Nov. 11, 2016—Chip Foose, along with a team from 3M, toured the ABRA Career Development Academy in Eagan, Minn., on Thursday.
Upon arriving, Foose met with Mike Willis, director of training and development for ABRA. Willis gave Foose a rundown of ABRA’s five-week program before the tour began.
After a short look at the classroom area, Foose went onto the shop floor where two classes of students were waiting to meet him. The students were all working on different projects and Foose talked to a number of them, asking them how they heard about the program and even sharing tips for the various jobs they were working on.
The students were able to see Foose’s work firsthand when he approached student Miles Pangilinan and began helping him with small dent repairs. Soon, all of the students at the academy were gathered around Foose.
Afterward, the students were each given the opportunity to get their pictures taken with Foose and get his autograph. A few students were even surprised with a custom drawing.
Pangilinan, 30, was in awe after his one-on-one training session with Foose.
“I’ve always watched his shows,” said Pangilinan. “And to have him actually show me how to do something—it was really great.”
What did Foose have to say about the experience?
“I was lucky enough to be brought to the ABRA Career Development Center with 3M,” said Foose. “I’m impressed. The students are being taught the latest in technology and the basic skills that I look for when I’m looking for a custom builder.”
