Isaiah Solomon’s journey into entrepreneurship and automotive service began when he was just 13 years old. Working under the hood of a car, even from that young age, he didn’t mind getting his hands dirty as he worked on cars alongside his friend and mentor, Jonah Peet.
“He took me under his wing, taking me to the garage and whatnot. My interest in this field started through that,” said Solomon.
This early exposure would later lead him to earn multiple technical certificates in Transportation Services from CMU Tech and start his own business. However, the path wasn’t always easy.
Solomon moved to Grand Junction at 14, helping his mother raise his five younger siblings while also contributing to household bills.
“I struggled through high school because I had to help her, but I made it through,” Solomon said.
He says his high school football coach, who later became his college advisor, first encouraged him to seriously think about higher education. He was initially hesitant to enroll due to the associated cost, but with guidance about different financial aid options, he attended CMU Tech with minimal financial burden.
One of the most memorable parts of his education was an engine performance class where students rebuilt an engine from start to finish.
“We pulled the engine out of a car, took it apart completely and rebuilt it,” he recalled. “We installed it back into the car and got it ready to run by the end of the semester.”
Technical Instructor of Transportation Services Michael Carsten, who taught electrical and brake systems, had a significant influence on Solomon during his time at CMU Tech. The hands-on training he received was essential, especially in electrical systems, where practical experience is crucial.
“In the Transportation Services program, that hands-on learning is important. It ensures students like Isaiah will succeed in their field,” said Carsten."Isaiah grew his knowledge at a fast pace. It makes me proud to see students go out in the workforce, to see the contributions that they make to better the world."
While he was still in school, Solomon launched his company, Jr. Mobile Mechanics. What started as a side hustle quickly became a flourishing business. By the time he graduated, he gained more customers and worked on spreading the word about the services he offered.
Jr. Mobile Mechanics offers on-site auto repair, providing a convenient alternative to traditional shops. Solomon travels to each customer’s location to work on their car to avoid the hassle of towing it to a shop.
Now a proud business owner, Solomon’s advice to others entering the trades is simple but wise.
“Take in everything the teachers offer you, as much as possible,” he said. “You can learn a lot, even if you already know quite a bit before you start.”
Solomon’s story is one of resilience, responsibility and drive. From working on cars as a teenager to launching a thriving mobile repair business, he’s turned his early passion into a professional career. With the skills he gained at CMU Tech and his determination, Solomon is pursuing his passion while building toward a successful future.
Watch Isaiah Solomon’s Life in the Trades episode to hear more about his story and learn how he's putting his hands to work at Jr. Mobile Mechanics.