The highly-present Dave's background consists of automotive training through the College of Alameda Technical Program and over 30 years of providing professional service to satisfied customers. D&H's technical staff is comprised of RJ Milnes shop foreman, an ASE Master Certified Technician, Smog Technician and –Matt Danko, ASE Certified Technician and Smog Technician- Joseph Garcia, Alignment/U nder car Service Specialist and, ASE Certified Technician/Smog Technician and Alfonso J. Jimenez.
D&H Enterprises has a courteous and helpful office staff consisting of the Service consultant, Brian Gillen, Mario Alvarez, Courtesy Shuttle Driver and Mary Kemnitz, Co-owner of the company who handles all the administrative functions.
Dave began his automotive career during his high school years, repairing race cars at the track. After completing a stint in the Navy, he entered the College of Alameda and obtained a degree in automotive technology. The first few years of his career were spent working at Oakland Nissan Volvo and then a few years at Lehmers of Concord and Michael Stead Motors of Walnut Creek. As Dave says; “working for dealerships taught me all the wrong ways to do business”. In 1995 Dave began his business in the garage of a tow truck company. Many of his customers found their way back to him and business flourished. When Joe’s Service Center on Monument Boulevard became available Dave seized the opportunity and has been living his dream ever since. Free time is spent with family either on the Delta or in Lassen, enjoying the mountains. During the past year Dave has joined the Clayton-Concord Rotary which is fast becoming one of his greatest passions.
Mary spent many years in the health care field prior to coming to work with Dave in 1999. Perhaps that is why customer service is a number one priority at D&H. Mary laughs as she states; “I still will occasionally forget and refer to my customers as patients”. Under Dave’s guidance, Mary soon learned the anatomy of a car and began assisting Dave with service writing in addition to handling all of the administrative and accounting aspects of D&H. Active involvement with the Automotive Service Council of California and a local chapter of BNI keep Mary busy as well as spending time with her family which includes three teenage grandchildren and a very demanding golden retriever. “Working with Dave to establish D&H has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Health care will always be my first love but I have never regretted my career change”.
RJ Milnes, Shop Foreman
RJ came to us four years ago with the skill set of an apprentice technician. Today he is a Master Certified Technician, Advanced Emission Specialist, Smog Technician, Brake and Lamp Certified and probably one of the best Diagnosticians in the area. Watching RJ develop his craft through the last four years has been one of the most satisfying experiences we have had as shop owners. RJ manages our business as if it were his own.
I began my career in a small two bay shop in Antioch, CA. I knew the basics of cars but not much else, although I had worked on my friends and neighbors cars doing maintenance items, leak repairs and other things just because it was fun and to get more experience. I grew up around cars my whole life. My father was a technician for years and I can remember him letting me tear apart old carburetors for fun. I loved working on small engines, lawn mowers, mini bikes, dirt bikes, etc. I eventually removed and replaced my first engine when I was 13 years old. I worked in Antioch as an apprentice for about two years until the shop had to close. I worked at a Rite Aid for a short time until I found another technician job in Walnut Creek. The environment there was not friendly and I wanted to improve and further grow my Automotive skills. So I moved to a mom and pop shop where I stayed for five years. While I worked there I was answering phones, helping customers and working on cars, all at the same time. I heard about a job with D&H, where the environment was very friendly, and they took care of the people that worked for them, as well as the people they worked with. I quickly jumped at the opportunity, as it was very hard for me to continue what I was doing there. I have been with Dave and Mary ever since. I have obtained my Master Automotive Certification here and happy to be the Shop Foreman. The atmosphere is great. Dave and Mary are great to their employees and know how to treat their customers. They feel like Mom and Dad at times.
I chose Automotive because it is in my blood and it is what I like to do. As the years go by the vehicles get more complex and the challenge is what I love. I like the type of challenge that looks to be unbeatable.
When I am home I love to still work on my dirt bike and motorcycle I even like working on my yard equipment when they break down. I love to go camping with family and friends. I have been married to my beautiful wife Katie for 3 years and one day hope to start a family to pass my knowledge of automotive down to. I love what I do and I don\'t think that will ever change.
