Milstead Automotive Welcomes New Service Manager

The Woodlands, TX - Joining the Milstead Automotive team, Service Manager Dave Eagan brings experience and knowledge. Eagan shared his hopes and thoughts about stepping into the position.

What is your experience in the auto repair world?
DAVE: I got into auto repair when I was pretty young, about 16. I went into the management side when I was pretty young also. I've been at a couple of different places, most were large, corporate companies, so I'm glad to be at an independent shop now.

What are you most excited for at Milstead Automotive?
DAVE: The family name. I'm excited that it's a local company and the legacy that the Milstead name has. I like family businesses; I've worked in corporate America, and I'm tired of that. I can tell since I've been here that this company cares about its people and the customers. I try to use local businesses rather than chains because, to me, we’re supporting each other, and I think that’s important. You can count on the family-owned and operated businesses more than you can the big corporates because, with local businesses, their name is everything. I’m proud to represent them. I like to be involved in my community; it’s neighbors and friends.

What's something that stands out to you about our service department?
DAVE: We have all the newest technology. That's one thing that I've seen since I've been here. We have all the latest tests. If there's a certain scanner we need, we have it.

How can you help customers?
DAVE: Maintenance is so important for vehicles, especially newer cars. In the past, you could have skipped an oil change but with newer models, you really can’t skip out on maintenance. We can save our customers money by educating them on this. If they know what they need to get done to keep up with their cars, it’ll save them time and money on repairs down the road. It’s also safer. Somethings can leave people on the side of the road. I have five daughters, and I’ve tried to teach them about car maintenance. I’ve always told them to turn down the radio and just listen to the car, just for 10 or 15 minutes while they’re driving. It pays to just listen, and customers can do the same. That’s what I want to help our customers with, just better understanding their vehicles so when it comes down to it, they can catch problems faster. That’ll help us help them save money and keep them safer.

We do car care clinics to educate people on their vehicles. What would you think about doing some of those?
DAVE: The car care clinics are a great idea; I’ve done events like that in the past. It’s all about educating the customer so they know how to take care of their vehicle. Just last week, my wife and I stopped to help a young couple whose tire blew out and neither one of them knew how to change the tire. They were on the side of the road, and they had a baby. I think everyone needs to know how to change a tire and check the fluids under the hood. A lot of cars now make it easier to check these things. They have clear containers that you can visually see everything. It’s all about seeing there is a problem and bringing it in before you get stuck on the side of the road.

What do you think about the team you've been working with?
DAVE: It’s a huge team. I had to write names down. I’m bad with names and I bet you there are tons of people that I haven’t even meet yet. It’s going to take a while to get to know everyone but you know what I’ve noticed is that everyone seems to get along well. They help each other out. I'm learning the new computer program, and everyone has been really helpful. Everyone does seem like they have genuine care. I’ve noticed in the corporate world, sometimes you don’t get that. They just process their people; employees and customers. And I’m glad that’s not happening here.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell the customers or employees?
DAVE: I’m thankful for the help from the employees, and I’m glad to be part of the team. I’m excited to help grow the business and help our customers with their vehicles. And, also just spreading the word.

About Milstead Group
Milstead Group owns Milstead Automotive, Milstead Transmission, Milstead Fleet Services, Milstead RV Repair, Milstead Towing and Milstead Collision.

Milstead Automotive is a family-owned and operated, full service automotive & collision repair facility servicing the areas of Montgomery and Harris County. The company was founded in 1971 by Dick Milstead where he offered customers honest, quality auto repair from his 2-car garage. Since that time, the business has grown into a 29-bay facility where customers can be assured that Milstead’s updated technology fits today's smarter vehicles whether foreign or domestic, large or small.

Milstead also has the largest fleet of towing and recovery vehicles in Montgomery County and has updated GPS dispatching 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Milstead Automotive offers a variety of Fleet services to keep those vehicles moving. The wide range of services span from Pick Up & Delivery, Computerized Fleet Management, and Scheduled Preventative Maintenance to Hydraulic Service/Repairs, Jump Starts Maintenance & Priority Scheduling Mechanical Repairs and 24-Hour Dispatch . . . and a whole lot more.

If a truck is stuck on the side of the road, the Milstead Automotive Mobile Fleet Services department has ASE certified technicians ready and waiting for the call. The fleet of vehicles is equipped with Truck-Mounted Compressors, Generators, Welder, Jump Start Ports. Fully Functioning Vise, Oil Dispensing/Retrieval System, Power Inverter, Tire Repair/Replacement Tools, Latest Diagnostic Tools/Software, Pneumatic Air Tools, Traffic Control Lighting, Hydraulic Hoses that are Custom Made, Common Repair Parts Stocked, ASE Certified Technician/Advisors, and CDL Drivers.

Dick Milstead’s legacy continues as his daughter, Amy Milstead, and youngest son, Rick Milstead, work diligently to keep “Milstead” at the forefront of the automotive industry. Amy Milstead's achievements include Leadership Montgomery County 2003, Past Chairman of the Board for Texas Towing & Storing Association (TTSA); Vice-Chair, Texas Department of License Regulations; Towing & Storage Advisory Board and served as Chairman of the Board for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2013-2014 term.

Milstead Automotive earned Best of the Woodlands, Best Car Repair 2018 and Best Collision Repair 2018 and is a member of ATRA. Milstead Automotive is also a Bosch Authorized Center and a AAA Approved Repair Facility with an A+ BBB rating. Milstead Automotive and Collision technicians are ASE and I-CAR certified and receive continued education to stay up to date with technology to ensure proper repairs.

For more information visit www.milsteadautomotive.com or www.milsteadcollision.com or follow us on Facebook @milsteadautomotive or Instagram @milstead_automotive.