Most of us look to our dads or father figures for guidance throughout life. If you were lucky, your dad made sure you were handy with a wrench and socket set too. Many of our Team Members were raised by car guys who taught their kids to do regular vehicle maintenance while they were learning their times tables.
To celebrate Father's Day this year, we're taking a look at what our fathers or father figures taught us about cars. Visit our Facebook page for more Team Member profiles.
This is Steven Reeves. He's a Parts Pro at our store in Emporia, Virginia. Steve took a moment to tell us about his stepfather.
What kinds of vehicles did you work on with your stepfather?
We worked on all makes and models. A '73 Vega, '88 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, '85 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, and '87 Chevy Camaro RS.
'84 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
Can you share a life lesson he taught you?
I learned many things from my stepfather over the years, but I think one of the most important things I learned was that if you take care of your customers the right way every time, they will continue to take care of you through comeback work, referrals, and just plain old word-of-mouth advertising.
What did he teach you about cars?
Steven's stepfather, Donnie, in the '70s
My stepfather taught me a lot about cars. Over the years ever since I was a little boy, he always had me around the shop. He was an Auto Body Repair Specialist and was well known and highly regarded as one of the best from our area. He taught me all the ins and outs of auto body repair from pulling and filling dents, sanding, priming, fiberglass work, glass work, welding and painting. He taught me there were always two ways to fix a car: the cheap way and the right way. He always frowned upon the cheap way. Growing up I didn't always realize what I was being taught. It wasn't until later in life that I figured out that he was teaching me a whole lot more besides cars. He was teaching me responsibility, care, and desire. I always enjoyed working with him and learning new things.
He taught me there were always two ways to fix a car: the cheap way and the right way.
If you have kids, did you/will you teach them about cars?
I have four children: 2 daughters of my own and 2 stepsons. Their ages range from 10-17. I always try and teach them something about the cars we have, even if it’s just how to change the oil, check the tire pressure or how to add antifreeze. I think it’s important to try to instill some automotive skills in your children so that they understand the importance of taking care of a car.
Anything else you want to tell us about your stepfather?
Steven's stepfather, Donnie, in the mid-'90s
My stepfather was a better man than I ever realized. Only after he passed away in 2012 did I realize how good of a man and father he was. I took many things for granted when growing up. But after I was grown and matured I realized what he really stood for and that was Integrity and Family. I truly miss him more now than I ever thought possible and not a day goes by that I don't think about him or wish I could give him a call to ask him something.