Joe Garcia, Undercar Expert, Automotive Technician
Joe came to us from Carco Collision Center 5 years ago. He is the engine that drives our undercar business. Joe is legendary for his undercar expertise. We feel extremely lucky to have him as an employee.
I began my career in 1986 at Big O Tires in Lafayette. I worked there 2 years as a tire installer and the next 6 years as head mechanic. I got my undercar education at that shop. I then moved on to Midas for a short time and then to Carco Collision as their undercar specialist until they closed.
I chose automotive because my Grandfather was a Mechanic. I loved watching him work on his vehicles and soon began helping him when I could. I loved building models as a kid and couldn’t get enough of taking things apart and putting them back together. I always knew that I wanted to become a Mechanic like my Grandfather as working with my hands came so naturally to me.
I like working at D&H because it feels like family here. Dave and Mary support me so I support them too. I feel like part of the family here.
During my off time I enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife Christine and my Mom and Dad. We love to vacation together. We enjoy barbeques, bike and motorcycle riding and our two cats; Chi-Chi and Junior. They are our adopted children. Lake Tahoe and Hawaii two of our favorite vacation spots.
I started working on cars at the age of 15,it all started with a 1987 Pontiac Trans Am that my parents bought me for $900.It needed a lot of work,but to me it was fun returning the car to its original condition.Unfortunately I did not have a drivers license to drive,so i sold it for a good profit.Now i saw how my hobby can make me money,so i decided to make this a career.
At the beginning of Senior year of High School i committed to Wyotech in Fremont California.In 2006 i graduated with a Degree in Associate in Occupational Studies in Automotive Technology .Also Obtained my State of California Smog licence.
Mario Alvarez, Assistant Service Advisor, Shuttle Driver
Mario has been with us for the last 7 years. We like to refer to Mario as our “guy Friday” as he does it all. Mario is the oil that keeps the shop running smoothly behind the scenes. Mario’s native country is Costa Rica and we like to think of him as our “Costa Rican treasure”.
I began my career working in a warehouse in Concord in Shipping and Receiving. After the Company closed I found a job at Walnut Creek Toyota driving shuttle. It was a night shift and I really wanted days.
I found a job at D&H driving shuttle. My position soon evolved into everything or as I am known to mutter “everything, everything”!
I enjoy working in a car environment because I am always learning something new. This has especially helped me with working on my own personal vehicles.
I like working at D&H because everyone is extremely nice here and it feels like a family and good friends to me. I especially like hearing my name called a hundred time a day. During my time off I enjoy watching movies, going to soccer games, and spending time with my family.
Brian Gillen, Service Advisor
Brian came to us two years ago when the Sunvalley Goodyear repair facility closed. Brian has a long list of customers who have followed him to D&H from Sunvalley Goodyear. Customer service is his first priority and it shows! I began my automotive career working with my Father on cars at a very young age. When I entered High School I took classes and then again in College. My first real job in the automotive industry was at a Goodyear store working as a tire installer and lube technician.
I really enjoy working on cars and especially helping people understand the importance of maintaining their vehicles. I like working at D&H because it is a family, we’re honest and trustworthy, my fellow employees are great!
During free time Brian enjoys family life with his partner, Rosetta and his dog, Rex. Favorite activities include watching movies, camping, snowboarding and reading.
My passion for cars began at an early age. My very first car was a 1966 Mustang with a V8 and I loved the car to death! I put every dime I had in my pockets to make it run better and faster. This was my foot in the door for my automotive career. I would stay up late at night just to sit in it and marvel that this was my first car and how "sweet" of a ride it was, plotting ways to spend my paychecks before they were ever earned. Fortunately my passion turned career when I decided not to go to college, instead I enrolled in technical school. Unfortunately I sold my Mustang when I started school and the new owner wrapped it around a telephone pole! My eyes opened past muscle cars into computers and electrical systems and I soon dove into my education. I realized that that it is not all about being able to install parts into a car. It is actually about being able to diagnose complex electrical systems and computerized controls on modern cars. After my graduation from Wyotech in Fremont the door was wide open for me and I chose to work at dealerships to gain more experience and training with the latest technology. After getting a taste of how dealerships worked for a couple of years I was burned out on dealing with the politics of corporations and decided to go to work for the Independent repair shop. My eyes opened wider at the amount of different makes and models I saw on a daily basis.
