When Kuzma Zubrii left his home country of Ukraine to attend college in Midland, Michigan, working at Garber wasn’t exactly his focus.
His focus was school and sports. Specifically? Tennis.
“I’m still in school at Northwood University—I’m a senior—and I’ve played tennis for Northwood’s team for three years now,” he explained. “I’m studying Automotive Management and Automotive Marketing, and an internship is required [as part of the degree requirements]. Garber was the first internship program I looked at.”
Sometimes, you get it right on the first try. Well, at least Kuzma did.
Since May 2025, Kuzma has interned at Garber Chevrolet Midland. And he’s loved every minute of it, from the work to the environment to the people.
“Everyone has been very welcoming,” he said. “I love it.”
A Chance Encounter
Unlike previous interns who had grown up in Michigan and were familiar with the Garber name, Kuzma was not.
“I learned about Garber by chance,” he said. “I was looking at some internship opportunities and got connected to Garber Chevrolet Midland through Northwood. I met Craig Lang, General Manager, and Scott Dondineau, General Sales Manager, through that, and went through the interview with them. They were super welcoming and super nice.”
As an intern, Kuzma has had the opportunity to see every aspect of the dealership, which is exactly what he wanted in an internship experience.
“I was looking for hands-on experience, sincere people and people who keep their word, just like Scott and Craig,” he said. “Everything they promised me turned out even better than they said, so I appreciate that.”
From Body Shop and Service to Used Cars and New Cars, Kuzma has received a firsthand look at every cog in the wheel that makes Garber Chevrolet Midland run.
“That’s what I love about this internship: I get a full understanding of how it works in the real world,” he said. “This whole internship is a lesson. It gives a very good insight into how things work. It’s better than sitting in a classroom. I shadowed every person in every department, saw their ups and downs and how they dealt with customers.”
People First
Aside from the hands-on experience, it is the people who have made Kuzma’s experience a stellar one.
“Everyone in every department is super welcoming and very experienced,” Kuzma said. “How they do things here at Garber is the best way to satisfy the customer’s needs.”
He was especially impressed by the dealership’s leadership and his 1:1 interactions with them.
“Scott and Craig’s leadership makes a huge difference. Every day, they come into work super energetic, super passionate, super courageous, and welcoming. You can see the enthusiasm in their eyes.”
Kuzma said Garber has something special.
“If my internship had been anywhere else, it would have been different,” he said. “The majority of what makes Garber great is how people treat each other, how they see business and how they communicate. Garber is different because of their attitude. Everyone cares about you here.”
A New Priority
While Kuzma is still undoubtedly focused on school and sports here in Michigan, he’s added a new interest—or rather, a career path and place—to his list of priorities.
“Automotive wasn’t my original dream, but as soon as I got to Northwood and started the internship at Garber, I realized it’s a great path.”
He has a clear plan for his future now.
“I want to continue working at Garber and grow with the company.”
Fast Five
Favorite food? Steak
First job? Tennis hitting partner
Favorite memory from Garber? Working with Tyler Lister, assistant sales manager
Three words to describe Garber’s culture? Energetic, enthusiastic, welcoming
A piece of advice for future interns? You will do better at Garber.
