Instructor Mr Griffith

I was raised in Selma, CA. I currently reside in Fresno, CA.

I am married with two beautiful daughters. One graduated number one in the 1st graduating class of Sanger High West and is now attending New Jersey Institute of Technology. The other is in 8th grade.

I feel like I have been teaching my whole life. But, the reality is, I have been on the business side of it. I grew up in the family contracting business. I have pictures on the job before I was 5 years old with my parents and grandmother. Both my mom and her twin brother are retired teachers.

I am an A engineering contractor with a couple specialty licenses. I have over 40 years experience in the construction industry including but not limited to: steel and wood structures, electrical, plumbing, swimming pools, sprinkler systems, excavating and grading. Most of the work was redoing other peoples mistakes.

I spent a semester abroad. I lived with a family rather than in a dorm. Not only was this an incredible experience, I traveled every weekend, but the first I was there. Countries I have visited to date include, but are not limited to: Belgium, Canada, England, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Scotland, Switzerland, Tahiti, United States and Whales. 

In the United States I have visited many states. They include, but are not limited to Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.

When my father died at a young age, I decided to focus and then scale down the business. I was finishing my Masters in Business Administration at CSU Fresno. I switched to the wellness industry. I got involved with a couple leading global companies and built a global business – twice.   I ended up retiring from the contracting business.  During that time frame I also got left stranded returning from our honeymoon. That led me to start what ended up being a 24 hour a day 365 day a year business in luxury transportation. 

I personally handled almost all celebrity transportation that came to the Central Valley and got to participate in cool things like the TV show Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

I love old cars especially from the 1950's. I have built a few. Some have sold. One is featured in a movie. Others are still in the fleet.

My 1960 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II Stretch Limousine was featured in the Movie "Lord's of Dogtown" before it was even finished.

You might have seen my Custom 1950 Mercury at a car show. Here it is at West Coast Customs.

Spirit of America set the track record and won our First National Title in Pinewood Derby at the Mid America Derby in 2019.

The crowning achievement was not only winning both Big Rig and Big Rig B, but setting the track record (by a pretty large margin) in both classes. Repeat in 2022 (the final year of Mid America Derby). 

I have brought this type of event to the Central Valley. Schools have competitions for sports, spelling, science, math, and music; but there is no competition or challenge for young students who are good at woodworking an/or 3D design and printing.  The West Coast Grand Prix gives junior high and high school students taking  Career Technical Education(CTE)  classes a chance to compete. Learn more at http://www.TheWestCoastGrandPrix.com

This event was started to give high school and junior high school students taking CTE classes a chance to compete. Rafer Johnson Junior High School in Kingsburg hosted the first event. Abraham Lincoln Middle School in Selma participated. There were entries from several states.

In 2022 the West Coast Grand Prix went international. There were entries from Spain. This annual event grew again in size and scope in 2023 with the addition of classes and a demolition derby.  

Students competing for Junior High Top Shop and High School Top Shop at The West Coast Grand Prix want to learn more about tools and how they can be used. They can pass normal shop classes with basic knowledge. But, to be competitive in the West Coast Grand Prix they will have to study, pass additional safety tests, be creative, and stay on task to get their race vehicles done and race ready. Students must design and build their own race vehicle. They must build it at school. They will have access to shop as well as 3D printing and CNC equipment. As race day approaches, excitement will build, and students will want to perfect their vehicle. They will have a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.  No matter how their car finishes in the race, their build is the best trophy!

The competition not only motivates students to build something competitive; it challenges them to expand their knowledge in math, engineering, physics, drafting, design, sequencing, and creativity.

The West Coast Grand Prix has expanded and offers RACING FOR ALL AGES. There are different classes for different styles of competition. Be sure to check out the Rules tab. 

In recent years, as a result of my oldest daughters involvement with Robotics I built up a robotics club from 6 to 35 students and built the 2026 First California District Aerospace Valley Championship team with the aid of a mentor and parent boosters.