Jimmy Ronnie Joyner, 20, was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. He started his future by attending an NHRA YES Program event in 2023 at Gatornationals. One year later, he attended the same event, only this year as a technician himself working at a dealership, which introduced him to what a career in the automotive industry could look like.
In full transparency, Joyner explained that the free ticket to Gatornationals was what drew him in last year.
"I was already interested in the automotive industry, and I heard there was going to be a career day-type thing, so I went through the YES Program, heard the presentation from the voice of the NHRA, Alan Reinhart, and came to the Tasca tent because they had given me a ticket," Joyner recalled.
There, he had the chance to meet all the Ford dealers in Florida, including Parks Ford of Gainesville, where he met the parts specialist Charlie Williams and learned about what an automotive career could be like. He had always been interested in the industry, but according to Joyner, attending the YES Program sealed the deal for him.
"He [Charlie Williams] told me what the automotive industry is like, how valuable people coming into the industry are, and what kind of living you can make off it," Joyner explained. "The rest is history. They took my name down, and here I am!"
A month after their talk, Joyner found himself working at Parks Ford and enrolling in the Santa Fe Program for Automotive Service Management Technology.
Since then, Joyner says it's been smooth sailing.
"Yes, it can be a little bit stressful, but other than that, I haven't faced many challenges," Joyner said as he explained some of the highlights over the past year. "Before I came to the dealership, I never even popped the hood on a car, and now I've been an apprentice with one of the master technicians for a long time, and I'm quickly learning and making my way up."
Joyner adds, "There's nowhere to go but up; it is a never-ending opportunity."
Not only is Joyner pleased with the learning and work he's been doing, but he's also felt a sense of belonging with his colleagues. He explained that there's always someone willing to help out if you're struggling with a repair or a project, and that enables you to get to know one another.
"It'd be hard not to make friends in this industry because everybody relates to each other in some way," Joyner adds, "You need that sense of camaraderie, and it's pretty easy to find around here."
Joyner has advice that he would have given himself a year ago for anyone looking for their next move.
“Figure out what you want to do, stick to it, and ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions,
and don't be afraid to admit you don't know everything or anything. Because if you act like you
know what you're doing but don't, that gets you nowhere. Don't be shy, assert yourself, but stay humble.”
– Jimmy Ronnie Joyner
Students and schools interested in participating in a YES Program event can contact NHRA. Ford dealerships and technical colleges can contact their local field service engineer for more information.
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