For Ricky Fraser, a 2003 graduate of Alliance High School, his passion for cars started early. In middle school, he took a program taught by Suzie Dennis, called “Red Hot Jobs.” The program opened Fraser’s eyes to all the potential career paths he could take related to cars that weren’t just becoming a mechanic. This experience led him to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.
Following his time at Alliance, Fraser attended the University of Toledo where he graduated in 2008 with a degree in mechanical engineering. While attending Toledo, he had the opportunity to take part in three co-operative programs with Honda of America Manufacturing in Marysville, OH. Following graduation, he accepted a position with Honda in East Liberty, OH.
In 2009, Fraser accepted a position at a new manufacturing plant in West Point, GA for Kia Georgia, Inc.- the only Kia manufacturing plant in the U.S. He began his career as an engineer in quality assurance and steadily advanced through the company as an engineer, assistant manager, manager, director and now vice president of quality. In his current position, he has ownership for the level of vehicle quality leaving the plant, including all supplied parts coming into the plant, body and paint quality, assembly quality, quality engineering and quality assurance.
Fraser credits his time at Alliance City Schools with preparing him for life after graduation. His experiences with dedicated teachers from kindergarten through high school left a lasting impact. Lori Gasparik was influential in his early years, and he recalls learning from Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Fife, Mrs. Pavlik, Mr. Hoops, Mrs. Barnes, Mr. Ballor, Mr. Carli, Mr. Morris, and Mrs. Dennis throughout his time in the district.
There are many lessons he still remembers and utilizes from learning financial literacy from Mr. Morris to Mr. Ballor telling his students: “Don’t follow the herd, stand apart from the herd” while teaching proper grammar. The guidance from teachers and the experiences he had at Alliance helped to prepare him for life after graduation.
As for current students, Fraser encourages them to focus on their passions rather than simply chasing a degree.
“I became an engineer because I wanted to work in the automotive industry, not the other way around,” Fraser explained. “A lot of students go to school to earn a degree or graduate, but going to school is really to give you the skills and experiences necessary to have a good career. I would tell current students to figure out first what they want to do in life and then use schooling as a tool to get them there.”
He would encourage current high school students not to chase the money or success, and instead chase happiness in order to be successful.
“Find something you love to do and do that to the best of your ability,” Fraser said. “In doing this, the passion and drive will come naturally and success will soon follow.”
Fraser emphasized how his family played a key role in helping him to succeed over the years. He would not be where he is without the unconditional support of his parents, Donna and Rich.
“Their sacrifices growing up for them to raise four successful kids within four years is truly remarkable,” Fraser said of his parents. “Both of my parents have worked in the Alliance City School system for 30-plus years, so they helped instill these strong work ethics and dedication.”
He also credits being the youngest of four siblings- Jen, Tiff and Jonny- for his competitive nature and dedication to succeeding.
Fraser’s greatest achievement, however, is not his career—it’s his family. He is incredibly grateful for the constant support of his wife, Valerie, and their two children.
“As a fun fact, and given my profession in the automotive industry, both my kids are named after vehicles,” Fraser explained. “I told my wife she could name our kids whatever she wanted as long as it had something to do with cars, so we settled on Novaleigh, Nova for short, and Maverick.”
Fraser’s journey is a shining example of how hard work, dedication and passion can lead to success. From a young student in Alliance to Vice President of Quality at Kia Georgia, his story is one of perseverance, ambition and staying true to what he loves.