We recently connected with Shay Mcavoy and have shared our conversation below.

Shay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)? Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style.

Where I work now I would always pass by on my way home from school. One day I decided to go in and ask for an internship or job. My now boss told me I didn’t offer anything to him. I decided to come back every single Thursday until he said yes. On the third Thursday he said I’ll give you a chance and you can learn with me. I asked him what changed and he said kids these days to have motive and drive they just except things. You came here every week which showed me you are different. He then taught me the fundamentals and game me a chance to wrap Tesla fender. I passed his test and I worked under him from then on. Until he saw me as good enough to work my own gig out of his space.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Shay McAvoy, I am now a freshman in college at SMC community college. I graduated from palisades charter high school. I worked under my boss for awhile learning the craft and getting experience. I was then able to work out of his space and bring in my own jobs and clients. What I do is put vinyl onto cars changing the colors and protecting the paint. Sometimes if people have scratches I will sand them down and wrap it. What I do is an alternative to paint as it has more color options and is generally cheaper. I am most proud of being able to change the clients cars. They are lending me their asset and I am able to change it to their desired looks and styles. It’s so cool seeing the finished product. I want the clients to know that I am a perfectionist and will treat your car like it’s mine.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was doing one of my first clients on my own I did it at my car port. A big thing with wrapping is you can’t have any dust because it shows if the wrap is on the car. I put painters sheets all around to keep dust out. There was a big windstorm that day and kept ripping off the sheets and knocking downing my lighting equipment. I had to work in the dark with the sheets blowing everywhere trying to finish this car. I did but it was a struggle

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest one is working on expensive cars. When I first started and seeing a 6 figure car in the garage waiting for me to start working on was terrifying. Knowing this car is worth more than me. But I had to teach myself I know what I’m doing and my skills are amazing no matter what car it is

Contact Info:

• Instagram: shay_mca_voy / ideal.wraps