Incendier

Please allow me a short story...it has a point.

I'd been working on cars as a hobby for a few years when I got the 928. I had also been practicing law for seven years, and was dutifully working my way up the corporate ladder.

I hated it. But I loved working on cars, and particularly the unique challenges of the 928.

This group was and is instrumental in fostering that love.

The car finally pushed me over the edge. A year ago, I quit my job and enrolled at UTI in the automotive technician program. I graduate Friday.

I just got the news today that I have been one of 14 applicants accepted nationwide for the next PTAP - Porsche Technician Apprentice Training - class. 19 weeks at PCNA headquarters in Atlanta. Coursework including the 993, 996, Boxster, Cayenne, the GT - x cars and...the 928, although not as extensive. Training is free to me (the hiring dealer pays), but I have a one-year commitment to PCNA to work as a dealer tech.

So this missive is a big thank-you to all who provided answers and spurred thought on so many mechanical topics - I owe you all. (Wally P. in particular, for his on- and off-list willingness to indulge my former electrical ignorance. I promise I'm better, Wally.)

Keep it up, everyone. And I promise that I won't be one of those dumbass technicians who knows nothing about our beloved cars. I'll do my best to carry the bastard-child torch forward and maybe educate a few of the less enlightened along the way

Thanks again. Life is good.

Seth W

Damn! As a practicing attorney for 10 years, my hat is off to you. I wish I loved what I did and did what I love.

Best of luck.

Shane

Wow congrats, that almost like winning the lottery. What dealership will you end up working at, or do you know yet.

OahuJames

Thanks for sharing your story and good luck to you.

If you are planning to celebrate by coming to Hawaii ... bring some tools. I will make sure you do not 'miss' the hands-on feel of working on a 928.

Take Care,

James

Drewster67

Kudos and Congratulations! -

That is an opportunity of a lifetime!

Greg86andahalf

Could not have happened to a more deserving person.

Congratulations James!!!!

While at PCNA, how about reminding them of the importance of continuing to manufacturer replacement parts for the 928.

Greg

Incendier

Thanks, guys.

I don't know what dealer yet, Shane. I have a good contact in Minneapolis/St. Paul (the homeland), but nothing firm. Who knows?

James, you pay the fare, and I'll do any repair...um...except the t-belt...or the motor mounts...or the head gaskets...um...or...can I just buy you a drink with a little umbrella in it?

Greg - I'll try - believe me!

FWIW, the gentleman who did my final interview confessed to me - quietly - that until the GT2, the 928 was his favorite car.

T_MaX

Congrats and please don't forget us after you become a PCNA expert Techs!

Keep your eye out for those discontinued tools (take lots of dig. pics) and information tech books for the 928! I'm sure you will also have access to some of those factory videos few have seen, try and get copy's

Randy V

Very impressive, James. A true Rennlist-assisted success story!

If you don't mind, I'll have John D. take a look - he may consider sharing it with the rest of the Rennlist community.

Ed Taylor

James, Congrats. While in Atlanta give us a shout, maybe we can get some of the local 928 folks together for dinner and your favorite beverage?

WallyP

James,

Congratulations for having the ***** to do what many of us dream about! I hope that I did have a small part in your success.

I am a short drive North of PCNA - would love to see you while you are down here.

Wally Plumley
928 Specialists

DG84S

James,
It's great to hear a story like yours...attaining the Possible Dream. Congratulations and best wishes for a long and rewarding future. If you're looking for a home where the girls are pretty, the beer is cold, and the barbeque unbeatable, Texas has lots of devoted Porsche owners, both windblown and watercooled.

SteveG

n/t

sweanders

Congrats!

Feels good to have someone on the "inside" of Porsche with your passion for 928's.

Jim bailey - 928 International

Reminds me of the story about the Attorney who called in the emergency plumber to repair a water leak . Before starting the Plumber explained that the labor charge would be $150 per hour . The Attorney in shock said " You have got to be joking that is more than what I charge !! Plumber says Yea ! I know I used to be an Attorney ............. So James remember that story some day in the future .........I wish you the best I firmly believe that this country truly needs more people who can do more than move ideas and electrons ..........