Loving cars, and knowing he needed a change from his high school routine, Allen Simpson signed up to attend Live Oaks almost two decades ago.  Completing the automotive technology program in 1984, Simpson, a Loveland High School graduate, knows Live Oaks helped “put me where I am today,” which is manager of Prestige Auto Body on Route 28.  “I’ve always loved working on cars,” says Simpson, a career which followed in his father’s footsteps.  Allen and his father recently completed restoring a 1959 Corvette, which Allen admits was a true labor of love.

The best part of the industry according to Simpson is the flexibility and ability to make a lot of money.  “You get paid according to what you do and you set your own hours—so if you’re willing to work hard, it all pays off!”  Simpson credits his instructor Rick Meyer with being a positive influence and helping him “get grounded in the world of work.” Simpson continues to be an active part of Live Oaks by serving on the Automotive Technology program advisory council for 20 years.  Since graduation, Simpson has completed his I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) certification and plans to continue his education at Wright State University.