Harris, Derek

Collision/Refinishing Instructor

My name is Derek Harris. I stared in the Collision/Refinishing industry in 1982 at Harris Bros. Auto Body Works in Daly City, CA. This was our family business that was established in 1939 as an Auto Body and Radiator shop. I was lucky enough to learn the trade from my grandfather, father and uncle. I started as an apprentice and worked my way to managing the paint department before I left the family business in 2005 to further my career and teach this trade at WyoTech. I have been married for 27 years and have a daughter who is also in the Automotive industry, who I am very proud to say is a WyoTech graduate herself. I'm proud to say that our daughter has grown up in the family business as well. Over the years, I have enjoyed restoring classic cars for myself, my family, friends, and collectors. Some other hobbies of mine include fishing, camping, and spending time with friends and family. I continue to learn about this growing and changing industry, and enjoy sharing what I have been taught with our students.