Family drives 40-plus years of service

The odds are, most people living in the South Montgomery County community have, at some point, needed the services of Milstead Automotive. Whether it be needing a tow for a stalled vehicle, a repair for an engine part, an oil change or just an inspection sticker, local residents have consistently turned to Milstead for more than 40 years.

What began as a two-bay auto repair shop in 1971 has since grown to more than 30 acres accommodating more than 30 bays and a full line of auto repair services. Although the company was established 42 years ago, Milstead Automotive really has its roots in Franklin.

That was where 8-year-old Dick Milstead first learned about automotive repair at his parents' farm home.

"My father has always been a mechanic since he was a young boy," said Amy Milstead, president of Milstead Automotive. "It's been his gift."

Amy was the only daughter of seven children. However, despite being the only girl, she took an early interest in the company business.

"My dad wasn't easy on us," she said. "I was pushing a broom in the shop. At 13 years old I was answering phones and dispatching tow trucks."

After taking over the day-to-day operations of the business, Amy looked to update the image of the common view of an auto repair shop, keep up to speed with modern advances in the automotive industry and become a leader in the community.

"I wanted Milstead to be different," she said. "I wanted us to be set aside from other auto shops."

Amy set about ensuring the facility was clean, from the repair bays to the spotless floors in the waiting room. In addition, automotive technicians undergo continuous training in advances in auto repair.

"Our technicians are constantly going to classes to upgrade their skills," she said. "What you got away with 10 years ago, you can't get away with now."

Although Milstead Automotive has become the go-to spot for auto repair in South County, Amy has worked to ensure the company is much more than just repairing and towing vehicles.

Each year, Milstead Automotive donates more than $15,000 to local charitable organizations. The company is a member of the Montgomery County Bar Owners Alliance and helped establish the "Last Call" program. Amy was also recently named chairwoman of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.

"We like to take pride in that we're not just a towing business," she said. "We don't want to just be there when people have an accident."

Services offered

• Transmission repair
• Oil changes
• Engine repair and preventative maintenance
• Radiator and cooling systems
• Diesel engine repair
• Steering, front end and suspension
• State inspections
• Air conditioning and heating
• Welding and fabrication
• Trailer and hydraulic repair
• Auto detailing

Milstead Automotive, 29707 W. Hawthorne Drive, Spring, 281-367-3535, www.milsteadautomotive.com