08/19/2026
From 3 Tool Carts to a Regional Movement—Here’s How We’re Supporting Local Trades 🚗⚡
Starting a career in automotive technology should be about passion, problem-solving, and hands-on innovation—not carrying the heavy burden of tool debt.
Back in 2023, after years of watching the nationwide technician shortage impact local shops and slow down our industry’s potential to offer thriving, high-paying careers, an idea took root. What started as a simple conversation between Dalton Dover and nine local shop owners quickly grew into action. Through partnership with NAPA Kerrville and Ingram, NAPA San Antonio, and a group of local shop owners we raised funds to secure three loaner tool carts for students participating in work-study programs at local auto care centers.
Because technicians are typically required to supply their own tools—a startup cost that easily runs into tens of thousands of dollars—these loaner carts eliminated a massive barrier to entry. They allowed young techs to focus entirely on honing their craft without worrying about initial overhead and debt.
The momentum didn't stop there. This past May, the program awarded its first-ever permanent scholarship tool cart—fully stocked with professional-grade hand tools—to graduating Tivy High School - Kerrville ISD senior Micah Zastro as he stepped straight into the Hill Country automotive workforce! Two additional scholarship carts have already been secured for graduating seniors in May 2027.
To keep this momentum growing, the next logical step has officially arrived: THE HILL COUNTRY AUTO TECH FUND.
Created for anyone passionate about the trades, local economic growth, and supporting the next generation, this fund will directly support:
Scholarship Tool Carts for graduating high school seniors entering the trade.
Curriculum & Apprenticeship Development in partnership with local school districts and Schreiner University’s Center for Talent and Workforce Development to establish a dedicated, local secondary automotive education program.
Expansion is happening fast across the Hill Country—from Tivy High School and Ingram Independent School District to Center Point ISD and beyond.
How You Can Help:
You can join the movement and make a tax-deductible donation today by scanning the QR code in the images below.
Every dollar goes directly toward equipping these young technicians and building a strong local workforce.
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to Dalton Dover directly at [email protected].
(local shop's and owners involved: A+1 Transmission Specialists, Balsers Northside Automotive, Central Automotive, Elite Automotive, Flyin Diesel, Hill Country Garage, Moss Motors, Newfound Diesel, and Royals Automotive. )