Meet a Young Tech: Charles Brabender
Key Highlights
- Charles Brabender manages a demanding schedule, working at Winston Auto Care, attending college, and holding a night job to support his family and pursue his passion.
- His real-world shop experience enhances his technical skills and understanding of running a business, complementing his classroom education.
- Overcoming significant personal health and family challenges, Charles demonstrates resilience, discipline, and a commitment to his long-term goals.
- His aspirations include earning ASE certifications, becoming a Master Technician, and opening a custom automotive shop to combine art and engineering.
- Charles' story highlights the importance of hands-on learning and perseverance in building a successful career in the automotive industry.
Charles Brabender doesn't just study automotive technology; he lives it. This Umpqua Community College student balances three jobs, school, and a growing family while proving that real-world experience and classroom learning create the strongest foundation for success.
Charles' days are a masterclass in time management. His mornings begin at Winston Auto Care from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., where he gains hands-on experience alongside professional technicians. From there, he heads directly to Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, where classes run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. His day doesn't end there—he works a fast-food job from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., finally arriving home exhausted but focused on his goals.
"I work in a shop while going to school because I know that real experience is what builds great technicians," Charles explains. "Every hour I spend turning wrenches teaches me something you can't always get from a classroom."
With three children and another baby girl on the way, Charles' motivation is deeply personal. "Everything I do, every long day and late night, is for them. I want to show my kids that no matter how hard life gets, you don't give up."
His perspective on working while learning goes beyond necessity. "Winston Auto Care has been a huge help because it gives me hands-on experience that ties directly into what I'm learning in class. Whether I'm diagnosing a Check Engine light or helping with a brake job, I'm building real skills that make me better every day."
Charles sees the connection between all three of his jobs. "When I'm in class, I'm focused on the theory and the systems behind everything. When I'm in the shop, I see how that knowledge plays out in real-world situations. Then I go to my night job, and even though it's not automotive, it teaches me patience, customer service, and how to handle pressure when things get busy. It's all connected."
The shop experience provides irreplaceable learning opportunities. "I get to see what it takes to run a shop and what it means to take pride in your work. The owner has been great about showing me things and letting me learn by doing."
His path hasn't been easy. Charles had a liver transplant at age 12 and has undergone four additional major surgeries. He's overcome addiction and maintains years of sobriety. His father, a Gulf War veteran who struggled with PTSD, took his own life when Charles was young—experiences that taught him to value every day and build something meaningful.
"I know what it's like to start from nothing. I don't have fancy tools or extra money. Most of what I use is borrowed or secondhand, and I make it work because I have to," he shares.
Charles' demanding schedule requires discipline, but he views it as essential preparation. "My schedule is packed, but it keeps me focused. It's teaching me discipline and time management. I know how to show up, get the job done and keep moving forward even when I'm tired."
His long-term vision includes earning ASE certifications, becoming a Master Technician and eventually opening his own custom automotive shop. "I love the creativity and craftsmanship that go into custom builds, the mix of art and engineering. That's my dream, and I'm willing to work every day to make it happen."
For Charles, the integration of work and education isn't just about building skills; it's about building a life. "I want my kids to see their dad doing what he loves and building a better life for them. This industry means something to me. It's more than a paycheck; it's a way to turn passion into purpose."
His approach demonstrates what many successful technicians understand: classroom theory and shop-floor experience create a powerful combination when pursued simultaneously. Students like Charles who work while learning often develop stronger diagnostic thinking, better time management, and a deeper appreciation for the craft.
Charles' journey from hardship to purpose, combined with his commitment to both his family and his craft, represents the resilience and dedication that define the best in the automotive industry. His willingness to work three jobs while attending school full-time shows the determination that builds not just good technicians, but future shop owners and industry leaders.
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