What is Gearhead Academy?



The Gearhead Academy was created to address the growing shortage of skilled technicians in the automotive industry.


Dealerships and workshops nationwide are facing a severe lack of workers, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a shortage of 2.3 million skilled workers by 2025 and 4.3 million by 2030.


This shortage is compounded as high-performance brands like Porsche struggle to find new technicians.


The Gearhead Academy aims to expose students to high-end vehicles and prepare them for the demands of the industry.


We strive to elevate automotive students to a level of expertise that positions them at the forefront of the automotive world.


Our goal is to ensure the Gearhead passion stays alive for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to the project when you finish?

Our 2025 Porsche restoration project will be hosted by the Porsche Experience at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta. (Estimated date is May 12th.)

Afterward, the car will be displayed at the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia.

Finally, the car will be auctioned, where the funds will go back to Gearhead Academy to finance next year's project.

Can I donate my services instead of money?

Absolutely. If you have a means of supporting the club with your own skilled labor, and you can contribute, we'd be happy to have you and spread the word. We've already had contributions of local businesses restoring electrical components, replacing convertible soft tops, and more.

Use the "contact me" button at the top or bottom of the page to inquire.

What is the long term goal?

To set a precedent on how to get students involved in niche corners of the automotive market - exotic cars, classics, and even motorsports.

The Gearhead Academy would have one annual project to reflect a unique challenge for that particular group.

Our Current Partners

Dr. Lance Barry

Commissioner GNPEC

Dr. Lance Barry

Commissioner GNPEC

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Mike Giammarco

VP of Peachstate PCA

Mike Giammarco

VP of Peachstate PCA

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Sam Mahdavi

TV Host of "Sam's Garage"

Sam Mahdavi

TV Host of "Sam's Garage"

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Jon Hobbs PhD

IP Solutions | Patent Experts

Jon Hobbs PhD

IP Solutions | Patent Experts

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Bruce Patton

Savoy automobile museum

Bruce Patton

Savoy automobile museum

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Travis Bernhardt

Porsche Atlanta Permiter

Travis Bernhardt

Porsche Atlanta Permiter

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Toyo Tires

Bartow County

Toyo Tires

Bartow County

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SHR Sleepy Hollow Rebuilder

Jasper, GA

SHR Sleepy Hollow Rebuilder

Jasper, GA

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Jake Raby

Flat Six Innovations

Jake Raby

Flat Six Innovations

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Keiran O'Brian

Gran Turismo East

Keiran O'Brian

Gran Turismo East

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Howard Wright

European Classics LLC

Howard Wright

European Classics LLC

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Joshua Johnson

Lake Point Sports

Joshua Johnson

Lake Point Sports

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Derrick Smith

Smith Paint & Restoration

Derrick Smith

Smith Paint & Restoration

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Austin May

Styles Automotive

Austin May

Styles Automotive

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Skyler Scates

SS Paint Correction

Skyler Scates

SS Paint Correction

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Mike Thies

Vehicle Appraiser

Mike Thies

Vehicle Appraiser

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Adam Merlin

Merlin Auto Group

Adam Merlin

Merlin Auto Group

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Sam Khalek

RTP Customs

Sam Khalek

RTP Customs

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Provided by

Chattahoochee Technical College

Public Technical College

Chattahoochee Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS) to award technical certificates of credit, diplomas, and associate degrees.

Bartow County College And Career

Academy (BCCCA)

Named a Model Professional Learning Community for its sustained success in raising student achievement.

The mission is to provide educational opportunities to high school students and ensure a viable 21st Century workforce.