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The Shop Rat Teachers
Click on a name or photo below to read the full bio on any of the Shop Rat teachers!
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Chris Salow, born and raised on a farm in Stockbridge MI, has always had a passion for hands on work. He has been a business owner for more than 20 years in the manufacturing sector, and still after 20 years, finds himself out on the floor in almost every step of the process. His unique and innovative manufacturing process and equipment have allowed his business to become the number one supplier of bearing spacers for the heavy truck industry in the world...
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Amanda Hutchings is a non-profit professional with extensive experience in the manufacturing industry. Along with Directing the Shoprat Foundation, Amanda is also the Office Manager and Quality Management Representative for Peak Manufacturing, a manufacturer of automotive parts for the automotive and heavy truck industry as well as mining tools for the coal mining industry. Amanda holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing and has a passion for arts and graphic design. She currently lives with her husband in Jackson, Michigan.
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Rachael came to the Shop Rat Education Program as a student that just happened to be too old for the program. Instead of turning her away we brought her in as an assistant to assist with the program. Now, In her third year of teaching Shop Rat classes, Rachael uses her love for tools, woodworking and general hands on activities to teach her skills to the younger generation. Rachael is now attending Jackson Community College to become a teacher.
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Colten Stepke, a very accomplished and dedicated youth leader, has talents and work ethic hard to come by in a 19 year old college student. Colten, or Colt as the students of the Shop Rat Education Program call him, began his career at 14 years old. He was always fascinated with mechanical things and after attending an open house at Classic Turning, a Precision CNC Machining Company for the Aerospace, Medical and Automotive Industries, he pushed the owner, Scott Brockie to allow him to work cleaning machines, and keeping coolant filled before and after classes at Napoleon High School...
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(photo coming soon)
Sam Adams
Lead Educational Instructor
As a lifelong resident of Jackson, Sam has a history of work experience that spans from Goodyear Tire and Rubber to the University of Michigan. Sam has worked with the students from the School of Art and Design, as well as, the Taubman School of Engineering and Urban Development at the University of Michigan, on a variety of projects. He credits this as a "fabulous experience". Along, with a degree from Jackson Community College, Sam has worked in the trades for over 20 years, from manual machines to CNC's. He has worked designing and building in a variety of mediums. This type of work is a form of art, which he loves to share. Sam is sure to be a fantastic addition to the Shop Rat staff.
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(photo coming soon)
Although Kelly is new to the Shop Rat Foundation and the Jackson area, she couldn't be more enthusiastic about her involvement in both. As the new Program Director for Shop Rat, Kelly brings 8 years of experience working with schools within the Metro-Detroit area and 5 years serving as a Director for various children's programs. She is passionate about working with children and young adults and providing unique opportunities for their development and success.
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