Regardless of the lengths to which an automotive technician goes to gain an understanding, no matter the car, the component, or the system he or she faces, some things simply can’t be understood.
I’m a true believer that we all have that “special someone” we will encounter at some point in our lives. Some of us are fortunate enough to discover that relationship early on, whereas others don’t make that discovery until their later years.
I want to speak about a dear friend of mine, who has not only made a significant impact in my life and my career but has touched the lives (and in similar ways) of quite literally hundreds, if not thousands of people. I’m speaking about a kind, generous, beloved young man, husband, and father of three; “our” great friend, Anthony Williams.
I had first come to know of Anthony as a leader in our automotive industry about five years ago. Anthony had a remarkable vision; one that he followed through on. Anthony had a passion for teaching people how to learn. Educating youths on how to tap into their potential for greatness and success. Not only in the automotive industry, but in life, as well.
He wanted to change the perception of this career and the industry. Anthony combined the necessities of theoretical understanding and the ever-so-important aspect of hands-on learning, especially for automotive technicians and prospects.
Using helpful analogies and perspectives already understood by these children, Anthony recognized the importance of learning from these different angles, to maximize the effectiveness of the lessons.
He realized early on that the confidence developed from these impactful lessons would help slow the crisis of capable-technician shortage or perhaps (if implemented on a wider platform) bring it to a grinding halt.
This is the Anthony Williams that I met only a few years ago. Anthony and his loving wife, Deb, were the makings of an extraordinary power couple, who together had the aspiration to open a school, utilizing the very learning techniques described above. The name of the school was to be called “Automotive Institute of Science and Technology.” To which, many of us had donated, desiring to support such a wonderful asset to the future of our automotive industry.
Their journey began as one with a vision to create a learning environment that could introduce vocational information into core content classes. The classes were designed to implement a real-world application in every subject and focus on teaching character traits in the classroom. He was always so careful to state that he did not want these lessons and values to just be words of encouragement pasted to the walls. They designed the lessons and the curriculum to be carried on through life and implemented daily, to improve the lives of all the students who attended.
One fine day, about five years ago, some magic occurred. During a very special meeting, involving some highly influential and well-respected members of our automotive community, Anthony met one of my fearless leaders, Mr. Chris Chesney (then, the man at the helm of Carquest Technical Institute, for more than 22 years). This is where Chris had first heard of Ant’s vision.
Anthony laid out his vision, based on the dream he had. As Chris listened to this vision of Anthony’s, he realized that it had aligned with his very own “five-year plan” for CTI, almost identically! Chris immediately hired Anthony for CTI. Anthony had become the Special Project Manager for Carquest Technical Institute and one of the most valuable team members CTI could ever realize. Anthony’s vision was being implemented into the already valuable classes CTI created, and the essence of his dreams could be seen in all that he was involved with.
I distinctly remember Anthony’s favorite class being CTI’s “Critical Thinking Skills: The Logical Troubleshooting Process.” (And, of course, it was…That was just like Anthony). Again, everything that made up Anthony’s desire to help was the foundation of teaching people how to learn better. I can’t think of a better or more important and impactful gift to pass along. One that keeps on giving, for life.
As much mutual respect, Anthony and I had, and as friendly of comrades as we were, scheduling and hard work prevented either of us from spending much of our free time together, considering we lived on either end of the nation. Not to say a get-together never occurred. One evening, earlier this year, Anthony and I were in Las Vegas for the AAPEX event. It just happened that both of us had a few hours to ourselves before we both were to attend separate business dinners.
Anthony and I finally had an opportunity to sit down together over a few drinks and just chat. We spoke of family and children (both a tremendous aspect in both our lives) as well as our visions for the industry and how many of our personal goals aligned. Those few hours alone with Anthony were very special to me and were by far a few of my favorite hours spent that week, in Las Vegas.
So, you see, I was one of the lucky ones, to discover such an incredible person and dear friend, so early in my years. One with a humble and friendly persona yet dreams and aspirations the size of a continent. Anthony could conquer anything and could lead an army, by the respect he commanded, alone.
Anthony was a kind and gentle person but would stop at nothing to help people better themselves. This is the lasting impression that Anthony had on me and hundreds of others. And this is the reason for my sadness and dismay. On May 3, Anthony unexpectedly passed away. At only 37 years old, Anthony was survived by his wife and three wonderful children, whom I assured we will always be in their corner.
As I’ve said earlier, some things I will just never understand. Although our sadness comes for selfish reasons, I seek comfort in this mystery as one that can only be explained as Anthony serving a higher purpose elsewhere, although not in our physical presence.
Rest in everlasting peace, my dear friend. You live on within so many of us and will be fondly remembered each time interactions with students occur.
