Philadelphia, PA — For decades, Philadelphia business leader Max Paul, owner of Ardmore Toyota and Central City Toyota, has quietly but profoundly shaped the West Philadelphia community through philanthropy, mentorship, and investment in education. From supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia and The Enterprise Center to helping strengthen University City District and creating spaces like Max Paul Park, Paul’s legacy has always centered on one goal: building opportunity for others.
One of the most impactful examples of that commitment can be found just steps from Central City Toyota at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), where Paul and his dealerships have made significant philanthropic contributions over the years. Both Ardmore Toyota and Central City Toyota are recognized on the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation Honor Roll of Donors, reflecting their ongoing support of the college’s mission to expand access to education and career training.
Among the programs benefiting from this support is CCP’s Toyota T-TEN (Technician Training and Education Network) program — developed in partnership with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. — a nationally recognized workforce development initiative that prepares students for careers as highly skilled automotive technicians.
The Toyota T-TEN program combines classroom education with hands-on training and paid dealership internships, allowing students to work directly at Toyota and Lexus dealerships while completing their associate degree. This unique structure enables students to graduate with real-world experience, industry certifications, and a pathway to stable, well-paying careers in the automotive industry.
Students in the program learn to diagnose and repair modern Toyota vehicles using advanced tools and manufacturer-level training. In addition to their coursework, participants complete extensive hours working in dealership environments, often leading directly to full-time employment after graduation.
What makes CCP’s program especially unique is its deep connection to the local dealership community. According to Jamie Haberle, “the lead instructor for the program is a T-TEN graduate and a 20-year former employee of Central City Toyota,” underscoring the program’s full-circle impact and real-world relevance.
Haberle also noted that leadership from Ardmore Toyota and Central City Toyota — including Ardmore Toyota Fixed Operations Director, Josh Fletcher, Central City Toyota General Manager Jamie Haberle, Ardmore Shop Foreman Brian Dahlen, and Central City Shop Foreman Hugh Fiorentino — actively serve on the advisory board of automotive education at the college, helping ensure the curriculum remains aligned with the evolving needs of the industry.
For Max Paul, supporting the program is about more than philanthropy — it is about building a workforce and opening doors for young people in Philadelphia.
“Programs like Toyota T-TEN give students a real opportunity,” Paul said. “They can earn while they learn, graduate with real skills, and walk directly into careers that support themselves and their families. That’s the kind of investment that changes lives.”
Because Central City Toyota is located just blocks from the Community College of Philadelphia, the partnership between local dealerships and the T-TEN program represents a powerful example of how industry and education can work together to create meaningful career pathways.
The program also addresses a growing national shortage of automotive technicians by creating a pipeline of trained professionals ready to work in modern, technology-driven service departments.
For students in Philadelphia and surrounding communities, the impact is immediate:
a clear path from the classroom to a professional career.
Through his continued investment in CCP and the Toyota T-TEN program, Max Paul is helping ensure that the next generation of technicians, engineers, and automotive professionals has the tools they need to succeed.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve — from advanced diagnostics to hybrid and electric vehicles — programs like T-TEN, supported by community leaders like Max Paul, will remain critical to developing the skilled workforce of tomorrow.
About Max Paul
Max Paul is the owner of Ardmore Toyota and Central City Toyota, part of a family business serving the Philadelphia region for more than a century. A longtime advocate for community development, Paul has supported numerous organizations throughout West Philadelphia and beyond, including Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia, University City District, and the Community College of Philadelphia.
About the Toyota T-TEN Program at Community College of Philadelphia
The Toyota T-TEN program at the Community College of Philadelphia prepares students for careers servicing Toyota and Lexus vehicles through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory training, and paid dealership internships. Students graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree and industry certifications, positioning them for immediate employment within the automotive industry.
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