work, or stopping to help a stranger change a tire. It’s important to remember that everyone deserves to get to where they need to go, on and off the road.
“I am building for a community that supports one another, leveling the playing field. We are building kindness, in a world that is desperately in need of us to be kind to one another.” – Cathy Heying
One Decision Away
At BFGoodrich Tires, we support everyone’s hunt for purpose in the world and are proud and humbled to see the giant strides made by people with a common interest tying them together. It’s never the wrong time to build something worthwhile, big or small. We are all, every day, just one decision away from changing our lives.
And possibly, quite a few others, too.