AJ Nelson

STI Class of 1999

Degree: Automotive Technology

Owner/Operator AJ’s Automotive, Canton, SD

Pedal to the Metal

AJ Nelson Puts His Career into High Gear

AJ Nelson has always been a driven person. So driven, in fact, that to put himself through Southeast Tech, he worked long hours and long days at a dairy farm near Hurley, South Dakota in addition to taking full-time classes. “I’m from the area so Southeast Tech was convenient for me to attend while keeping my job at the dairy farm. I had a desire to own my own business, and I was always interested in the automotive field,” shares AJ.

Choosing Southeast over other renowned automotive schools such as WyoTech was a choice AJ was happy to make. He notes, “I know other schools have phenomenal reputations, but Southeast Tech offered everything I wanted and needed to know to start my business. You really learn an incredible amount of information in two years and you know what you’re doing when you graduate. Other schools spend a minimum of time on really important skills and I didn’t want that.”

Today, AJ has more than attained his goal of owning and operating his own business. The proud owner of AJ’s Automotive in Canton, South Dakota, he has worked hard to build an excellent reputation with automotive repair, customized engine work and vintage restoration. A reputation, that has garnered him an extensive waiting list.

Another benefit to AJ is that his wife Tami, also a Southeast alumnus with a Financial Services degree, works at his side taking care of the bookwork and completing upholstery work. According to Tami, “This business is wonderful for us. We have worked really hard over the past several years and now we are looking forward to taking a little more time for us. Owning your own business is not easy, but it’s very rewarding.”