FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Brady Netzel, MWACA Director of Marketing
brady@mwaca.org
Gladstone, MO, April 22, 2026 – The Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA) returned to the Build My Future event in Des Moines, Iowa, continuing its mission to inspire the next generation of automotive professionals through hands-on, real-world experiences.
Now recognized as one of the nation’s premier skilled trades events, Build My Future once again brought together thousands of students, educators, and industry leaders for an immersive career exploration experience. With participation spanning a wide range of industries, the event continues to play a critical role in exposing students to high-demand, high-reward career paths.
In 2026, MWACA elevated its presence with a fully interactive booth experience designed to give students a comprehensive look at the automotive service industry. In collaboration with industry partners including Advance Professional, AutoZone, XtraSeal, BG, Impact Distributing, Lube-Tech, and several Des Moines-area shops, MWACA created a multi-station environment that allowed students to actively engage with different aspects of the profession.
Students moved through a series of hands-on stations (covering brakes, tires, batteries, parts, service advising, and even conversations with shop owners) using a checklist system that encouraged participation at each stop. This guided experience not only introduced key technical skills, but also highlighted the diverse career paths available within the automotive industry.
“Our goal this year was to create something more than just a booth; we wanted an experience,” said Brady Netzel, MWACA Marketing Director. “By partnering with industry leaders and local shops, we were able to give students a realistic, engaging view of what a career in automotive can look like from multiple angles.”
Each station was supported by experienced professionals who walked students through real-world scenarios, answered questions, and shared insights into their day-to-day roles. From learning how to inspect brakes to understanding the importance of customer communication at the service advisor station, students gained a well-rounded perspective of the industry.
“The checklist approach made it interactive and purposeful,” said Travis Troy, MWACA Executive Board Vice President and local shop owner. “Students weren’t just watching: they were participating, asking questions, and connecting the dots between different roles in a shop. That kind of engagement is what leaves a lasting impression.”
As the automotive industry continues to face a growing workforce shortage, initiatives like Build My Future are more important than ever. MWACA remains committed to addressing this challenge by investing in outreach, education, and partnerships that connect students with meaningful career opportunities.
Through its involvement in events like Build My Future, MWACA continues to champion the future of the automotive service profession—showcasing not only the technical side of the industry, but also the people, pathways, and possibilities behind it.
For more information about MWACA and its ongoing efforts to support automotive career development, visit www.mwaca.org/careers.
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MWACA is a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association led by independent automotive service professionals and serving the needs of service professionals throughout the Midwest and beyond. Beginning as a seven-county Kansas City chapter in the late 1980s, MWACA has grown into one of the most active and respected associations in the country. The organization hosts numerous Shop Owner Support (S.O.S.) Groups, mentorship programs, and is the founder of the nationally recognized VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo. To learn more, visit www.mwaca.org.
