Some careers start with a plan. Others begin with a spark—an interest, a moment, a single class that sets something much bigger intomotion. For Daniel Macias, that moment happened while he was still in highschool, standing behind awelding torch for the first timein a Coalinga College dual enrollment course. He didn't know it then, but that experience would eventually lead him back to his family's roots in Coalinga, working alongside his father in a business built on skill, trust, and pride.
Today, Daniel is helping shape the future of Coalinga Body and Paint, a thriving auto shop run by his father, longtime Coalinga resident Adrian Macias. The shop may be new, but the Macias family's connection to the town runs deep. Adrian spent years working at Bement's Auto Body, Coalinga's former repair staple, before it closed following the passing of its owner. Though the Macias family now lives in Riverdale, Coalinga still felt like home, and when the opportunity came to fill a growing need in the community, Adrian returned and opened his shop in June 2023.
Daniel didn't immediately step into the business. First, he focused on his education. That spark from high school became something more during his time at Coalinga College. After enrolling full-time, he completed the Welding Technology program in nine months, diving into the technical skills and craftsmanship that would one day fuel his career.
"Welding was something I was always passionate about," Daniel said. "I wanted to learn how to make custom parts and do custom work. When I found out about Coalinga College's welding program, it just made sense."
He appreciated the college's small class sizes and family-like atmosphere, which helped him stay focused, supported, and grounded.
"Coalinga College felt like family," he said. "The classes were smaller, and the instructors took the time to help you. It made a big difference."
Under the guidance of Welding Instructor Larry Paredes, Daniel refined his skills and gained the confidence to take on real-world work.
"Daniel was always willing to put in the work and take feedback seriously," said Larry Paredes, Welding Technology Instructor at Coalinga College. "He had the drive not just to finish assignments but to master the skills truly. I'm proud to see him apply his knowledge to real world success."
After completing the welding program, Daniel expanded his skills further at Reedley College, studying machining. When he returned home, the timing felt right—his dad's shop was up and running, and Daniel was ready to apply his training to the real world.
At Coalinga Body and Paint, Daniel contributes welding and fabrication expertise, orders parts, fixes frames, and was recently certified to install automotive glass. His dad, a seasoned painter and repair expert, shows him the ropes on insurance and bodywork. Together, they're blending old-school experience with new-school skill—and businessis booming.
"The community has been great to us," Daniel said. "We're gaining people's trust, and it feels good to know we're helping. We strive to meet our customers' needs and make crashed cars look factory new."
The Macias family's connection to Coalinga College continues. Daniel's younger brother, Max, recently graduated from Riverdale High School in May and plans to enroll at Coalinga College full-time in Fall 2025.
"I encouraged my brother to enroll," Daniel said. "The program is hands-on, giving you the knowledge you need without being stressful. Larry's a great teacher and he’s supportive."
Although the Macias family resides in Riverdale, Coalinga remains close to their hearts—and at the center of their business.
"I want to stay close. I see a future here. I want to keep fabricating, making my own parts, and growing the business."
For Daniel Macias and his family, Coalinga isn't just where they work— it's where a spark turned into a skill, a skill turned into a dream, and a dream became a legacy.
"Coalinga is an awesome town. The people here are cool," Daniel said. "We're happy to be here."