Career Advice
From Weekend Garage to Restoration Career: Greg Sonders’ Story
Greg Sonders had the skills to restore classic cars but no résumé or clear path into the industry. Then Classic Car Jobs connected him with JDS Auto Restoration.
Quick Answer
How do you transition from a hobbyist to a professional classic car mechanic?
Transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional mechanic requires mastering professional trade standards (TIG welding, precision measurement, wiring), building a portfolio of completed projects, and gaining hands-on shop experience.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Greg Sonders had valuable restoration skills but no résumé or clear way to reach specialty shops.
- ✓Classic Car Jobs was created to make skilled people like Greg visible to the right employers.
- ✓JDS Auto Restoration needed an experienced body and paint technician but struggled to find one through general hiring channels.
- ✓Greg and JDS Auto Restoration connected through Classic Car Jobs.
- ✓Mechanics can build a profile around their real work, even if they have never created a traditional résumé.
- ✓Specialty shops can reach candidates who understand classic vehicles and want this kind of work.
Transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional mechanic requires mastering professional trade standards (TIG welding, precision measurement, wiring), building a portfolio of completed projects, and gaining hands-on shop experience.
Key Lessons for Career Changers
- Precision Over Speed: Commercial restoration shops value zero-rework craftsmanship over fast turnarounds.
- Invest in Foundational Tools: Quality hand tools, measuring equipment, and safety gear are essential investments.
Methodology
How we developed this resource
This case study is based on Classic Car Jobs founder Jeff Nowak’s firsthand involvement in the connection, reporting published by Hagerty on October 28, 2024, and current information from JDS Auto Restoration’s Classic Car Jobs profile. Quotations are attributed to Hagerty’s original reporting.
Sources
Sources & References
- 1.Need a Job Working on Classic Cars? A Collision with a Deer May Have Created Your OpportunityHagerty MediaPublished October 28, 2024 • Accessed September 20, 2026
- 2.
About This Resource
The Classic Car Jobs Editorial Team publishes career guidance, salary insights, training resources and industry information for professionals working with classic, collector and exotic automobiles.