Zonta’ and Michael Turn CFCC Training into Careers at Ace Hardware

Cape Fear Community College graduates Zonta’ and Michael are building careers at Ace Hardware, where their hands-on training from CFCC has made an immediate impact.

Investing in Skills Early

Zonta’, a 2025 graduate of Ashley High School, first signed up for CFCC’s high school-level small engine class during his senior year just for fun and quickly realized he loved the work.

“I got into the class, and I was like, I really like this,” Zonta’ said. “I learned how to break down an engine and put it back together. That kind of hands-on stuff just clicked for me.”

After completing the high school-level Honda-based Small Engine and Intro to Outboard courses taught by CFCC Instructor Michael Saxon, Zonta’ continued his training through CFCC’s Yamaha Midline course at the downtown campus. His instructor, Spencer Nickel, helped connect him with Ace Hardware.

“I’m about three months in now, and I love it,” he shared. “I’m still learning every day.” Zonta’ is completing STIHL Silver training through Ace and preparing to take CFCC’s Yamaha Inline course.

Michael, a 2023 Hoggard High School graduate, worked landscaping jobs in high school and often fixed his own equipment. “I’ve always had a knack for just working with my hands,” he said.

Like Zonta’, Michael’s strong performance stood out. “Towards the end of the course, Mr. Spencer gave me the owner’s number, and next thing I know, I’m here,” he said.

A Direct Path to Employment

Shannon and Landon Barker, owners of the Ace Hardware stores in Leland and Southport, first connected with Cape Fear Community College after being invited to visit campus by Spencer.

“During their visit to the downtown shop, they received not only the visual aspect of the CFCC training facility but also a more in-depth understanding of the material covered and employment culture students are to expect in the field,” said Spencer.

“The students coming out of CFCC already have the foundation we need,” Landon said. “They’re professional, well-rounded, and willing to learn. That makes a difference.”

That professionalism is essential at their stores, which both hold elite dealer status with STIHL. This designation requires rigorous training, high service standards, and skilled technicians.

Landon says CFCC graduates are helping raise the bar at both Ace locations, where seasoned mechanics and new talent work side by side.

“It’s amazing to watch them learn from each other,” she said. “Our older techs are teaching them about customer service and diagnostics, and they’re showing the veterans how to navigate new technology.”

Spencer says partnerships like this are exactly what CFCC aims for.

“I see our role as helping students get a realistic picture of the job, so they’re better prepared for what’s ahead,” he explained. “When I recommend a student to an employer, it’s because I’d hire them myself.”