New Foundation to Train Fayette County Youth in Auto Restoration

The Record recently traveled to the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, but the trip wasn’t just about the high-octane excitement of the auction block. It served as the unofficial launchpad for a mission to transform the lives of Fayette County youth through the newly formed Tach-Tech³ Foundation.

Michael Ahart, Mike Massingill, and Sam Wilson attended the world-renowned event to promote Tach-Tech³, an innovative nonprofit designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and the high-demand automotive restoration industry.

Tach-Tech³ will offer a unique “Learning and Earning” model. Unlike standard vocational programs, students aged 15–18 will not just study mechanics; they will operate a live business lab. Participants will work together to restore a classic vehicle to professional, auction-grade standards. Once the project is complete, the vehicle will be sold at an auction—like Barrett-Jackson— with the proceeds funding future student builds and providing a profit-sharing incentive for the students themselves.

With a national labor shortage of nearly 1,800 specialized professionals in the restoration industry, Tach-Tech³ provides Fayette County students with a competitive advantage. The curriculum focuses on three pillars of “Tech”: Technical Excellence: Hands-on mastery of classic car restoration.

Digital Innovation: Utilizing AI, social media marketing, and digital documentation.

Business Entrepreneurship: Learning the financial and project management skills required to run a successful venture.

The foundation is currently in its developmental phase and is anticipated to open for applications for Fayette County students in the Fall of 2026. By providing a pathway into “AI-resistant” careers, Tach-Tech³ aims to keep talent local and foster a new generation of highly skilled entrepreneurs.

“We are here at Barrett-Jackson to explore the pinnacle of this industry and build relationships,” the foundation representatives noted. “Tach-Tech³ isn’t just about fixing cars; it’s about restoring the prestige of technical trades and giving our kids a literal stake in their own success.”

For more information on the Tach-Tech³ Foundation and how to get involved as a student, mentor, or donor, please contact Sam Wilson (713) 408-3317 or follow The Record for upcoming progress updates.

About Tach-Tech³ Foundation: Tach-Tech³ is a Fayette County-based nonprofit dedicated to providing high school students with a professional career path in the automotive collector car and restoration industry through hands-on experience and entrepreneurial training.