Throughout the years at the Hobart Institute, we have seen sons follow the welding career footsteps of their fathers, grandfathers, and uncles.  Occasionally, we will see a young lady doing the same.  It is unusual, however, to have a father and daughter in training simultaneously at HIWT.  Such is the case, however, with Mandy Hymes and her dad, Garen Francis.  Both are graduates of Troy High School, Garen in 1967 and Mandy thirty years later.  Both are enrolled in the nine-month Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program.

“I’ve always wanted to be a welder,” says Garen.  His desire extends back to childhood, but his career took other turns as he worked most recently as an aluminum furnace tender at the Troy Casting Facilities of Hobart Corporation.  This part of the company closed and Garen found himself to be a displaced worker.  Time now allowed him to follow his dream.

“This is one of the best welding schools.  The fact that it was near home made it even easier for me to attend,” Garen continues.  He hopes to perhaps start his own welding shop when his training is complete. 

Mandy, a resident of Greenville, Ohio, finished high school and then pursued an associate degree in medical assisting. 

“I found that it just wasn’t for me,” Mandy commented.  “I am now employed full time in machine maintenance for ConAgra Foods in Troy.” 

“I have been welding for awhile,” says Mandy, “but taking the classes at Hobart Institute will give me a better understanding of the techniques and will hopefully open new doors for me.  I enjoy the creativity that welding offers.” 

When asked about her goals for the future, Mandy smiles and says, “I would like to work for NASCAR®.” 

Welding for the racing circuit is not a simple task and Mandy has her work cut out for her. 

“We don’t have time to teach on-site because it is very fast-paced,” says Scott Shriver who is a graduate of HIWT and the lead fabricator for the #25 Team with Hendricks Motorsports in North Carolina.  “Those we hire must have experience in automotive fabrication and be able to function as a team player.”  (The World of Welding, Summer 2002)

Garen is a NASCAR® fan.  Working full time and attending classes full time doesn’t give Mandy much free time, but she has her own ideas about activities that are fun! 

“I like to play in the dirt riding 4-wheelers!” she says.