Hall of Fame
WyoTech Hall of Fame Inductees
From 1966 to now, thousands of graduates across the nation have forged their way in the trades. The education and training that WyoTech has offered for many decades is still paying off for nearly 60,000 graduates with the WyoTech name on their diploma. We want to recognize and celebrate those graduates making a difference and doing big things in their career.
The WyoTech Hall of Fame is a highlight reel to the passion, integrity, and prosperity trade education brings. Certainly not lacking experience in trials, tribulations, and heartbreak, these individuals show up to the world with their skills, talent, and hard work. WyoTech will never be shy to promote and celebrate the success of our alumni.
Mikey Brown
Mikey Brown’s childhood fascination with shows like “Junkyard Wars” sparked an interest in the trades. Despite initial reservations about WyoTech, a conversation with a recruiter led him to enroll in Collision/Refinishing and Street Rod. After an early entrepreneurial setback, Mikey returned to WyoTech for Trim and Upholstery, graduating as an outstanding student. His upholstery success led to a TV appearance and inspired his YouTube channel, @PaperToPavement. Revisiting his hot rod dreams, Mikey has gained recognition in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, his WyoTech foundation paving the way to the Hall of Fame.
Bryan Fuller
Bryan Fuller’s passion for cars ignited while rebuilding a Mustang with his father in high school. Despite initially pursuing biology, his father’s passing led him to WyoTech, where he honed his fabrication skills. Inspired by West Coast culture, he apprenticed at So-Cal Speed Shop contributing to Ridler Award-winning builds and appearing on “Overhaulin’.” In 2005, he founded Fuller Moto in Atlanta, achieving acclaim with custom builds and television appearances on shows like “Two Guys Garage” and “Naked Speed.” He’s also a published author, sharing his expertise in welding and sheet metal.
Nicolas Martinson
Nicolas Martinson’s passion for high-performance mechanics led him to WyoTech, where he studied automotive technology and fabrication. This foundation propelled him into BMW’s S.T.E.P. program and a decade of specialized service. His passion for Ferrari then took center stage, where he excelled, becoming a Master Technician and winning Ferrari’s global “Best Technician” award in 2019. Currently at Blue Origin, he applies his expertise to aerospace manufacturing while also running Scuderia Custode, a Ferrari service business, and sharing his knowledge via his YouTube channel, @AutoTechNick.
Tyler Nelson
Inspired by “Rides,” Tyler Nelson pursued trade classes and worked on a ’69 Chevy C10. He chose WyoTech, earning an associate’s degree while completing Collision/Refinishing and Street Rod programs. After a decade gaining experience, he opened Revision Rods and Rides in 2018. His shop, now 12,000 sq ft with a team of nine, has earned accolades like Goodguys “Truck of the Year” Early and Ridler Award finalist. Tyler enjoys showcasing his builds and inspiring youth to explore automotive careers.
Kelsey Peters
Kelsey’s passion for automotive creation, nurtured by her grandparents, led her to WyoTech’s Street Rod and Custom Fabrication program. There, she built a strong foundation in collision, refinishing, and fabrication. Post-graduation, she excelled in metalwork and restoration, working closely with mentor Bud Striegel at his museum. Inspired by her WyoTech instructors, Kelsey dreams of teaching automotive skills herself someday. A dedicated wife and mother, her journey exemplifies grit and a commitment to her craft, honoring her grandmother’s influence.
Larry Stibitz Sr.
Larry W. Stibitz, Sr. (1944-2024), a 1970 WyoTech graduate, established Laramie Machine Shop in 1973, renowned for quality and honesty in automotive machining, especially restoration engines. He mentored his sons and supported WyoTech students, offering guidance and often discounted parts. A devoted family man and outdoorsman, “Papa Larry” to many, he left a legacy of kindness and a strong work ethic. His impact extended beyond his family to the numerous individuals he helped and inspired in the automotive trades.
Cole Venard
Driven by a lifelong passion for cars, Cole Venard attended WyoTech in 2005 to deepen his automotive expertise, focusing on mechanics, paint, and upholstery. After graduating, he excelled as a monster truck technician. A severe motorcycle accident in 2010 led to an amputation, but Venard’s determination allowed him to return stronger. He became “Technician of the Year” in 2013 and later achieved his dream of driving “Grave Digger”, winning two championships. Ultimately, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to build his own monster truck, “The Black Pearl”, a testament to his resilience and unwavering pursuit of his dreams.