Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnie and Joel Compton.
Growing up on a farm in small town Kansas, Donnie helped out at his Father’s automotive shop, Compton Garage, which first sparked his interest in the automotive industry. From a young age, with professional tools in short supply, Donnie learned not only to fix cars but to fabricate tools and parts to repair vehicles. He graduated Flint Hills Technical College before moving to Dallas to start his career as a technician. In 1978 Donnie married Mary Compton and the two later had 3 children. Throughout his career his passion for automotive can be seen both personally and professionally. Donnie hold records for drag racing motorcycles, has helped to build a race car that races the Bonneville salt flats every year and has even undertaken building a go cart or two for the grandkids.
Being raised in an automotive family, Joel’s passion for cars started young, spending weekends helping his dad work on cars in their garage and learning to ride motorcycles. After graduating Skyline’s automotive program he went on to get his degree in automotive from Brookhaven College in 2007. Spending time honing his skills led him to specialize in transmission rebuilds and repair, he focused on continuing education to become a certified master mechanic at the age of 21. Outside of his dedication to his business he loves spending time with his family and going on motorcycle trips with his dad. Often spending time restoring vintage motorcycles, they are currently building bikes to go on a 650 mile ride around lake Eerie.
In 2008, the opportunity presented itself to take over Tommy White Automotive as their own business, the shop Donnie had been working at for 8 years. Joel was working at a GM dealership at the time and the two decided to take the plunge into the ownership world allowing them to create a family owned business they could take pride in.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Switching from a technician role to an owner/management roll came with its own challenges. Having spent his career focused on continuing education and acquiring more technical knowledge rather than in management switching roles was an adjustment for Donnie. His background did however, bring a desire to always improve and keep up with all of the latest technology for both himself and his employees insured by providing regular continuing education to their entire staff. For Joel, working for a dealership meant working on one brand of vehicle but having an independent shop requires you to be knowledgeable about all vehicles. A focus on always learning allows them to work on a wide array of makes, models, and issues from simply an oil change to rebuilding transmissions.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Compton Automotive – what should we know?
Compton Automotive can handle any and all repairs and scheduled maintenance. Primarily they focus on domestic vehicles and Asian imports. Specializing in transmission repair they can tackle large projects down to alignments. They are able to diagnose tricky problems, even intermittent issues that other shops have been stumped by. Known for doing quality work, being honest and fair with their customers and standing behind their work they take pride in their precision and attention to detail. Taking the time not only to do the repair but to make sure it is done well. They have very competitive pricing within the industry but with that personal touch you get from a small family owned business that has been serving its community for almost 10 years.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
A focus on education allows them to always be up on systems and able to diagnose complicated issues. A long list of certifications include ASE certifications as a Master Automobile Technician, Advanced Level Specialist, Under Car Specialist, and in recent years’ Service Adviser. Donnie was even awarded ASE Automotive Steering and Suspension Technician of the Year in 2005.
Outside of the technical portion of the business the passion for cars, for how things work and for being a positive force in their community has led to success. Being so entrenched in the neighborhood as residence for almost 30 years, being active in their local church and being dedicated to their family, and friends is often seen as the driving force behind their business.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10333 Garland Rd
Dallas, TX 75218 - Website: www.comptonautomotive.com
- Phone: 214 321 2617
- Email: info@comptonautomotive.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comptonautomotive/
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