June 12, 2013 - UTI-Avondale Grad Fulfills Dreams of Owning Auto Shop, One Year Prior to Graduating

At just 25 years old and a year before he would graduate from Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) Avondale campus, Jess Wilson opened the doors to his own performance maintenance automotive shop, Friend of Fast. Having had his sights set on that goal since he was 19, Wilson credits his diligence and appetite for challenge in leading him to achieve it.

Wilson’s experience in the United States Marine Corps and a 9-month deployment in Afghanistan gave him the discipline necessary to earn a degree from UTI, and to set aside enough money that would eventually launch his business. His desire to be challenged became apparent during his enrollment at UTI, earning Student of the Class four times and the Directors’ Award (achieving three consecutive classes with a grade of 90 percent or higher) 20 times.

“If you don’t know you’re going to win, you’ve already lost,” Wilson said. “If you go into a fight thinking you’re going to lose, you’re going to lose.”

He applies that same theory to his business ventures, noting that he hopes Friend of Fast will become the top original equipment parts supplier and servicer in the Valley. And – he’s already taking steps toward achieving that, moving his shop to a new and bigger location to accommodate a partnership with a local aftermarket parts supplier.

Friend of Fast currently offers discounted pricing for veterans, and Wilson is working with UTI to eventually offer similar discounts for UTI students. The shop is located at 2560 N. 33rd Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85009.

Wilson graduated from UTI-Avondale in March 2013, completing the automotive core program, Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) and the diesel and industrial program.

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