From Network Engineer to Guitar Repair Business Owner: Andy Hopkins' Experience with Southeast Guitar Repair Academy

Student Spotlight: Andy Hopkins | Powhatan, Virginia

Andy Hopkins completed the Master's Course at Southeast Guitar Repair Academy and is the owner of Triple Creek Guitars, LLC.

Before enrolling, Andy spent his professional career as a Senior Network Engineer with Verizon Professional Services. After retiring from Verizon, he decided it was finally time to pursue one of his long-standing passions.

Why Andy Enrolled

When asked what made him decide to pursue guitar repair training, Andy shared:

"Retired from Verizon and wanted to finally be able to pursue one of my passions."

Concerns Before Getting Started

Like many prospective students, Andy wondered whether an online training format would provide the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

"Would the training format (video vs in-person) provide what I needed to be successful."

Despite that question, he was ready to move forward.

When asked what almost stopped him from enrolling, his answer was simple:

"Nothing, I was ready to move forward."

His Biggest Breakthrough

As Andy worked through the training modules, he focused on taking detailed notes and applying what he learned.

His biggest breakthrough came from seeing the results firsthand.

"Working through the modules, taking detailed notes and then seeing that I could perform the repairs successfully on my own guitars and bandmates with 100% success."

Launching Triple Creek Guitars

Since completing the training, Andy has launched his own guitar repair business.

"I opened my business Triple Creek Guitars, LLC in August of 2025 and have slowly but successfully built a client base performing mostly repairs and restoration work."

Today, Triple Creek Guitars serves customers with repair and restoration services while continuing to grow its client base.

How Guitar Repair Changed His Life

For Andy, guitar repair created an opportunity for a meaningful second chapter after retirement.

"It's enabled me to have a second act after retiring from a 31 year career. A second act that I greatly enjoy and look forward to each days work."

Advice for Future Students

Andy encourages prospective students to approach the training with commitment and dedication.

"You have to be all in to get the most out of the training. It's a financial investment and investment in yourself."

He also believes students should be ready to fully commit to the learning process.

"If you have doubts then perhaps wait until you are ready to commit to the process. But what I can say, is the process works!"

Would Andy Recommend Southeast Guitar Repair Academy?

His answer:

"100% I would."

Andy highlighted both the depth of the training and the business instruction included in the program.

"The training format is terrific. The amount of repairs covered in the Modules are honestly so numerous and comprehensive."

He also praised the teaching style throughout the course.

"Barrett really does a great job stepping you through each repair in such detail."

Andy found the business training especially valuable as he launched his own company.

"Mindy's Business module is also invaluable if you are looking to start up a business. I took notes and used it as a checklist when starting my own."

He also emphasized that success requires active participation and hands-on practice.

"This is not a program you can just skim through the training videos and collect your certificate. You MUST watch each video fully, take notes, review your notes, and actually perform the repairs on your own gear/friends/family to gain the hands on experience and confidence to perform the work for paying clients."

We appreciate Andy sharing his experience and are excited to see Triple Creek Guitars continue serving musicians in Powhatan, Virginia. Check out his shop here https://triplecreekguitars.com/