MMI Graduate Antonio Caraballo Shows How Dedication Can Pay Off

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute graduate Antonio Caraballo had the dedication and passion needed to attend school. With an eye toward the future and his goals in mind, he was able to pursue a path that fulfilled his interests.

Attending the Motorcycle Technology program at MMI wasn’t something that happened right away, however. It took a combination of dedication and the right timing for Antonio to be ready to enroll.

Keep reading to learn more about Antonio’s story and what kept him motivated before he completed his education at MMI!

Making Plans

Antonio started attending MMI Orlando in August of 2020, but his journey actually started several years before he stepped foot on campus.

Antonio knew he wanted to do something with motorcycles ever since age 8, when he saw a brother’s friend riding a four-wheeler down the street. About three years ago, he saw an ad on Facebook talking about MMI’s Motorcycle Technology program. That planted a seed that got him thinking about his future, and he says, “(I) knew I could do this.”

He connected with Admissions Representative John Guetherman, who started advising Antonio on the process of enrolling. Antonio was dedicated and set on attending MMI Orlando that year, but then life happened.

“I was 19 at the time, and was going to come out but then I had my son. I was trying to be near my family, so it didn’t work out then,” he says.

While his son, Angelo, had become a bright spot in his life, Antonio still had the goal of attending MMI in the back of his mind.

Staying Dedicated

In 2020, Antonio reconnected with John to discuss enrolling in the Motorcycle program again.

“Eventually, [Antonio] realized he needed a career to more properly support his son and family, so he called me back about getting into MMI again. I like him and was super happy to hear from him, so we started working together to make him ready,” John says.

Antonio’s goals and attitude were clearer than ever when he called John the second time around. John recalls, “He wanted to make something of himself, for himself, his son, and his family. He spoke about providing and accomplishing … he had amazing energy and positivity.”

Antonio enrolled at MMI in 2020 and moved from Virginia to Florida. He used the school’s Housing Assistance program to find a place to live in Orlando, which helped make the transition smoother.

“John is the reason I made it out there — because he stayed in contact with me for about three years until I could do it,” Antonio says, adding, “He is a great man.”

Working Toward a Bright Future

Graduating from MMI in July 2021 was a standout moment for Antonio, and one that he got to share with members of his family — including Angelo.

He recalls his experience at MMI fondly and says it was the best he could have had. “It allowed me to have friends who were interested in the same things as me, and it was a good fit for me because of my own interests. I would give it a 10 out of 10.”

Not only was Antonio’s experience in the Motorcycle program extremely positive, but the job outlook as he was getting ready to graduate was also promising.¹

Antonio says MMI’s Employment Assistance program was extremely helpful, with potential employers reaching out to him before he even contacted them. This made finding a job after graduation a lot easier and stress-free.⁵

After he graduated, he moved back to Virginia and began working at Commonwealth Powersports. He says a typical day was general maintenance, like oil and filter changes. When you first start, he says, “They don’t leave you out in the water too quick.”

Antonio was at Commonwealth until September 2021, when he decided to transition to working on his own. “I’m independently repairing, buying and selling,” he says, “Down the road I will have one of the best bikes on the market — I want to make a quality bike for a great price.”

Being self-employed has allowed Antonio the flexibility of spending more time with Angelo, who is a priority in his life. He adds that a benefit to working in the industry is not worrying about finding another job. “This market is always open, someone is always wanting to get into motorcycles.”

Pursue Your Goals With Help From MMI

Attending MMI helped give Antonio the skills and experience he needed for a career in the industry. Along with his strong work ethic, he’s on track to succeed in whatever path he chooses.

John adds that it was determination that helped get Antonio where he is today. “Sometimes, (it) is the one thing that overcomes all else … sheer joyful will. And Antonio has that.”

Antonio’s story is a great example of how sticking with a plan can help people accomplish their goals. While all journeys are different, the Motorcycle Technology program could provide a great place to start working toward an exciting future.

Students can graduate in less than a year⁷ from the core Motorcycle program with the skills needed for an entry-level position in the industry. The 48-week program includes up to one or two manufacturer-specific classes with brands like BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. There are also options for students who wish to extend their training to include additional OEM courses.

Learn more today and get connected with an Admissions Representative who can help you through the process!