MENTORS’ MEASURE – Jude Louria’s Journey through Tools, Teaching, and Takeoff

As one of Bendix Academy’s most recent mentors, Jude Louria already embodies what Bendix Academy is all about: curiosity, craftsmanship, and the drive to build and understand how things work—from puzzle tables to airplanes.

Jude’s journey from flashlight-holding kid to flight instructor and dedicated mentor is a powerful reminder of what hands-on learning and mentorship can ignite.

“Every time we moved, the house had something different that needed fixing. I learned to rip up carpet, rebuild a deck, troubleshoot door frames—each house was like a new hands-on classroom.”

DIY Roots: A Childhood Built With Tools and Curiosity

Jude’s early education came from more than from textbooks—it came from tools, projects, and the kind of home where there was always something to explore through hands-on experiences.

Raised in a thrifty, do-it-yourself household, Jude learned early that problem-solving starts with your own two hands. “DIY wasn’t a trend for us,” he says. “It was a way of life.”

Like many Bendix mentors, Jude grew up learning alongside his dad, holding the flashlight during repairs, watching closely, and eventually picking up the tools himself. “My dad figured things out the hard way—from his dad, from coworkers, from trial and error. That rubbed off on me.” Their projects were big and small, sometimes tackling things like refinishing hardwood floors made from old bowling lanes, or fixing misaligned doors in a newly built home. Each move brought new repairs—and new opportunities to learn.

One of the most memorable early projects? A custom shoe rack. “We spent weeks sanding and shaping it,” Jude recalls. “It turned out beautifully—too perfectly, actually. It was so snug in its spot we had to leave it behind when we moved.” That experience taught him pride in craftsmanship, and the bittersweet truth that sometimes the best work isn’t portable.

Turning Wrenches and Turning Heads

By high school, Jude’s focus shifted to cars. He began collecting service manuals for the vehicles he dreamed of owning and immersed himself in the logic of automotive repair. Diagnosing mysterious engine symptoms—like overheating, loss of power, or not moving forward (cracked cylinder header and sticky transmission) in a beloved Jeep Wrangler became a favorite challenge. He got especially good at:

  • Diagnosing quirks in aging vehicles 
  • Using logic to walk through each repair step methodically
  • Saving money while building mechanical confidence

With growing confidence and mechanical insight, he designed and built a custom puzzle table—a project that married utility with clever design. Lightweight, resizable, and budget-friendly, the table uses friction-fit legs to stay sturdy and adaptable. “I puzzled it out,” he says, grinning. “That project was pure problem-solving—from concept to completion.”

One of the most important lessons Jude learned was beyond the subject material:  He was interested in what made the learning process work, too.

 

“I liked the process—step-by-step, you check this, then that, then the next thing. Eventually, you fix it. It’s like solving a riddle you can drive.”

Charting a Course Skyward

“There’s a beautiful overlap between teaching toolmanship and flight instruction,” Jude says.  “Both require clear thinking, patience, and the ability to explain complex things in simple ways.”

Jude’s mechanical mindset and love of systems eventually pointed him upward—into the world of aviation. He earned his private pilot license and became both a certified flight instructor and a CFII (Instructor of Certified Flight Instructors), with additional certification underway in Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics.

In fact, teaching has become one of the most rewarding aspects of his aviation journey. “Pilots have to break things down like they’re teaching a kindergartner,” he explains. “It’s not about making things basic—it’s about making them make sense.” That clarity is something he brings to his role as a Bendix mentor as well.

The Joy of Mentorship—and the Moment It Clicks

Whether in the cockpit or the workshop, Jude finds deep satisfaction in watching students have their “ah-ha” moments. 

“You can see it in their eyes. When something clicks, when they realize they can do it themselves—it’s incredible.”

He particularly enjoys mentoring students who come in a bit overconfident. “Those are the fun ones,” he laughs. “They think they know it all—until they realize they don’t. That moment of humility? That’s where the real growth starts.”

“Sometimes the most valuable lessons come when something goes wrong,” Jude adds. “That’s when confidence is built—when students figure out how to recover, reassess, and keep going.”

Above: Jude teaching essential toolmanship skills such as hammering and sawing

 

Learning to Mentor from How Others Mentor

Just as Jude guides others, he continues to learn from seasoned mentors around him.

Whether it’s professors in Eastern Michigan University’s Aviation Technology program or long-time pros at Home Depot, he pays close attention to not only the lessons being taught but also how people teach.

Jude pays close attention to the teaching styles of his professors to refine his own. “Each one had their own method—some very structured, some more relaxed—but I watched how they shaped lessons and guided people through the hard parts. That made me a better student and a better mentor.”

Recently, Jude took a short break from coursework to focus fully on this next chapter: entering the aviation industry as a professional instructor.

In doing so, he’s deepening both his technical expertise and his skills as a mentor.

“I learned so much from older mentors—guys who’ve done this for decades,” Jude says.

“Every project, every conversation adds to the toolkit I’ll use to build my own pole barn, hangar, maybe even a house someday.”

Bendix Spirit in Action

Jude’s story reflects everything Bendix Academy stands for:

  • Practical knowledge,
  • Creative thinking, and the
  • Transformative power of mentorship.

From flashlight-holding helper to certified pilot, from puzzling out a table to guiding students through their own problem-solving process, Jude is not just building things—he’s building capability and confidence, one student at a time.

“That’s the spirit of Bendix Academy, and I’m proud to be part of it!”

 

Mentors Matter! Make a Difference in Building the Future

Do you have toolmanship skills, and a desire to share them? At Bendix Academy, we believe hands-on toolmanship knowledge can change lives. As our program continues to grow, we’re seeking mentors who are passionate about restoring mechanical self-reliance in the next generation.

Whether you’re a seasoned tradesperson, engineer, dedicated DIYer, or simply someone who enjoys teaching and giving back, your experience can make a lasting impact. Our mentors guide students through real projects that build confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to solve problems with their own hands.

If you’re ready to make a difference—one tool, one lesson, one student at a time—we’d love to hear from you.

Interested in mentoring? We invite you to consider becoming a Bendix Academy Mentor!  Questions? Please contact us at toolmen@bendixacademy.org. 

 

Read more articles like this in the most recent edition of Toolman Tips, Bendix Academy's quarterly newsletter!

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