Joseph Mille has spent most of his life working with his hands. From repairing cars to casting aluminum and crafting carbon fiber rings, he finds joy in building, fixing, and creating.
For over a decade, he worked as an automotive technician, specializing in Subaru vehicles. Now, he’s looking for a new challenge.
“I’ve always enjoyed working on things,” Joseph says. “Whether it’s cars, metal, or wood, I like seeing something go from a problem to a finished product.”
This is the story of how Joseph built his career, his skills, and his passion for hands-on work.
Finding His Path
Joseph’s work ethic started young. At 15, he had his first job as a paperboy. In high school, he worked a variety of jobs, from washing dishes at a bagel shop to restocking shelves at TJ Maxx. But it was his time at a tire shop that made him realize he had a knack for mechanical work.
“I liked working in the tire shop because I could see the results right away,” he explains. “You take off a damaged tire, put on a new one, and the car is ready to go. That sense of accomplishment felt good.”
After four years at the tire shop, Joseph decided to take his skills further. He moved to Massachusetts in 2011 and enrolled in Universal Technical Institute (UTI), where he completed an automotive training program. At the same time, he worked at a grocery store deli to support himself.
“It wasn’t easy,” he says. “Balancing school and work meant long days, but I knew it was worth it.”
Building a Career in Automotive Repair
After graduating from UTI in 2012, Joseph got a job at Clay Subaru of Norwood, Massachusetts. At first, he handled basic tasks like sweeping floors and doing oil changes. But over time, he worked his way up to handling complex vehicle systems.
“I started at the bottom, but I kept learning,” he says. “After a while, I was working on everything—engines, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, diagnostics. If a Subaru needed fixing, I could figure it out.”
Joseph also took every training opportunity available. He earned all Subaru of New England certifications and stayed up to date with the latest automotive technology.
“Subaru training helped a lot,” he says. “Cars are always changing, and you have to keep learning if you want to stay ahead.”
For 11 years, Joseph built his reputation as a skilled and reliable technician. But in 2024, he decided it was time for a change.
Exploring New Possibilities
As of October 2024, Joseph is between jobs and thinking about his next step. He’s still open to working on cars, but he’s also interested in learning new skills.
“I’m looking for something different,” he says. “Maybe construction, woodworking, or metalworking. I’ve always liked working with materials, so I want to see what else I can do.”
One of his biggest passions is melting and casting aluminum. It started as a hobby, but he’s been experimenting with different techniques and projects.
“I love the process of taking scrap aluminum, melting it down, and turning it into something useful,” he explains. “It’s a mix of science and craftsmanship.”
He also makes carbon fiber rings, combining technical precision with creativity.
“It’s a cool material to work with,” he says. “Lightweight, strong, and it looks great when it’s finished.”
The Joy of Hands-On Work
For Joseph, the most important thing is being able to work with his hands. Whether it’s fixing a car, crafting a ring, or pouring molten aluminum into a mold, he enjoys the process of building and problem-solving.
“Some people like working at a desk, but I need to be doing something physical,” he says. “I like the challenge of figuring things out and making them work.”
When he’s not working, Joseph enjoys bike riding, camping, hiking, and working on cars. He values spending time outdoors and taking on DIY projects.
“I always have a project going,” he says. “I like trying new things, whether it’s making something from metal or fixing up an old car.”
What’s Next?
As he looks for his next opportunity, Joseph is keeping an open mind. He knows he has the skills and work ethic to succeed in whatever field he chooses.
“I don’t have everything figured out yet, but I know I want to keep working with my hands,” he says. “If I can find a job where I can learn something new and create things, I’ll be happy.”
His journey so far has been about persistence, learning, and adapting. No matter where he ends up next, one thing is certain—Joseph Mille will keep building, fixing, and creating, one project at a time.
Read more:
Joseph Mille: A Hands-On Journey from Cars to Craftsmanship
