Passing the Wrench to the Next Generation
In the early 1980s, Brian Schofield met his wife-to-be, who happened to be Bruce’s daughter. For fun, Brian started working on his father-in-law’s race car while finishing his college degree in electronics. As graduation approached, Bruce told Brian that his education was where the automotive industry was going, and he thought Brian would be a good fit at the shop. Well, Brian turned him down flat, and told Bruce he wanted to find a real job! Ironically enough, he envisioned himself working at a place like Moog.
Fortunately for Brian, Bruce didn’t take offense to this rejection because, during this time, work was very scarce in East Aurora. A lot of large companies were leaving Buffalo area, and jobs were scarce. Brian was working at a fast-food franchise when Bruce approached him once again. Due to high local unemployment, a 16-week basic auto mechanics program became available. The deal was Bruce would pay for the school, and pay Brian to go to it. In exchange, Brian had to work after class at the shop and on Saturdays until he completed the program. They also agreed that Brian would work for Bruce for two years at an agreed rate. At that point, if it didn’t work out, the two would part as friends.