May 15, 2013 - UTI-Phoenix Grad Finds Success Operating Freelance, Mobile, Diesel and Automotive Business

In 1997, Jerod Birzer walked across the stage of his graduation ceremony from Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Phoenix and directly into his first job that he’d been recruited for three months prior. Now, after years in the automotive and diesel repair industry, Birzer has established his own business in Kansas, Heavy Duty Diesel and Auto LLC, which he operates through a mobile service truck.

“I’ll come out for free and only charge for my time,” Birzer said, “while other companies only come out on emergency calls and charge $175 just to get the car started.”

After many years of experience in both the automotive and diesel repair industries, sometimes working on cars during the day and trucks at night to support his growing family, Birzer began hearing from many customers, now his loyal clientele, that if he were to branch off on his own, they would follow him. As a result, he became a freelance diesel technician and officially started his business in January 2012.

As a Kansas native and having grown up in a farming community, Birzer hadn’t been sure what career he wanted to pursue early on, until a UTI representative visited his high school to talk to students about UTI’s programs. His interest was sparked, and from that moment on, he had a clear sense of direction. He enrolled at the UTI-Phoenix campus, and credits his instructors for taking the time to make sure students understand the content, building a business and interpersonal skills as well.

“Not only did they teach you the hands-on, technical part of it,” Birzer said, “they taught you the people part of it, too.”

Birzer hopes to establish a shop in the near future, where he will continue to work on diesel engines, automotive repairs, oil derricks and generator engines as he is doing now.

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