South County Profile: Mike Hubert

MIKE HUBERT

Mike Hubert, Jr., started working for his father Mike Hubert, Sr., 29 years ago. Together, they work on cars in a body shop in Anderson. Before going to work for his father, Hubert, Jr., would tag along at his father's side while at work, looking at the many different jobs that were going on simultaneously throughout the summer.

Hubert, Jr., spent 23 of those 29 years painting cars. He is now working in the office and helping to manage the family business. Hubert, Jr., works on estimates with clients, insurance agencies, parts ordering and business management.

Hubert, Jr., also floats through the shop working on different jobs where help is needed, from body work to matching paint.

Hubert, Jr., enjoys working in the body repair industry for many reasons. He can fix his own truck when something is wrong with it. He also enjoys working on vehicles that are all different. Advertising for Mike's Body Shop is by word of mouth and by sponsorship of teams.

"Every car that comes in is different, from the manufacturer to the damage that has been done to the car. All cars are different. They are made to look good, not to work on," stated Hubert, Jr.

Hubert, Jr., also spends his Saturday nights working at Shasta Speedway as the race director, making all the calls from the booth.

He began racing at age 13. Until 1993 he drove sprint cars, but eventually gave up driving in races so that one of his sons could follow his own race car driving dream.

Hubert Jr. also coaches the midgets Junior Cubs for the Anderson Pop Warner team and has begun a program called "The Big Blue Dream" in which the older kids are having their helmets painted blue. He and two other coaches are running the "Big Blue Dream" program.

Hubert, Jr., is the current vice president of the Pop Warner club in Anderson.

He also coaches approximately 10 hours a week. The Pop Warner club is seeing a rebound in its numbers with the new programs in place.

When Hubert, Jr., has spare time, he enjoys spending it with his family, fishing, gardening, swimming and going to the races. Hubert is married to his wife Dusty.

They have three children, Michael III, Megan and Brian. Hubert, Jr., is a 1982 graduate of Anderson High School.

Name: Mike Hubert Jr.

Born where and when: Oakland 1963.

Occupation: Manager of Mike's Body Shop.

Marital status: Happily married to wife Dusty.

Family: My wife Dusty, son Michael Hubert III, 21, daughter Megan, 13, and son Brian, 10.

Pets: Three dogs.

My worst job: I never had a worst job.

My first job: Painting cars at Mike's Body Shop.

In my spare time I: Go fishing.

My favorite book: I honestly don't have time to read.

My favorite movie: Top Gun.

My favorite recording artist: Johnny Cash.

My dream car: A souped up '56 Chevy pickup, that is hot-rodded out.

My friends like me because: I am real, honest and willing to help them.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would want: My wife and family.

The one thing in life I've learned is: Life isn't easy.

The best advice my parents gave me: Always try your hardest.

My most embarrassing moment: When the race car fell off the trailer.

My most irrational act: My first marriage

My most valued material possession: My truck.

What I like best about the North State: That it is not overpopulated and the many lakes it has to fish.

My hero is: Dale Earnhardt.

My pet peeve is: Neighbors blowing their grass and leaves into the street.

My fantasy is: To be rich.

If I could change one thing about myself I would: Not let things bother me so much.

The one thing Shasta County needs most: More rain and to clear up the crime.

The most enjoyable thing about life is: Waking up early before everyone else and smelling the coffee.