What began as one student’s determination to work on sports cars has grown into an extraordinary learning opportunity for an entire Automotive Technology program and other car enthusiasts at Butler Tech.
Ben Richards, a senior Automotive Technology student, is currently employed as a paid apprentice mechanic at Beechmont Automotive Group in the Fairfax/Mariemont area. He works alongside technicians servicing Porsche, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Volvo vehicles. Through his internship, Richards has earned the trust of industry professionals in an environment where precision, responsibility, and professionalism are essential.
That trust has led to an extraordinary opportunity during this February’s Fifth Day Experience. Representatives from the dealership plan to bring approximately $2 million worth of high-performance vehicles to campus, giving students and staff a close-up look at technology they rarely encounter in a typical school setting.
Richards’ interest in performance vehicles began unexpectedly after his family received a Dodge Charger as a rental vehicle. The experience sparked a fascination that eventually became a career goal.
“I loved it,” he said. “I just thought, I want to work on sports cars.”
Without family connections in the industry, Richards started from scratch. He first gained experience at a local Ford dealership before deciding to pursue opportunities with high-end brands. Determined to make it happen, he created a list of dealerships and began cold-calling them repeatedly despite frequent rejections due to his age.
“They didn’t see me sitting in my room for hours making calls,” Richards said. “Sometimes you just have to take a shot in the dark.”
Eventually, one dealership answered. Within minutes of his interview, he was offered a job.
At the dealership, Richards assists experienced technicians with diagnostics, repairs, and complex mechanical work while continuing to learn under mentorship. He said the level of trust placed in him has been surprising.
“These cars are worth more than my house,” he said. “And they’ll say, ‘Go take it for a drive.’”
His employer has already offered him a full-time position after graduation, reinforcing the strength of the connection between education and industry.
The upcoming vehicle visit, on Friday, February 27, began with Richards’ own idea.
“I asked my boss if I could bring one car to school to show the class,” he said.
Instead, the dealership agreed to bring multiple vehicles representing several brands, with industry representatives present to share insights and answer questions. Richards will drive one vehicle himself, while colleagues will transport the others.
For Richards, the goal goes beyond showcasing luxury cars. He hopes the experience exposes students to different engineering approaches and expands their understanding of the field.
“I want them to see something they don’t normally see,” he said. “There are so many ways to do the same thing, and these cars show different layouts and systems.”
Automotive Technology instructor Darrell Jones said the experience offers significant educational value.
“Students will gain knowledge simply by seeing the technology and the value represented by these manufacturers,” Jones said. “Like any product, there is good, better, and best, and these vehicles represent the top of the line, along with the technicians who service them.”
Jones recognized Richards’ ambition early in the program.
“I knew Ben had drive almost right away,” he said. “He told me he wanted to work on exotic sports cars when he got here. He was always craving more information and quickly became a leader in the class.”
Richards’ success did not come from luck, Jones said, but from persistence.
“Ben’s story is one of persistence. He never gave up on chasing his dream and secured this opportunity on his own.”
Beyond his internship, Richards has taken on leadership roles within the program, volunteering at events and supporting younger students. He hopes this experience encourages others to pursue their own goals.
“Nothing’s as rare as you think it is,” he said. “It’s out there if you just ask.”
Jones believes that message applies to all students.
“Any student can achieve their goals,” he said. “Success may look different for everyone, but it is attainable.”
While the arrival of high-performance vehicles will certainly generate excitement, the deeper impact lies in what the experience represents. It shows a clear pathway from classroom learning to real careers, powered by student initiative, educator support, and industry partnership.
For Richards, it is simple.
“You can do whatever you want if you’re willing to work for it,” he said.