Generationally SpeakingJuly 2014
See what makes us different … and the same!
In this month’s Generationally Speaking department, meet Dick Milstead, founder and CEO of Milstead Automotive, and his daughter, Amy Milstead, president. Milstead Automotive is an ASA member-shop located in Spring, Texas, which is outside of Houston. Milstead Automotive hosts numerous community-wide events throughout the year, including free tire checks during Tire Safety Week, a blood drive, a “Lipsticks & Dipsticks” Car Care Clinic and a fall classic car show, to name a few. For more information about the facility, visit MilsteadAutomotive.com.
Dick Milstead, Matures/Traditionals
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
Be honest and always tell the truth.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
Moving my business from Houston to the Spring/Woodlands area where I have been for more than 40 years.
Drink of choice?
I enjoy sweet tea and also drink lots of water during the day.
How did you get into the automotive service business?
I first began repairing engines when I was 8 years old at our family farm and had my first official shop at age 10. I have always been interested in working on machinery and later in life worked on cars in the evening until the time I decided to open my shop.
Best vacation you’ve ever had?
I basically vacation every weekend at my ranch where I have exotic animals. I also enjoy “motorhoming” with my wife, exploring new destinations.
What do you drive?
2010 Black Suburban
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
I love going to the ranch and seeing my animals. I have many exotics that are my pets – they are not for hunting. I love seeing them enjoy the land.
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
Go to college. The world has changed and it is important for young people today to get an education.
What do you like most about your work?
I love seeing my employees make a living for their families and prospering. I love visiting with our customers, many of whom have been with us for 20 or 30 years.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
I wish I could get more done in a day.
Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?
You have to stay innovative and continue your education in car care technologies. You have to always be looking for additional ways you can take care of your customers.
Amy Milstead,
Generation X
What is one piece of advice your parents gave you that still sticks with you today?
Be honest and always tell the truth.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
To join our family business. I have never looked back!
Drink of choice?
I’m a southern girl so I love sweet tea on a hot day.
How did you get into the automotive service business?
I grew up in the family business working at the service counter and have worked in just about every area there is in our business. I left for a few years to attend school but decided to come back to the business. It was a very comfortable fit when I returned.
Best vacation you have ever been on?
Key West, Fla. It was most relaxing, and I “unplugged” from everything.
What do you drive?
2013 Red Lexus.
If you had a free weekend by yourself, what would you do?
Go shopping! It’s my favorite hobby. That or cooking.
What piece of advice would you give a young person who is graduating from high school today?
Listen to your heart, follow your passion and move in the direction of your dreams.
What do you like most about your work?
Helping people. It’s very refreshing to repair someone’s car and let them carry on with their day. Breaking down is never fun, so we try to go above and beyond for our customers to make them happy.
What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?
Get 48 hours worth of work done in a 24-hour time period!
Speaking on behalf of your generation, how do you see the future of the industry?
Well, it is for certain that automobiles will forever be a part of our future. But the repair work gets more complicated as technology grows. So I would say if they want to be in the service end of our business, they will need expert training for the future wave of cars and car repairs.
