Riverside Automotive – A Gem to Know About
By Cynthia Sommer
When the media wanted to present expert opinion on the impact of water damage on cars resulting from Milwaukee’s recent floods, some turned to the experts at Riverside Automotive Service and Part, Inc. located at 2750 N. Oakland Avenue. This fourth-generation, family-run business of 85+ years has earned an excellent reputation as a full-fledged automotive repair center for domestic and foreign cars.
Lawrence Tebo shifted his career during his law student days to start in the early 1920’s an automobile battery shop on North Avenue near the MilwaukeeRiver – Tebo Ignition Services. He kept many cars on the East side running in those early years of the automobile by charging batteries, supplying loaner batteries and doing general repairs. With the help of his son-in-law Roger Bilgo, the business developed into a full-service auto repair and parts supplier with a need to expand and move to the current location on Oakland Avenue in 1977. Roger’s sons Peter, Brad and Scott grew up in and took over the business and as teenagers knew more about car mechanics than many professionals. While Scott left the business in 2001, you will see owners Brad and Peter running the business along with Brad’s son Christian and Peter’s son Brian. Their hours are M-F 8-5 pm with pick up and delivery service as well as shuttle service to downtown
Many in the neighborhood have had their cars repaired over the years by this family owned business and return because of their reputation of being honest, reliable, professional and excellent at diagnosing the problem. The work experience of their factory trained and certified staff using state of the art diagnostic equipment result in good service. The technicians have a combined work experience of more than 100 years. Customer rating services, such as Angie’s List, have repeatedly given them an ”A” rating along with special service awards. Customer comments define their reputation – “won’t fix something unless it is broken”; “place is immaculate and cleaner than most homes”; “extremely professional and easy to talk with”. They are professionally recognized as an AAA approved facility for mechanical repairs and are a General Motors authorized Delco-Tech service center. MHNA appreciates that we have such a quality auto repair and parts center in our neighborhood that can service the many types of domestic and foreign cars. May the business be among us for many more generations!