Joseph Mille is an experienced automotive technician who has built a successful career through determination, hands-on skill, and a strong work ethic. With over 15 years of experience in the trades, Mille’s path has taken him from entry-level jobs to expert-level diagnostics and repairs on Subaru vehicles.
He began working at age 15, delivering newspapers and taking on part-time roles in food service and retail. At 18, he entered the automotive world at Connecticut Tire Inc., where he spent over three years performing tire repairs, oil changes, and shop maintenance. Discovering a passion for mechanical work, he moved to Massachusetts in 2011 and enrolled at Universal Technical Institute, completing a year-long program while also working nights in a grocery store deli.
After graduating, Mille worked briefly at a national tire and battery chain before joining Clay Subaru in Medway, Massachusetts. Over the next 11 years, he advanced from basic maintenance to performing complex diagnostics and full-system repairs. He completed every certification offered by Subaru of New England and became a trusted technician for the dealership.
Mille’s success comes from a deep commitment to quality, consistency, and the ability to learn through doing. His interests in metalworking, aluminum casting, and woodworking reflect the same attention to detail that defined his automotive career.
Now open to new opportunities, Mille is exploring other skilled trades where he can continue to build and problem-solve. His career is a testament to what steady progress, practical skill, and passion for craftsmanship can achieve.
Q&A with Joseph Mille: A Career in Motion
What first drew you to working on cars?
I’ve always liked working with my hands. I started out doing basic jobs like delivering newspapers and restocking bagels. But it wasn’t until I worked at a tire shop that I realized how much I enjoyed fixing things. I liked seeing the result of a job done right—something broken coming back to life.
What was your experience like attending UTI while working part-time?
It was definitely a grind. I went to school during the day and worked in a grocery store deli at night. But I was focused. I knew I wanted to learn more and move forward in the auto industry. UTI gave me the foundation, and working kept me grounded and motivated.
How did you grow at Clay Subaru over those 11 years?
I started out doing oil changes and sweeping the floor. Over time, I worked on every system in the vehicle—engine work, electrical, suspension, A/C, interior. Subaru of New England offered training and certifications, and I made sure to take everything they offered. I went from entry-level tasks to full diagnostics and repairs.
What’s one of the more difficult repairs you’ve handled?
Electrical issues can be tough. You can’t always see the problem—it could be a short deep in the wiring or a faulty sensor that throws everything off. I remember spending hours tracking down an intermittent fault that only showed up in certain weather. Patience is key.
Why are you thinking about switching careers now?
I’ve been in automotive for a long time, and I still enjoy it. But I’m curious about other trades—construction, woodworking, metalwork. I already melt and cast aluminum as a hobby, and I like making carbon fiber rings. I’m open to learning new things, as long as I can work with my hands and build something real.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the trades?
Start anywhere. Show up, stay consistent, and learn from the people around you. I started at the bottom more than once—sweeping floors, changing tires, doing dishes. But each step taught me something. If you take pride in your work, the skills will come.