An Interview with Ron Hillman,
Shelby Automotive Technology Program Chair

How did you first get involved in the automotive industry?

In high school I worked part time at gas stations, car dealerships and independent repair shops…any where I could to be around cars. After my tour in the military, I worked as an apprentice at a new car dealership. During my time at this dealership, I advance to a journeyman ASE certified Technician, and then was promoted to the position of Service Manager.

What made you decide to take a chance and come to NTCC?

NTCC's affiliation with Carroll Shelby. The first car I ever raced was a 1966 Mustang fastback. I couldn't afford an authentic Shelby Mustang, but I did build it into a Shelby 350 "look alike". Now years later, the prospect of building a nationally recognized automotive program, with the Carroll Shelby name, is a once in a life time opportunity.

What is your vision for the program?

My vision is to build the Carroll Shelby Performance Academy. A nationally recognized program that will take a student to the next level as an automotive technician. That being a "Mod Shop" technician. The term "Mod Shop" is a broad term describing shops that perform basic modifications such as installing car body ground effects; to modifying high end "muscle cars" such as the Shelby Ford Mustang KR; to building professional road race cars and dragsters. The ultimate facility here at NTCC would include the building of a proving ground/race park. This would be my "Field of Dreams".

How do you feel that the partnership with Carroll Shelby will benefit the program?

The name Carroll Shelby synonymous with world class racing and performance marketing. Before accepting this position at NTCC, I personally researched how imported the partnership with Carroll Shelby could be at "opening" doors of opportunity for growth. I have been on the sales and marketing side of the automotive industry for the past 15 years. Getting an appointment to talk to decision makers is very difficult. Therefore, to test the strength of the Shelby name, I made numerous calls to upper management at OEM's and allied industries. If was unbelievable, there wasn't one person that did not take my call and talk to me about a program associated with Carroll Shelby. One could not ask for better name recognition. For example, Shelby Automotive, Inc. will be sponsoring the NASCAR race in Las Vegas, Sunday, 3/1/09. They will be changing the name of the race to the "Carroll Shelby 427", in honor of Carroll Shelby and the 427 Ford engine in his Cobra that beat the Ferrari Race Team in the early 60's. National marketing firms are stating that the Shelby name will be mentioned on an average of every 20 seconds during the entire 4 hour race…NTCC's name recognition with Shelby will be taken to a new high.

How soon will the new curriculum be implemented?

The 2009 fall semester.

What will set the NTCC program apart from other Automotive programs?

The Carroll Shelby Performance Academy offering the "Mod Shop" Technician program. No other program in the nation can use the Carroll Shelby name, nor do they offer "Mod Shop" Technician certificate.