Family Is #1 At Absolute Auto

If you are driving down the road and your car starts to make weird noises, do you know who you’re going to call? Do you have a shop that you trust?

A reliable auto shop is something that everyone needs to have saved on their cell phone. When there is an auto emergency, you want it diagnosed and repaired by someone you can trust.

Absolute Auto Repair has been going strong for 13 years because they work hard every day to earn their customers’ loyalty and trust. Their technicians have years of experience, skill and education. David and Melani Stephens are the owners of Absolute Auto Repair on Highway 109, right past Lebanon Road. They are a family business, with a passion to serve their community.

David was raised in Wilson County and always had an interest in auto repair. His dad taught him to change oil and brakes when he was very young. His parents saw his eagerness and natural talent and encouraged it. At Mt. Juliet High School, David took auto mechanics in VoTech. He then went on to graduate from an auto diesel college. He knew that he wanted to own a shop, so he started honing his craft. His jobs included Precision Tune, Cunningham Motors Dealership and Goodyear. The skills he learned and the friendships he developed at those companies helped mold him into the businessman he is today.

David and Melani opened Absolute Auto Repair on June 1, 2006. One of their goals when the business first opened was to bring on Dave Groshong. This is one goal that they accomplished early on.

“Dave is a family man, a good solid person” says Stephens. “He is full of honesty and kindness. Dave’s expertise, knowledge and ability to explain auto repair in layman terms is a blessing. You’ll find Dave at Absolute Auto Repair working beside us everyday.”

Their biggest obstacle that they have had to face has been growth. “We were prepared to bite the bullet while the snowball effect took place. We thought we’d have at least two years to learn to be good business owners. During our first year open, we had outgrown our original two bay shop. We sought council with other business owners who had made several wise decisions. We spoke with Tommy Halbert of Mincheys Landscaping, Hale Moss of Moss Florist and Dwight Belew of American Jewelry Co. They all told us the same thing, not to grow too fast. So we stayed put for our first five and a half years until we just couldn’t anymore. We moved our business to the corner of Highway 109 & Lebanon Road. Absolute Auto Repair resides at the intersection of Highway 109 & Lebanon Road next door to the Dollar Store. Our shop has many bays that we like to keep full, and an alignment machine that we use for all vehicles including Custom Vehicles,” added Stephens.

Absolute Auto Repair is truly a family business. Melani said that her favorite memory was with David.“I was at American Jewelry one Saturday afternoon when David walked in the door. He spoke with Dwight. He walked over to me, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. David had gone to pick up my wedding ring. I just happened to be there. It was the sweetest, least prepared proposal. David was excited to give me the ring that he had made for me. And I was just as excited to say, ‘yes’ and accept it. We started Pre-Marriage Counseling with our Pastor that following week.”

David and Melani have been married for over thirteen years. They had already been friends and her daughters had known him their entire lives. Melani says that she always admired him for his kindness and honesty. Along with David’s son they have three kids, two grandsons and two granddaughters. Their favorite thing to do is spend time with their family. They also enjoy hiking, white-water rafting and outdoor activities.

Some people might think that working with your spouse would be difficult but David tells a completely different story. “I thoroughly enjoy working with Melani. She is also my business partner. We built this business together before Mt. Juliet was what it is today. She had the business cards made and we literally went up and down Mt. Juliet Road. and Lebanon Road. We let everyone know that we were opening on June 1st and if they needed our services that we would be there for them. She’ll be the first voice you hear on the phone and the first smile you’ll see when you walk in the lobby. She loves the Lord, our family and this county. She sits on a lot of Boards, mainly holding the fundraising seat,” he added. “So, sometimes you’ll see a lot of goodie bags being prepared to give away. If there is a cause that you want to support, just ask her and she’ll get you the right person. Our daughters, Gracie and Braylan, also pitch in where it’s needed. It’s an honor to have a family business.”

Services offered at Absolute Auto Repair include: oil changes while you wait, brakes, alignments, diagnostics, tires, rotate and balance tires, local shuttle service, transmissions, wipers, air conditioning including the 1234YF or newer vehicles as well as R34 on older models, major and minor engine repair, maintenance, tune-ups, shocks, rotors, batteries including battery resets, airbags and commercial fleets. They also do charging systems, steering and suspension including ball joints, headlights and electrical. They do everything except paint and body work. They also offer 6 to 12 months interest free financing.

Absolute Auto Repair is a cut above due to their honesty and reliability of their work. They stand by their work with a 24 hour/24K mile warranty.

For more information about Absolute Auto Repair, call (615) 453-8500 or visit them at 3695 Highway 109 N, Lebanon, TN 37087.