From Interior Design to Collision Repair: How a Local Student is Driving the Story of Plaza Tire Service’s 600th Store | SKYCTC

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From Interior Design to Collision Repair: How a Local Student is Driving the Story of Plaza Tire Service’s 600th Store

Large groop of people dong a ribbon cutting ceremony in from of a New Plaza Tire Center

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Two months before moving out of state to study interior design at a private college, Glasgow native Genevieve Sundstrom changed her mind. Looking for a fresh direction, she decided to attend Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College’s (SKYCTC) Collision Repair Program.

"I didn't even know you could go to school for it," Sundstrom admitted. "But I started this and have absolutely fallen in love with it! It is so much fun and I love feeling like I've accomplished something at the end of the day!"

To celebrate the grand opening of its landmark 600th nationwide store, Plaza Tire Service partnered with the SKYCTC Foundation to award Sundstrom a $500 scholarship, ensuring she can keep chasing her new passion.

"Receiving this scholarship from the Sun Auto Network has made it possible for me to continue attending school this year," Sundstrom said.

For Sundstrom, The collision repair program  has provided a perfect blend of hands-on creativity and tangible rewards. Instead of designing room layouts, she is now learning how to rebuild and reshape vehicles. She credits much of her thriving experience to her environment and mentorship at SKYCTC. "Mr. Jon Hunt, our instructor, is the best!" she added.

Looking toward the future, Sundstrom already has her sights set on a specific, ambitious career path: automotive restorations. Her dream is to bring classic, worn-down vehicles back to life, blending her sharp eye for design with the technical collision skills she builds every day in the shop.

Driving Community Growth

Since 2017, Sun Auto Tire & Service has exploded from a modest 30 locations to one of the nation's largest independent automotive service retailers. The new Bowling Green shop marks the company's 600th milestone location.

"Reaching 600 locations is a testament to the thousands of teammates who deliver exceptional service every day and the customers and communities who trust us with their vehicles," said Tony Puckett, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Auto Tire & Service.