Kyle Neely graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2007 with a degree in Automotive Collision Repair (ACR). He is employed as a Technician by Schaefer Autobody Centers. Kristen Henry, a Sales & Marketing Lead at Schaefer, is impressed by his skills and willingness to help peers. “[Kyle] is a pillar of Schaefer Autobody Centers and we are proud he joined our team in 2008. Ranken produces high caliber technicians and we look forward to continuing to hire Ranken graduates.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kyle Neely has made a major impact on social media. As the host of YouTube channel BlueCollarKyle, he provides a look behind the scenes of collision repair. Kyle produces step-by-step videos of various projects while providing valuable tips to industry professionals and laypersons alike. The channel has produced over 750 videos with a cumulative total of over 4.5 million views! BlueCollarKyle also has a strong presence on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Tik Tok. Kyle is a true ambassador for a field that employs 180,000 repair specialists across the nation.
Kyle gives Ranken props for his success, telling us “I knew I was going to work on cars from a young age. Ranken was able to dial in my knowledge and skills to the point that I could start my career with confidence. I appreciate the networking and connections I made while at Ranken. Some of those connections are part of the reason I’m where I am now.”
ACR Department Chair and faculty member John Helterbrand recalls how impressed he was with his former student. “Kyle was different, he wanted to bring attention to his industry. He was involved in the earliest days of social media, even writing code for Myspace.” John appreciates that Kyle is still engaged with Ranken, such as sitting on an Advisory Board. “Our industry wants to hear what he has to say. I’ve seen high school students, and teachers, who want his autograph or a selfie with him. Through it all, Kyle has stayed true to himself. He was and is a well-grounded young man, looking to help any way he can . . . celebrity does not go to his head!”
Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
www.youtube.com/channel/UCVL5dT9figJYVNh5NhCGqZA
https://www.schaeferautobody.com/