I came to Dave and Mary hoping for a new beginning in my career with my background and training. They took me in as if I was one of their own family and I could tell this was finally where I belonged in the world. Working here with such great staff has brought much a feeling that I never experienced at any other shops or dealerships. It is truly a great experience to work with such knowledgeable technicians and to be treated with respect.
During my time off I enjoy spending it with my "little" family, which is my girlfriend Christina and our Siberian Husky named Skylar. Christina and I have been together for over three years and we just recently rescued Skylar, who we love so much and is such a bright part of our family. I also enjoy my hobbies of Nitro RC cars, playing my Playstation # and watching movies with my special girls.
Jack
Jackson Brown was born to April Star of Mower Kennels and Cuervo Gold of Gold Pine Osprey Kennels on January 23, 2005. Jack’s Dad is quite famous, having won #1 Golden Retriever All-Breed in 2003 and finishing his championship with 4 majors on his first birthday. Jack decided at a very young age that he would rather be a celebrity at D&H rather than travel the show circuit like his famous Dad.
Jack’s days at D&H are quite busy. Duties include;
Soothing anxious customers, greeting new customers, welcoming back long time customers, barking through the windows at dogs who dare to walk by, taking long naps on the cool concrete floor, playing with numerous toys in the toy basket, begging for a treat, shedding retriever hair onto the floor and rugs.
Jack’s off time is spent with Mom and Dad taking long hikes, jumping off the back of Mom and Dad\'s boat and swimming in the river and joy of all joys, happy trips to our place in the mountains where I can run and run! Most loved activities; chasing squirrels all around my backyard and when Mom and Dad allow it, bringing a tennis ball to the park.
I was born and raised in the Concord Area area have been here for a little over 40 years.I came back to the Concord area after a brief stay in the Orange County area and landed a position with Dave and Mary at D&H.
My experience in the automotive industry goes back to the mid 1980’s.I first started as a Lube Technician in 1986 at A1 Brake & Tire in Walnut Creek.The owner, Joe Rajeski, taught me how to do oil changes and then moved me onto installing tires.He saw the passion and ambition in me so he gave me my first start and I have never forgotten that.After a short time doing those services I wanted to expand my knowledge and I found a position as an alignment specialist with the Goodyear Tire Store in Walnut Creek.From there I learned all aspects of the auto repair business and was asked to join the Front Office while still in my late 20’s.A new challenge.I accepted this new challenge and have been working as an Advisor ever since.I have also attended extensive tire training for two major tire manufacturing companies.
At the turn of the century, I can’t believe I can actually say that, funny huh?I was asked by a good friend that was expanding his Automotive Collision Business to come join his team in the collision repair business.After working in the collision field for nearly 9 years, I returned back to the automotive repair field as we all have our passions.
During off hours I enjoy exploring our great area.I have two children that keep me busy with Boy and Girl Scout activities.They are both enrolled in our local CYC programs that they dearly love.Another one of my passions is cooking.I enjoy just trying new recipes and exploring new culinary activities
The AAA Warranty allows our customers to take advantage of a nationwide warranty at any AAA approved facility. Which means if your car needs repair in Florida, just look for an AAA approved shop.
Our ACDelco Warranty covers all ACDelco parts and products nationwide up to 12 months or 12,000 miles of the original repair date. Simply contact the toll free consumer assurance.
Our service is beyond compare. Our 12/12 Warranty guarantees that all parts and labor done at D&H Enterprises, is covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles whichever comes first!
