Dallas College

Student Experience: Hugh Brooks

“I attended a college that taught construction technology by textbook, and the instructor read from various other texts while we made notes. I was delighted to find that North Lake had a Construction Technology department that taught by hands-on practice along with text. An on-the-job internship, along with course work, gives one an excellent foundation in construction. The instructors were qualified educators, but also had many years of experience in construction. Everyone in our firm, regardless of their position, takes construction courses at North Lake.”

As president of Think Green Builders in Arlington, Hugh Brooks is in charge of construction, finance and planning for the company. He was named North Lake’s Construction Technology Outstanding Student in both 2004 and 2005. Having earned a B.B.A. in accounting and control from Florida International University, he will complete his associate degree in Construction Technology with one more course.


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Alonzo Adams

Alonzo L. Adams

Self-Employed Mechanic Adjunct Automotive Technology Faculty Cedar Valley
“I was eager to learn, and the Diesel program really excited me. The more I learned, the more I realize it’s not so hard. All of my instructors have been knowledgeable; any questions I had for them, they were pretty much able to answer everything. These are great courses if you want to work on diesel engines.”
Automotive, Automotive Technology, Automotive Technology - Diesel and Heavy Equipment
Rafael Merren

Rafael Merren

Owner/Operator Grump’s Rod Shop
“It’s great to have intelligent capabilities, but if you don’t have the skillsets to back them up, what’s the point of going out into the real world? If you have a practical skill, you can always put bread on the table.”
Auto Body Technology
Kathryn Jaeger

Kathryn Jaeger

Technician, Trophy Nissan of Mesquite
“People look at a car and open the hood and see all the hoses and connections, and maybe think, ‘I am never going to figure this out.' Then you learn the basic concepts, and it’s more simplistic than you would think.”
Automotive Technology
Doug Jochum

Doug Jochum

Art Teacher Skyline High School
“The students here are also attentive and helpful — I found out right away that there’s a group of them who have been here a while and who will chip in to help you do anything you don’t understand or help hold something you’re working on. I think that attitude is a reflection of the teaching here as well.”
Welding
Hugh Brooks
Hugh Brooks
President Think Green Builders LLC
Construction Technology
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated July 28, 2026