Growing up in Galesburg, Brandon O’Reilly found his passion for automobiles in an unexpected place—video games and movies.

“I used to play ‘Need for Speed’ and watched a lot of movies dealing with cars, like the ‘Fast and Furious’ saga,” O’Reilly recalls. “That introduced me and got my love for it started.”

His early fascination, combined with a natural talent for working with his hands—honed through countless hours of building with Lego sets—laid the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career path.

While attending Galesburg High School (GHS), O’Reilly began exploring automotive technology through a mechanical power class that introduced him to small engines. In his junior year, he seized an opportunity that would accelerate his career journey: dual-credit courses through Carl Sandburg College.

“They offered two semesters, and each semester they gave us two classes,” O’Reilly explains. This substantial head start allowed him to take the same introductory courses as Sandburg freshmen while still in high school.

After graduating from GHS in 2022, O’Reilly smoothly transitioned to full-time study at Sandburg. Having grown up in the Galesburg school system, he qualified for the Galesburg Promise scholarship, which covered his tuition costs—a financial boost that made his educational journey more accessible. O’Reilly found Sandburg’s environment particularly supportive.

“Generally, the people you meet, even if you are just getting to know them, everyone helps,” O’Reilly said. “The instructors are always there, ready to help the students. They’ll bend over backwards for you, always helping you. They just want to help you achieve so you can learn, and go out and do what you want to do.”

Initially, O’Reilly had considered specializing in diesel mechanics. However, the flexibility of Sandburg’s automotive technology program allowed him to pivot his focus while still building transferable skills.

“I was able to go to Sandburg, and with that mind shift, I was able to just slip right into it,” O’Reilly said. “Getting in through their auto program still sets you up because the basics in automotive are just used in a smaller application compared to diesel. I can always branch out.”

O’Reilly’s education at Sandburg quickly paid dividends. After his first year, he received a job offer from Yemm Automotive in Galesburg—an opportunity too good to pass up. He earned his certificate in May 2023 and has been thriving in his role ever since.