Eileen Steele Slezak, business manager and co-owner/president of Rick Steele’s Gulf Service on Newtown-Yardley Road, confirms the business has been in her family for three generations after being operated in 1970 by her parents, Rick and Patricia "Patsy," as proud Newtown natives.
Enthusiasm about all-things vehicular actually runs throughout this family. Eileen says her uncle and godfather, Dick Steele, owned the gas station across town at 19 North Sycamore St., which now is operated by her cousin, Dave Burns Jr., under the name of Burns Auto Repair.
From Eileen's office at 695 Newtown Yardley Road, she says the experienced and detail-oriented crew handles vehicle repairs, gas fill-ups, air-conditioning service, fixing brakes, electrical maintenance, lube services and alignments.
"Over the years, we went from a two-car to five-car garage. We intend to stay full-service, a bit old-school, with a full-time pump attendant. And, we want our customers to ask as many questions as needed to fully understand repairs," she adds.
Eileen's local roots also run deep, starting as a Council Rock High School graduate. She has a degree in small business management from Goldey-Beacom College. She served as a children’s religious education instructor at St. Andrew Catholic Church, and during 2000 co-founded locally-based The Shamrock Girls, which assists people in crisis and individuals fighting life-threatening health conditions, especially cancer.
In February, the Shamrock group celebrated their Silver Jubilee. "We're so grateful for everyone's faith and support all these years," Eileen states.
"I've had incredible people in my life," she continues. "On the business side, Jim Garner worked with our family since 1973. My brother, Richard Steele, has been instrumental for 30-plus years. And my sisters, as co-owners, Marlene Steele and Maryann Boccelli, have been wonderfully encouraging. We also have such a great and honest work team."
However, Eileen assures that much of her day-to-day motivation comes from her daughters. "They inspire me to do my best at being a strong woman. And we take life one mile at a time."
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