In Middletown, New York, Dail Transmission & Total Car Care is more than an auto repair shop—it’s a family-owned, woman-operated haven of trust and compassion. Since 1999, led by the remarkable Isabel Nolasco, this shop has blended technical expertise with a heartfelt commitment to customers and community. From her journey as an immigrant to a skilled owner and technician, Isabel’s story inspires, and her team’s dedication creates a family-like atmosphere that sets the shop apart.
From immigrant dreams to shop owner
Named after her four children — Destiny, Allan, Isabella, and Lucciano —Isabel’s path to owning Dail Transmission & Total Car Care is one of resilience. Arriving from the Dominican Republic in 1993, she shares, “I didn’t know English. I started learning in school, going into college.” With a psychology degree, she found her passion in the auto industry, starting as a secretary at 16 in a Brooklyn shop. When the owner retired, she seized the opportunity: “He chose two people, and we bought him out. It took me almost five years to pay him back… paying him weekly. This is my own company,” she says proudly. “It’s not a franchise.”
Five years ago, Isabel relocated to Middletown for her family, particularly her son with autism, seeking a calmer life. “We needed more space… In the city, it’s too much. Over here, it’s different,” she explains. Initially concerned about the slower pace—“Did I make a mistake? This is too slow”—she was warmly welcomed by the community. “Now, I don’t even know where to park cars, because I have so many clientele… God is great,” she says with a humble smile.
Leading with strength in a male-dominated field
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Isabel faces unique challenges but leads with unwavering dedication. “It’s not an industry for women,” she admits. “Sometimes I get this phone call, ‘I want to speak with a mechanic.’ But when I speak mechanical language… they’re like, ‘Okay, there is a woman helping me.’” Her hands-on approach defines her leadership: “If it’s not too busy, I work in the back with the technician. But when it’s busy, I run the shop.” Managing a team of 11, mostly men, she earns respect through consistency. “I’m here every day, the first one to receive them… You have to be consistent,” she emphasizes. Many of her employees have been with her for years, some even following her from Brooklyn to Middletown, though one had to return to the city due to family needs.
A family-like team serving with care
Isabel’s team is the backbone of Dail Transmission, creating a family-like atmosphere that customers feel. “We spend more time together than with our own family,” she says of her employees. “We try to treat them as family… That customer is gold. We treat their vehicle as if it is our own.” Her team’s loyalty and skill shine through, with one customer noting, “The mechanic that worked on my truck was very skilled… paid attention to detail.” Isabel fosters a culture of respect and professionalism, ensuring her employees treat every car with care. “You clean it up, put all the covers together the way they’re supposed to be,” she instructs, emphasizing the trust customers place in them.
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Transparency and compassion for customers
Isabel’s commitment to transparency sets her shop apart, especially for female customers. “Transparency is very important,” she says. “We show them, ‘This is what I did to your car. This is how I disassembled it.’ They see the old part, take it with them.” She invites clients to the shop floor, saying, “Come down, let’s see it together… I give them the maintenance interval, what’s safety, what can wait.” For those facing financial challenges, she offers, “If it’s not safety, you have some time. We also offer financing for every family’s needs.”
A poignant moment highlights her empathy. When a regular customer was upset over a delayed part, Isabel lent her own car, living just five minutes away. Later, the customer revealed, “I take my brother for dialysis and chemotherapy.” Isabel reflects, “I put myself in her shoes… You don’t know what that customer has to do. A car is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.” This drives her to treat every client with understanding and respect.
Strengthening the Middletown community
Isabel’s impact extends beyond repairs. She supports local youth through summer work programs, saying, “We have high school children, 16, 17, 18… They come after school, clean cars, move them. One was so good, we hired him permanently.” By teaching teens skills and responsibility, she strengthens the community. “Instead of being home watching videos, they come to work,” she notes proudly.
Certified by ASE Blue Shield and RepairPal, the shop stays current with training every few months. “Being certified gives customers peace of mind,” Isabel explains. Using high-quality parts and offering warranties from three years to lifetime, she ensures trust. Discounts for seniors and students, plus flexible financing, make her services accessible. “You come here for a service, I provide a warranty… You get treated fairly,” she promises.
A vision rooted in heart
Looking ahead, Isabel dreams of growing Dail Transmission & Total Car Care. “I want to make this a franchise… maybe two more shops to help everybody,” she shares. For now, she’s dedicated to serving Middletown with honesty and heart. As one customer raved, “The owner personally walked me back to see what was going on… Such a kind, trustworthy, and humble person. Very rare nowadays.”
Visit Dail Transmission and Total Car Care at 503 NY-17M #3, Middletown, NY, open Monday through Saturday. Experience Isabel’s warmth, her team’s expertise, and a shop where every car—and every customer—is treated like family. “I love what I do,” Isabel says. “It’s like being a car doctor.”
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