Even as Natick’s car repair scene undergoes changes, with longtime providers Boyd’s Auto Service and Neighborhood Wrench closing their shops in town, here’s one sign of continuity: Ex-Neighborhood Wrench shop manager Johnny Milch is sticking around.
He plans to open Milch Motors in March at the former Boyd’s operation at 78 North Main St. Boyd’s closed after a 15-year run at the end of 2020.
Milch, who was laid off from Neighborhood Wrench right around when the pandemic “got real,” says he will run the auto repair shop as well as the Mobil gas station at the site.
“I will be wearing all of the hats for a while, while I’m in my ramp-up period, with the plan to fill a full-time mechanic position down the road,” Milch says. The shop will initially specialize in Asian and domestic vehicles.
If Milch’s name sounds familiar, that’s not surprising. His parents moved to Natick in 1974 and he’s the youngest of eight kids.
“I’m proud to be able to open a shop in my hometown and to be able to serve my local community,” he says.
If you see Milch on the roads of Natick it might be in either an old Jeep or a new Toyota RAV4 that he calls a worry-free vehicle in which to transport his 1-year-old daughter. “I hope to give her the RAV4 when she’s old enough to drive,” he says.
(Really hoping our kids don’t read this…)
Don’t be surprised to hear tunes cranking at Milch Motors. Milch has been playing the drums for over 20 years in a number of bands and “it’s my opinion that the music played inside the shops I’m managing is very important… Having good music playing throughout the day is helpful to boost overall morale and to make the day go a little easier.”
Milch will begin occupying 78 North Main St., as February starts, so get ready to see—and hear—some changes there.
Got business news to share? Email us the details: natickreport@gmail.com
Subscribe to our Natick Report daily email
Do you offer full service fill up?