Al Thomas

Program Director

Al Thomas led the Muskegon Community College automotive program for over 15 years.  The position included teaching a complete automotive program in addition to alternative fuel, hybrid and diesel classes.  Al is a specialist in educating automotive students and has the drive to produce honest, ambitious, talented technicians.

Degrees in Automotive Technology from Muskegon Community College, a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and a Masters Degree in Information Systems Management, from Ferris State University have provided an appreciation for education and more importantly learning.

Al is the advisor for the MCC Motorsports club and has been instrumental in the development of a world record holding electric dragster along with many other racing vehicles. Hobbies include astrophotography, gardening, drag racing and computers. Strong beliefs in honesty, character and integrity have guided this happy soul through life.

Dan Cox

Shop Foreman

Dan is an Audi technician with 25 years experience in dealerships and independent shop facilities and is joining the newly formed Auto Technician Training Program as the shop foreman.

By focusing primarily on quality of work and continuing education to keep pace with the ever-advancing technology in today's vehicles and systems. Dan is extremely well versed in German cars and their technologies, including Hybrid and Advanced driver automation systems. Dan is also a High Voltage Systems expert and certified by Audi on R8 supercars.

In his spare time. Dan enjoys windsurfing, motorcycling, and participating in teaching motorcycle riders how to improve their skills at motorcycle track days. He is also interested in animal rescue, and spends most of his time when not at work with his rescue dog, Honey.

Jeff Montella

Instructor

Jeff Montella is a career Automotive technician and instructor with over 40 years experience in the transportation service industry. During his career he has been involved with the service and repair of many types of equipment and vehicles that includes Powersports and Aerospace applications. Jeff also has over 10 years of instructional experience in Automotive Technology. 

Jeff is a master certified Auto Technician and former Aerospace equipment technician, who has received his technical education through the Community College of the Air Force and Ford Motor Company. His instructional expertise was developed through a 10 year tenure in public education, which has included serving hundreds of West Michigan students in both secondary and post-secondary settings.

Jeff's hobbies include camping, fishing, gardening, and vintage snowmobiles. He also had been involved in motorsports racing most of his life. This includes drag cars, mud trucks, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and sand drag ATV's. His racing accomplishments have included both national and world records.  

Jeff's passion for the automotive industry continues as he focuses on helping others develop the skills necessary to become successful Auto Service Technicians.

Javid Zahir

Advisory Board

Javid is the My Auto Service Director with over 15 years of experience in the car industry. Javid's passion is helping others and making the process of servicing their vehicle as seamless as possible. Javid goes above and beyond for his customers and is excited to be a part of Muskegon's first paid automotive training program.

Javid spent 6 years in the Marines as a Sergeant. After serving our country, he met his now wife and has four beautiful daughters. In his free time, he enjoys being with his family and going to local Comic Con's.