Carl’s journey into the automotive industry started a little differently than most mechanics and auto repair shop owners. At a young age, he shadowed his father in the local auto shop, observing all the mechanical work his dad did on a daily basis. But when Carl asked his father if the auto industry would be a good fit for him, his dad said, “Don’t become a mechanic.”
Like most kids, Carl didn’t listen very well, but made attempts to honor his father’s wish. While in high school—even though it was an end run around his dad’s command—he decided to become an airplane mechanic. After finishing high school, Carl joined the Navy, knowing he’d get hands-on training with America’s most advanced aircraft and technology right at his fingertips.
When his Navy enlistment was complete, Carl continued his education in the aircraft field at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (P.I.T.) and Colorado Aero Tech (C.A.T.) in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from C.A.T. in 1985 and immediately went to work for Rockwell International North American Aircraft on final assembly of the B-1B bomber in Palmdale, California.
Continuing his education while working (which always seemed to be the case), Carl obtained a private pilot license purely for personal achievement, even though it related to his educational goals. He finished his aircraft career with McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company working on the T-45 Goshawk, a Navy jet fighter trainer.
By the early 1990s, cars were getting technically advanced enough to rival aircraft in some respects, and Carl decided the time to shift to the automotive industry had arrived. In 1991, he established Carl’s Automotive Service, taking great pleasure in serving the community of Lancaster and simply enjoying working on cars—his first love. In 2017, Carl changed the name of the shop to Avenue Yucca Car Care, and plans to continue serving Lancaster drivers for many years to come.