I am not in the automotive indusrty but my brother is. All i have to say is get your degree. You cant tell me that knowing what youll get out of school and the people youll meet, experiances you will have will not effect the outcome. you cant fucking run a show if you dont know how to run a business. your not going to learn how to run a business leaving school and learning about turning wrenches..... its that simple. running your own automotive shop will be complicated and involve alot of sweat. its a 24/7 thing. business in general doesnt stop when you leave the shop late at night.