WyoTech recently celebrated its second annual Hall of Fame event, recognizing alumni who have made significant contributions to the automotive, collision/refinishing, diesel and welding industries. The ceremony coincided with the WyoTech Annual Car Show.
Founded in 1966 and located in Laramie, WY, WyoTech has graduated nearly 60,000 students, offering hands-on training that prepares them for various technical careers. The Hall of Fame, launched in 2023, acknowledges graduates for their leadership skills, philanthropy, character and professional achievements.
Phillip Cato, a U.S. Air Force veteran, attended WyoTech after his service and eventually opened his own upholstery shop.
Brothers Travis and Tyler Groth, who graduated in 2003, transitioned from the diesel industry to founding Mirror Image Racing, a Monster Truck team.
After years in a local body shop, Rick Crook sought formal training at WyoTech, which enabled him to purchase his own collision shop.
John Hurd, a 1990 graduate, combined his construction and auto body experience to teach at WyoTech before managing at RDO Equipment Co.
Lon Phillips, inspired by mechanics and engineering from a young age, established a diesel equipment technology program at Lanier Technical College after his WyoTech education.
Ian Vance turned his childhood dream of building cars into reality by opening “Rods and Fab,” using the skills he honed at WyoTech daily.
Richard Wood, a 1982 graduate, built Custom Car Crafters into one of Texas’s largest body shops. After selling CCC, he continues to operate a smaller custom shop.
WyoTech provides comprehensive training programs, including a new six-month welding and fabrication program. For more information about the Hall of Fame inductees, visit WyoTech.edu/HOF.
