About Our Team in Rockville, VA

About

Meet The Team!

Stephen H. Smith – Owner, Manager, Master Mechanic

Stephen started his career in 1990, working for Dave Cody and Associates doing fleet maintenance and repairs. He moved to Miles Auto Service in Richmond after realizing that being a mechanic is truly where he wanted to be. He moved from an apprentice to a Virginia State Inspector, ASE Master Technician, and MACs A/C 609 certification within his time at Miles’. In 2007, he stepped out on his own to open Stephen’s Automotive, LLC. Stephen has found shop ownership to be very exciting and rewarding with a few challenges sprinkled in. The shop has just celebrated its 10th year of operation and it continues to thrive and grow.

Stephen grew up right around the corner from his current shop location in Montpelier, Virginia. Ironically his nickname as a kid was “Crash,” as he was always running into things! He currently resides in Louisa County with his wife of 22 years and his three children. When Stephen has a moment, he enjoys hunting and hanging with his family at the bay. He also enjoys building fast cars and trucks, as well as visiting a good Civil War Museum.

Dave Penatzer – Shop Foreman

Dave has been with us the longest, joining Stephen’s Automotive, LLC in May 2010. Dave comes from a family of mechanics, and has over 40 years of automotive experience. He began with us as an Automotive Technician, but has recently been promoted to Shop Forman. He has his Virginia State Inspection License and ASE A/C 609 Certification. His experience and knowledge have been invaluable to our team, and has been a strong sounding board for many situations that have happened over the years.

Dave lives in Goochland with his wife and many fur babies. He enjoys spending time with family, hunting, deep sea fishing, photography, and cooking.

Tina lives in Montpelier with her husband. They have two daughters and two grandchildren. Yes, Tina is a Mimi (grandmother)! Who would have thought? Tina loves spending time with her family and also being on Ocracoke Island.

Teddy Gilpin – Automotive Technician

After being with Goodyear for 14 years, Teddy joined Stephen’s Automotive, LLC in April 2014. He brought a vast amount of experience and knowledge. Teddy joined us with his Virginia State Inspection License and continues to attend multiple training sessions to improve his skill set. He has been a great asset to us here at Stephen’s, and his experience has been very helpful in many situations.

If Teddy is not working, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and daughter. Teddy has a big heart for animals too, as he once raised a baby deer!

Josh Thompson – Automotive Technician

Josh started out with Stephen’s Automotive, LLC in July 2014 as a part-time shop cleaner. He swept floors and returned tools to their proper place. Today Josh is taking courses at J. Sargent Reynolds in Automotive Repairs and is currently in the middle of receiving his Virginia State Inspection License. We are very proud of Josh’s growth and development, we firmly believe he will turn into a great automotive technician.

Josh is also from Montpelier, Virginia. When he gets time to himself he enjoys being outside, hunting, shooting, motorsports, and farming.

Eric Welton – Automotive Technician

Eric, or “Ricky” as he is known here, has returned to us after a few years of pursuing other career options. He spent some time with Colonial Webb, Ditch Witch, and McGeorge RV. He since has decided that automotive service and repairs are where he wants to be. Eric holds certifications from ASE-NATEF on multiple automotive repairs, and we are excited to have him back with us!

Eric is from Hanover County and enjoys fishing, hunting, and running his dogs. Eric also gives of his time as a volunteer firefighter at the local Fire Company.

Julie Smith – Accounting, Marketing & Advertising, HR

Julie started with Stephen from the very beginning, supporting her husband in his endeavor to open a quality auto repair shop. For the first seven years of Stephen’s Automotive, LLC she was a silent partner and worked for Kinetic Concepts as an Account Executive. Through this experience, she learned sales, marketing, and overall business strategies. She began working in the office three years ago as a temporary fix, but has since then evolved as a valuable member of the team.

Julie lives with Stephen and their three children in Louisa County. When not at the shop, she upcycles furniture for her booth at a local antiques & consignment shop. She truly enjoys spending time with her family, the bay & beach, and reading. Whenever you see her, it’s likely that she’s planning the next event.