Where there’s a will there’s a way.

Martin Schwalger knows this. A mechanic for more than 30 years, he has witnessed many young people who are not interested in education do well in other areas of work.

The 50-year-old from Aleisa who runs his own auto shop and is also a farmer, believes having a positive energy to build and fix a car opens doors for anyone. 

He mentioned that he has helped develop skills for young people who are passionate about fixing cars. 

Mr. Schwalger told the Samoa Observer events such as car shows are a platform to introduce new ideas by mechanics and also capture the attention of youngsters.

“What I have seen from my experience is that this is the most packed event there is when it happens. Wherever any car show will be held, there will be so many people showing up.” 

“It is where the best car paint job will be displayed, the best sound system and everything that has to do with mechanics.”

“It is where mechanics show their work. It is a great entertainment for the youth and nowadays with the influx of technology and the impact it has on the youth,” he said.

“Everyone is unique in their own way, there are some children who we try to send to school but they are not interested and being a mechanic is something that they are interested in.” 

“This is one of the reasons that these car shows are important to help them realize what they want to become in life.”

Mr. Schwalger has never missed a car show and every time he attends it, he has seen the increasing number of spectators and each mechanic never fails to come unprepared.

“Every mechanic enjoys participating in car shows. We do not really have an interest in sports and other different events.”

“There are three to four car clubs that I am in. This is what we enjoy as boost mechanics and as a farmer this where most hidden talents are found. I love being a mechanic which is also the reason I am very passionate with what I do.”

He also highlighted the importance of cars despite the cost and how much they invest in maintaining the car.

“My goal is that a car is like my baby, every mechanic looks at their cars as their baby. The wife is more important but the majority of my time is spent with my car.”

“The majority of the time my mind is with the car because I mostly use it in terms of carrying out my daily chores and going to my plantation. There is so much money that is being spent on the car to avoid such incidents where it will break down on the road,” Mr. Schwalger said. 

 “There are so many ideas that we think of in terms of upgrading the car, but there are not enough car parts here in Samoa.” 

“The supply here is also very limited but at least we have families and friends who are willing to help. Nowadays foreign countries are more advance than us here in Samoa.”

“Despite the many obstacles, cars will always be important,” he said.