Growing up in Northeast Iowa in the 80s and 90s, surrounded by rolling fields and open roads, Clint Dudley saw cars as more than just transportation – they were a symbol of independence. Tinkering with vehicles was a hobby he shared with friends in high school, but he never imagined it would become his career. 

After a brief stint at another college without a clear direction, Clint moved to Des Moines and enrolled at DMACC. At first, Clint thought he wanted to be a veterinarian, but he started taking auto classes purely out of interest, unsure of where they might lead.  

“I enjoyed working on cars, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do long-term,” he shared. “I was just taking classes to get some credits under my belt.” 

Clint originally wanted to be a veterinarian, but it was a DMACC Automotive Mechanics Technology instructor who set him on a different path. During a brake and suspension class, the instructor casually mentioned a job opening at a local tire shop. Encouraged to apply, Clint took the part-time position while finishing his associate's degree ('99). 

“That job opened my eyes to the possibilities in the industry,” Clint recalled.  

And it turned out, there were a lot of similarities between auto mechanics and veterinary medicine, he said.  

“There’s something in front of you with an issue, but it can’t tell you what’s wrong,” Clint said, drawing the comparison. “It’s not just about fixing cars – there's problem-solving, diagnosing issues, and finding solutions." 

Clint quickly realized that his hobby could translate into a fulfilling career. Over time, he worked his way up in the industry, gaining hands-on experience and sharpening his technical and business skills.  

Eventually, he opened his own automotive repair shop, Shade Tree Auto, named after a big tree with a canopy over the driveway of his very first home – a nod to his humble beginnings and the roots he's grown since. 

But his connection to DMACC didn’t end after launching his business. Clint continued taking classes, expanding his expertise beyond auto repair. 

“I never saw DMACC as just a steppingstone,” he said. “It was a place I could keep coming back to, to learn new things, whether that was about business, technology, or leadership.” 

Today, Shade Tree Auto is a well-established business with three locations in the Des Moines metro (Ankeny, Grimes, and Urbandale) where Clint proudly employs multiple DMACC-trained technicians and offers apprenticeships to current students.   

Clint is committed to providing opportunities for the next generation, just as DMACC did for him. He actively recruits into the DMACC Auto programs, serves on the DMACC Automotive Advisory Committee, and received the “Outstanding Alumni” award from the DMACC Foundation in 2024.  

“DMACC didn’t just teach me technical skills; it gave me the confidence to take control of my future,” Clint said. “I did all of this with a two-year degree.”  

Shade Tree Auto recently launched a non-profit called Jump S.T.A.R.T which repairs donated vehicles for veterans who need reliable transportation.   

For Clint, the path from student to business owner – and lifelong learner – demonstrates how DMACC provides more than an education; it builds careers, fosters growth, and strengthens Iowa’s workforce. 

Clint credits the beginning of his journey to that DMACC auto instructor in Ankeny who first saw his potential.  

“DMACC’s instructors aren’t just there for a job,” Clint said. They believe in what they’re teaching, and they want you to succeed.” 

His advice to others considering their own path? 

“Stay open to where your interests lead you. DMACC has the resources and support to help you find your way, even if it’s not the path you initially expected.” 

Bear Trails highlights unique journeys of DMACC students, alumni, faculty, and staff, celebrating their diverse experiences and inspiring paths. Have a story idea? Contact Savannah Eadens, Public Relations & Communications Specialist, at sjeadens@dmacc.edu or 515-675-3275.