November 29, 2012 - All Roads Lead to MMI

Roger Riebsam (right) has made a career following his passion for motorcycles.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI)-Orlando instructor Roger Riebsam has a lot in common with his students. Like them, he loves motorcycles and enjoys the demonstrations, soft skills training and critiques that make up his Harley-Davidson elective course. And, like some of his current students, he once lacked a sense of direction about his career and his life.

“After six years in the Army, I bounced around between lots of different kinds of jobs. I tried enrolling in community college courses, but I just wasn’t cut out to be a traditional student,” Roger says. “It wasn’t until I saw a television ad that I thought about pursuing a career as a motorcycle technician.”

Like his students, Roger found his way to MMI. Mechanically inclined and a natural “parts changer,” he was impressed by the fact that the program had Harley-Davidson’s endorsement.

“I love all motorcycles,” he says, “But heart belongs to Harley. When I called the manufacturer’s headquarters and was told MMI is their choice – I knew it was mine, too.”

Roger’s investment in MMI paid off. After graduating in 1997, he worked as a skilled tech at Harley-Davidson shops in Florida and North Carolina. Along the way, he enjoyed working in the field and keeping up with the latest Harley training programs. But when he had the opportunity to return to MMI as an instructor for the Harley-Davidson elective in 2005 — he jumped at the chance.

“MMI changed my life and now, as an instructor, I have the opportunity to help my students change theirs,” he says. “One of the best things about teaching is helping students who need that extra motivation to succeed. Nothing is more gratifying than when I see that ‘A-ha!’ look on their faces.”

During his military career, Roger learned the value of discipline and commitment. Today, he teaches his students that if they’re dedicated to their studies and take full advantage of MMI’s renowned program, they will succeed … no matter what track they choose.

“I’ve learned that in this life, there isn’t just one path to take. Rhodes scholars go to Harvard, Yale and other schools,” he says, “But I’m a roads scholar and my alma mater is MMI.”

For more information about MMI, please visit: www.uti.edu/programs/motorcycle.