Meet a Young Technician: Marcello Dean

Marcello Dean moved halfway across the country with a clear vision: to master the art of automotive restoration and build a business around it. This McPherson College student balances a demanding schedule of classes, work as Open Shop coordinator, and his own ambitious restoration projects, all while laying the groundwork for his future career. His commitment to learning extends from 7:40 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or later, six days a week.

Motor Age is partnering with TechForce Foundation to share profiles and perspectives of student automotive technicians. These students were asked about their experience working while in school.

Marcello's automotive journey began modestly. "Before I got my Jeepster and started working at the shop, I didn't know how to do anything besides how to change my oil and spare tire," he recalls. That changed when he started working at a family-owned shop performing maintenance and simultaneously restored his 1969 Jeepster Commando. "This was the car that opened my eyes to what I love to do."

After a year and a half at the shop, Marcello recognized something important about his career direction. "I knew I wanted to work in the automotive field, but I wanted more than just to service cars," he explains. That realization led him to McPherson College for a Bachelor's degree in Auto Restoration with an emphasis in Tech.

At McPherson, Marcello has completed three semesters with three remaining. His schedule reflects complete immersion in his field. "I am always at the school from 7:40 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or later, Monday through Saturday," he notes. "During this time, I'm either in class, helping other students, working on my own projects, or working my job as Open Shop coordinator."

The Open Shop coordinator position gives Marcello unique opportunities. Open Shop allows students to work on projects after hours. As coordinator, he helps students with their projects and maintains the shop, putting him in constant contact with diverse restoration challenges.

His current personal project demonstrates the scope of his ambitions. "I am restoring a 1971 Jeepster Commando Hurst Edition to factory standard," Marcello shares. "I will be doing all of the work on the Jeep myself, from the paint and body to the drivetrain work." The comprehensive restoration means he'll handle metalwork, mechanical systems, electrical components, interior work, and finishing.

The project serves multiple purposes beyond creating a restored vehicle. "This will reinforce everything I learn at school and allow me to apply it to a product I will sell in the end," he explains. "This will assist me with building the groundwork for a business restoring vehicles after I graduate." The Jeepster isn't just a class project or personal vehicle. It's a business case study, a skills demonstration, and a proof of concept for his future company.

Marcello's approach reflects sophisticated business thinking. By completing a full factory-standard restoration while still in school, he'll have a portfolio piece, practical experience in project management, and a saleable product that can provide capital for his next project.

Working while attending school provides additional benefits. His coordinator position keeps him engaged with the shop environment daily, exposes him to problems other students encounter, and builds mentorship skills that will serve him when he employs technicians in his own shop.

The automotive restoration field requires a different skill set than modern vehicle service. Restorers must understand older mechanical systems, work with parts that may no longer be manufactured, perform metalwork and fabrication, and research historical accuracy.

Marcello's focus on building a tool collection reflects understanding of the investment required to operate a professional restoration shop. Quality equipment represents significant capital requirements. Building that collection while still in school positions him to launch his business without overwhelming initial debt.

His story illustrates how students with clear entrepreneurial goals can structure their education to serve those objectives. By choosing a specialized program, working in a relevant position, and taking on projects that double as business development, Marcello is creating multiple paths toward owning a restoration business.

The automotive restoration industry needs skilled professionals who understand both technical and business aspects of the work. Marcello's journey from knowing only basic maintenance to pursuing a restoration degree, combined with his systematic approach to building experience and resources, demonstrates the preparation that creates successful shop owners.

To follow Marcello’s journey, follow him on Instagram and YouTube: @jeepner_customs.

TechForce receives more than 12,000 applications from students with deep financial need each year. In 2025 alone, TechForce awarded more than $6 million in scholarships and grants. While this is an impressive sum of awards, it's still only awarding 1 in every 7 applicants. We need more donations to help more students obtain the technical training required to be workforce ready.