Gordon Scott
Gordon Scott has always had the dream of building his own auto repair shop. Mr. Scott got involved in auto repair when he first attended Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Oregon, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. After graduation, he worked in the Warm Springs Vehicle Pool where he and a team of mechanics repaired and maintained a fleet of approximately 100 cars, pickups, and heavy duty trucks. Later, he attended Haskell Indian Nations University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After returning to the reservation, he resumed working in the vehicle pool, completed an apprenticeship, and received numerous certifications in diesel and heavy truck repair and maintenance.
In August 2010, Gordon became one of WSCAT’s first IDA clients, with the long term goal of opening an auto repair business. His objective was to “provide community members on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation with top quality repairs at a fair price, and keep Warm Springs drivers safe and happy on the road.” For over 4½ years, Gordon steadfastly saved money in his IDA account, and in May 2015, he began to make his dream a reality. Using his IDA savings, he purchased equipment for his auto repair business, including a two-post vehicle lift, tire balancing machine, tire changer, flatbed trailer, and other equipment. His next step is to build his garage, purchase more tools and equipment, buy office equipment, and begin providing service to the Warm Springs community.