Girl in a Mechanics World

Ready for New Years!

In Girl in a Mechanics World by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Walking in on a Monday is already hard enough but seeing the schedule Friday night thinking it was going to be pretty constant made walking in a little easier. But as soon as I sat on my chair and looked at our schedule I saw we were going to be nothing close to consistent. We had customers back to back which is pretty good since it makes time go by fast. I’m assuming that everyone wanted to get their cars in tip top shape for the upcoming year. But there was no time to sit and watch the time go by. We had to keep it moving from phones ringing off the hook, to getting VIN numbers, building tickets, checking in and out, etc. the only down fall is that we were so busy it was hard to take a lunch break, but we always go each other’s back even if that means calling someone over from HomeTowne.

By 1 o’clock we were done for the day no longer taking costumers in and scheduling them for Tuesday. It was the fastest 8 hour shift I’ve worked. But customers aren’t the only ones getting ready for the New Year so, is everyone here at the shop from passing a test that just seemed impossible to pass to upgraded the side office, doing some deep cleaning in the waiting area, to making sure everyone is on point when it comes to courtesy check list. There is always time for improvement and how better to start off the New Year. But that also means I lost my girl time with Margo because she moved over to the next shop. Thankfully, it is in walking distance. So many changes but our bond is always the same.

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Girl in a Mechanic World: Steve’s Auto Repair Christmas tree

In Community Involvement, Girl in a Mechanics World, The Salvation Army by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

There is always Christmas spirit here at the shop. Even when we are in the month of July they play Holiday music. But now that we are in the month of December and only a week away it’s a bit more normal when I hear “It’s Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas”.

We even have our first ever Steve’s Auto Repair Christmas tree. The main reason for the Christmas tree was to make it become an Angel tree for The Salvation Army. It was so exciting when we actually started receiving gifts for the kids and for the kids that didn’t get picked ST (owner) and his wife went out and bought everything on the kid’s wish list so that no one was gift less. I even got in it. I picked a 3 year old boy because I always wanted a boy and I figured it was the closest I was ever going to get.

Steve's Auto Repair owner next to shuttle van.

So, on December 11th ST packed up all the presents in the shuttle van and delivered them. I can’t even imagine how excited the kids will be when they receive their gifts. Also we are getting a bunch of Christmas cards and everyone’s attitudes are completely different. We have had customers bring us all types of goodies. So I guess for my New Year’s resolution is to lose everything I’ve gained with these sweets.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Girl in a Mechanic World: Goodbye Heather the Honda

In Girl in a Mechanics World by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

(GUEST APPEARANCE)
As you already know being a “new girl in a mechanics world” is fun and interesting on a daily basis. Being an intern I only work a couple of days upstairs away from the pranks but I still enjoy every minute. I am usually in the office assisting Margo (Marketing Director for Steve’s and HomeTowne) with anything she needs help with. Since its only three girls here I feel we all have to kind of stand our ground. (Like Margo’s brilliant proposal for a pink wall in her new office.) Although I do not get to work with the guys, everyone is still very welcoming.

About a month into the job, I had to say goodbye to my first car, Heather the Honda. I was on my way to work when I hit traffic and my car started smoking. I finally made it, safe and flustered, then the guys made sure I was OK then went straight to the premiere customer service with my car. Turned out Heather had oil in the coolant system and would need a new engine.

Seeing as she was a 15 years old it was just time to say goodbye because driving her more would have been more hurt than charm. The guys told me the problems and offered me all my solutions. I ended up just selling her for scraps. I miss her dearly but from the mechanics to Steve himself they assured me and my family it would be best to say goodbye. Now I drive my moms BMW so I guess I can’t be too sad. (Best feature: heated steering wheel!) From the great service to the south park Christmas Carols working here has been fun. I enjoy feeling a part of the Steve’s family even though I’m the behind-the-scene girl.

 

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

Snow Day

In Girl in a Mechanics World by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

We finally got our first snow storm of the winter this past Tuesday. But, at Steve’s there is no such thing as a Snow Day! Monday night right before the snow started and we all went home ST (Owner) comes in with his Toyota with a plow attached to the front. Talk about being prepared. On top of that Gabe (manager) asked me to come in early Tuesday morning. This meant I would be driving in the beginning of the storm but, on the bright side it meant I would be going home early when everything was over. Plus it let me try out my new “all-wheel drive SantaFe”. TOO EXCITING!

So Tuesday I woke up got to work at 7am to open and it was cold, wet and dark three things that aren’t meant to be mixed together. Me, being the genius that I am decided to wear my Uggs since they are considered winter boots but I should have worn rain boots because, every time I walked outside to get a car’s information I could feel the slushy snow go through my boots and my socks would get wet and I could feel my toes curl up and freeze. The whole day was pretty much like that because, even though no one should be driving in those weather conditions everyone decided to get their cars fixed and looked at.

Snow Day

These guys see snow and get super excited 8 out of the 10 times I would step out of the office I got a snow ball beamed at me. As much as I love being treated as one of the guys sometimes I hoped they would see me as a girl and wouldn’t beam things at me. Because, those snow balls are no joke. I have war wounds on my arm, back and neck. There was Christmas music playing like as if it was Christmas day! These guys are crazy I say it all the time that I’m the only normal person that works here and if I’m right about that, that’s scary. But with the snow storm, the mood went from Christmas to “Ugh, it’s Tuesday” But thankfully, I got to go home.

 

Christmas Party

In Girl in a Mechanics World by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

After a four day weekend it’s always nice to hang out with everyone from work outside of work. This past Sunday everyone got back together at Bungalow Ale House for the Steve’s Auto Repair and HomeTowne Auto Repair Christmas party.

Everyone was there with their families. It was nice meeting everyone after hearing about them so much during work. The food was delicious. Layla, my 11 month old daughter, as soon as we got there; threw herself at Richard, the manager of HomeTowne. She’s normally terrified of men so I was happy she was in a good mood. But during the speeches she must have decided it was time for her to leave and she started to yell. Then, she met her new buddy, Nathan, the grandson of one of our managers and she was very happy.

It was so nice that they had a photographer come to take family photos of everyone. Layla LOVES the camera. Every kid got a gift afterwards and Layla loves the snail toy she got. But, I think she enjoyed the large candy cane more. Shortly after the speeches we finished up and it was time to go home and get ready for work Monday. It was a good time.