B & D General Repair open for business

New mechanic shop in Parker, South Dakota

By Dawn Rye, Writer, Parker New Era; Originally published October 17, 2019

Breakdowns can be frustrating for any vehicle owner trying to get from point A to point B.

Whether is be a Freightliner or Ford that’s broken, one local repair shop can meet your needs. B & D General Repair located on east 4th Street in Parker opened its doors for the local community to help with their automotive and heavy equipment needs.

Owner Dan Gray said he believed after being a mechanic for 17 years it was time to take a step and open up his own repair shop.

He explained B & D stands for Big and Dirty because he wanted to continue to work on excavators, backhoes, front-end loaders and cranes. Gray said he would serve the Parker community for their automotive needs too.

He said it all started while growing up on a farm working on different types of machinery. Gray explained at the age of 10 years old, he and his dad rebuilt his first engine.

He noted after high school, he attended Vantage Technical School for two years and was employed at Snider National in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he worked on tractors and trailers.

Gray explained he moved to Parker 14 years ago after he retired from the U.S. Army as an airborne ranger sniper. He said at that time, he met Brenda Smith along with her daughter Julieanna and Brittany, who joined the family about five years ago. He said he also has two children of his own, Natasha and Victor, that graduated from Parker.

He said the most challenging part about being a mechanic for the last 17 years is the different types of mechanical issues. He explained the best part for him though is helping customers with their automotive needs and putting a smile on their faces after the job is done.

Gray said his knowledge is more with 800-ton Liebherr cranes and heavier. The most challenging part about working on the cranes for him is the electrical and hydraulic systems, plus learning German to read the instruction manuals. Gray said he doesn’t speak German fluently, however, he does understand the language.

Gray noted when he is not working, he likes to hunt, fish and go camping.

B & D General Repair hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only. For more information call (605) 297-5234.

Featured image: B & D owner Dan Gray works on a vehicle at his business. Photo courtesy Dawn Rye, The New Era.