Doug Holloway is the kind of person who is always thinking ahead. After 20 years in the Army, he decided it was time to begin thinking about life after the military. Since he was already a maintenance mechanic, he decided to open his own car repair shop. Before he ever turned a wrench, however, Doug did his research…where to locate the business, startup and training costs, and opportunities for specialization.
When he retired from the Army two years later, he was already up and running. Moreover, he had also identified one way he could give himself a significant advantage over his competition. “Automotive technology is advancing at an amazing rate,” says Doug. “And most of these advances are rooted in electronics.” He says that in addition to electric and hybrid vehicles, features like lane assist and automatic braking, as well as a wide array of cellular technologies are being used to provide drivers and passengers with a multifaceted information environment.
“ECPI has a stellar reputation within military and veteran circles, and the hands-on learning really shows you how to apply what you are learning in a very practical way. Plus, I could see how much everyone cared and wanted to see me do well.”
~Doug Holloway, Electronics Engineering Technology Graduate
Columbia Campus
That’s why Doug decided he should earn a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. After visiting ECPI University’s Columbia campus, he knew he had found the right place to pursue his education. “It was an easy choice,” says Doug. “ECPI has a stellar reputation within military and veteran circles, and the hands-on learning really shows you how to apply what you are learning in a very practical way. Plus, I could see how much everyone cared and wanted to see me do well.”
Doug earned his Associate’s degree first, then his Bachelor’s. Now, he is applying what he’s learned to his business. “I am way ahead of my competition. A lot of repair shops simply cannot do what we do.” Since earning his degrees, Doug’s business has increased by more than 30 percent. What’s more, he has just opened a second location. And he’s not about to let his foot off the pedal.
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Doug says Toyota is already producing cars in Japan equipped with DSRC – dedicated short-range communications systems – which allow vehicles to share data about their speed, location, and environment over radio frequencies with other cars and trucks within a quarter mile. “That kind of technology – along with plenty of other advances – will be coming to America soon,” he says. “In this business, like to many others, you’ve got to become a lifelong learner if you want to stay ahead of the curve.”
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