“My time at Ranken took me from being an 18-year-old kid who did not apply himself in high school to a man who knew that, if I would apply my God-given skills, with the proper training I could accomplish anything. I owe a lot to Larry Schmidt, who wasn’t just an instructor, but has become a friend and mentor since my graduation in 1989.”
After graduation in 1989, Larry went to work at Turks Auto Body as a collision tech and painter. After three years with Turks he went to Show-Me Auto Body, where he also worked as a collision tech and painter on collision-repair vehicles, as well as building street rods. Kelso then moved on to a position with Safeco Insurance Company as an automotive damage appraiser for two years.
His career then took him to his current employer, Azko Nobel, where he has held several positions in his 14 years of service, including Account Representative, Technical Representative, Sales Manager and his current position of Account Manager. Larry stays involved with Ranken, and currently serves on the Alumni Leadership Council.