Meet Our Team
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Welcome to Stephen’s Automotive, where our customers experience a friendly and welcoming environment. Conveniently located at 2382-A Lanier Road in Rockville, VA, we are known for both our amiable team and our reliability. We take on jobs that other shops won’t and face every challenge head-on to keep your vehicle running smoothly. With over 20 years of experience, we understand what it takes to repair your vehicle quickly, skillfully, and honestly.
Our commitment to excellence doesn’t end there. Our ASE-certified technicians prioritize safety with every job, treating our customers' cars as if they were our own. If we wouldn’t let our family ride in it, we certainly wouldn’t let yours.
If you're new to Stephen’s Automotive, give us a call today to discover why we’re Rockville’s top choice for automotive repair. Our team is ready to help get you back on the road. Our shop is conveniently located near Short Pump, offering a variety of shopping, dining, and activities while you wait. Feel free to visit us anytime to schedule your service in person. We look forward to meeting you – and your vehicle – because at Stephen’s Automotive, YOU matter!
Stephen H. Smith
Owner, Service 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 15th 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 26 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.
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 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.
Now, Josh is a licensed state inspector and has a certificate in Automotive from J. Sargent Reynolds with 10 years of experience at Stephen’s Automotive. Josh is also from Montpelier, Virginia.
When he gets time to himself he enjoys being outside, hunting, shooting, motorsports, and farming. He also enjoys maintaining and driving his vintage 71 Ford!
Luke Hippchen
Journeyman, Auto Technician
Luke joined Stephen’s in 2019 and has been working in the industry for six years. Luke’s love for cars began with his father, who he would work on cars with.
Luke has earned his Automotive Tech Certificate, while practicing as a licensed state inspector.
When Luke is not working he enjoys fishing and playing guitar.
Adam Saunders
Service Advisor
Adam joined our team here at Stephen’s Automotive in 2020 with a collective experience in the automotive industry of 42 years!
When Adam gets some free time he enjoys cooking, hunting and fishing.
Kye
General Manager
Kye brings 19 years of experience to our team. As a man of quality, he quickly became General Manager for National Tire & Battery from 2011 to 2017. He also played a key role in opening two ground-up Big-O Tire franchises.
He is VA state inspection certified, ASE certified, and a member of the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS). Kye enjoys riding motorcycles, gardening, and homesteading.
Jillian Smith
Accounting & Marketing
Jillian is a 2025 graduate of Randolph-Macon College, where she earned a BA in Sociology, Gender Studies, and Black Studies. At Stephen’s, she focuses on maintaining efficient accounting and marketing practices.
RENE CAMPOS
General Service Technician Aspiring A-Technician
Rene Campos is a technician who discovered his love for cars at a young age, often watching and helping family members fix their vehicles. That early interest led him to start his career at Jim’s Automotive, where he handled everything from oil changes and brake jobs to diagnosing electrical issues and repairing suspension systems.Wanting to sharpen his skills, he joined Hyundai as an Express Technician. There, he performed routine maintenance, conducted road tests, worked closely with service advisors, and ensured high-quality service.
Rene brings a strong work ethic, a natural problem-solving mindset, and fluent communication in both English and Spanish, which helps him connect with a diverse range of customers and teams. He holds certifications in ASE, OSHA Safety & Health, Google IT Support, and Fundamentals of Electricity. Outside the shop, Rene enjoys working on his own cars, spending time with family and friends, and exploring modern technology and computer systems.
