Ghaleb “John” Mechmech and his son, Wasef, both graduates of Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools (PCTVS), own and operate the successful Dynasty Auto Body, Inc. in Paterson. The father-son duo credit their career-focused education for giving them a strong foundation from which to grow their business.
“My father learned the same set of skills that I did at Passaic County Technical Institute – work safety, responsibility, organization, time management, following proper procedures and an overall strong work ethic,” said Wasef Mechmech. “I believe that PCTI was instrumental in both of us being successful in our careers at Dynasty Auto Body, Inc.”
John Mechmech studied Engine Mechanics at PCTI, part of the PCTVS school district, and graduated in 1995. Wanting to follow his father’s path, Wasef graduated from the Automotive Collision Repair program within PCTI’s School of Automotive Technology in 2024.
As a child, Wasef was often found at his father’s auto shop observing the process of repairing vehicles and running a business. Wasef remembers his father in the auto body shop regularly repeating what his own auto instructor, Mr. Ray Rodriguez, later said: “If you do not respect your tools, they will not respect you.”
When Wasef decided to pursue an education at PCTI, he was pleased to discover one of his mentors, School to Careers Coordinator Joe Gravino, was also his father’s previous instructor. Wasef was thrilled to learn skills similar to those his father acquired, including the importance of showing up to work on time, safety in the workplace, keeping tools organized, and how to make efficient use of time. In addition, Wasef learned welding and painting and attended a PPG Training Program in Maryland.
At Dynasty Auto Body, Inc., Wasef is the I-CAR Paint Role Representative and reviews the monthly paint bills for accuracy and to track costs. After learning the different technical positions in the body shop, Wasef is now working closely with his father to understand the estimating process and the day-to-day operations of the business, such as production and quality control.
“My father is encouraging me to follow in his footsteps by carrying on the family business,” said Wasef. “He is teaching me about finances and how to avoid wasting materials and time to operate a more successful business.”
Wasef is also learning from his father, John, the importance of giving back to the community, especially to first responders and veterans. Wasef is proud to participate in the auto body shop’s NABC Recycled Rides Program. This program enables the Mechmechs to work with insurance companies and other vendors to repair and gift cars to veterans.
