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As children, many people have dreams about what they might become when they grow up. For some, it may have been to become an astronaut or a firefighter. For many, those dreams fade and are forgotten.
When we’re reminded of our dreams, what do we do with them? For Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) graduate Jason Del Toro, it meant fighting to make his dreams a reality.
Keep reading to learn more about Jason’s journey toward becoming a Harley-Davidson (H-D) technician in Puerto Rico.
Jason grew up in Puerto Rico and was interested in motorcycles from an early age, thanks to his dad and uncle. A self-proclaimed artist from birth, his fascination with any type of art translated into his love for custom bikes.
“I’ve never stopped liking motorcycles, especially H-D or anything custom built,” he says. “Since I’m an artist, I saw custom bikes as pieces of art riding around, ‘masterpieces on wheels,’ if you’d say so.”
In 2015, Jason moved to Texas with hopes of a better life, but he wasn’t completely sure what that meant for him just yet. It was there that he met his wife, who encouraged him to follow his dream of working on bikes.
“One day, my wife told me to call MMI, and without hesitation I contacted the school,” Jason says. “That same day, I started the admission process, which got me where I am today.”
At that point, Jason packed up and got ready to attend MMI Phoenix in Arizona. He and his wife rented an Airbnb for one month to allow them time to find the right place to live, and within one week of moving to Phoenix, they had a new apartment.
“It was like all of this was meant to happen for us,” Jason says.
On his first day at MMI, Jason recalls the experience feeling like a dream.
“When I was a kid watching TV, I used to see those commercials about MMI and I always thought, ‘Man, that place looks like the school of my dreams, where I belong,’ ” Jason explains. “I loved the whole experience from day one until graduation. I remember waking up every morning being so excited to be able to go to this school where I always dreamed of.”
While Jason had a longtime aspiration to attend MMI, completing his training didn’t come without its challenges. For one, Jason held down a job at Goodwill to provide income for his soon-to-be family of three.
“My wife was pregnant while I was in school, and the day she was due I remember being in class, H-D Tech 3,” Jason says. “It was a test day, which as soon as I finished, I looked at my phone and my wife messaged me saying, ‘Don’t freak out, but I think today is the day,’... and, of course, I freaked out!”
Moments after completing his test, Jason rushed home to meet his new baby boy, and the happy family now lives in Puerto Rico, where Jason is working as a Harley-Davidson technician.1
Along with the core Motorcycle Technology program, Jason completed the 24-week Harley-Davidson Late Model Training elective, where he got to focus on the service and repair of late-model H-D motorcycles.
Shortly before graduating from MMI Phoenix in February 2022, Jason sent his résumé to different companies, and he thought he and his family would likely end up moving to Spain. Since living in Puerto Rico was the family dream, he decided to reach out to Motor Sport, the only H-D authorized dealer on the island. Before he knew it, he had a job offer from his preferred choice and was packing to move back home.
“I was kind of nervous about starting to work,” Jason recalls. “I mean, it’s a big deal, it’s the only H-D authorized dealer on the island. But at the same time, I was very confident because I felt prepared after taking the whole course. I knew what I was getting into, and that made the whole thing way more exciting.”
In his job, Jason works on everything from repairs to custom work specific to Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.
Now enjoying a fulfilling career, Jason’s next goal is to open a shop where he can, in his words, “Build motorcycles from the ground up, make masterpieces on wheels and turn passion into profit.”6
To others thinking of moving toward a career change, Jason says, “Always believe in yourself and never give up on your passions. Fight for it; it’s the only way to achieve what you want.”
Whether it’s Harley-Davidson, powersport vehicles, sports bikes or dirt bikes you’re interested in, our Motorcycle Technician Training program offers a variety of things to work on. MMI has relationships with leading brands, so students get hands-on experience to help them develop skills that can be used in the industry.2
Students who pursue Harley-Davidson Late Model training at MMI have the potential to earn Harley-Davison University™ recognized course credits and receive one year of work experience toward the Technician Recognition program if hired by a Harley-Davidson authorized dealership after graduation.
Training is offered at our MMI campuses near Phoenix, Arizona, and in Orlando, Florida. Classes start every six weeks, so you can start on the path to a career you’re passionate about.
MMI grads Andre and Emily Bienvenu were able to take their passion and experience and start their own shop in Nebraska. Read more here!
MMI graduate Travis Conrad was pushed to change career paths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now he’s working in a field he’s passionate about. Read more here!
MMI graduate Ryan Ramsay is teaching the next generation of marine technicians as a high school instructor. Learn more here!
1) MMI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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