Ep 66: Compassion in Action

Podcast: Fostering Conversations Host: Amy Smith Guest: Dave, Owner of Dave’s Auto

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode, Amy sits down with Dave Bell from Dave’s Auto Center to discuss his incredible journey of giving back to the community through Utah Foster Care and other charitable initiatives. Dave shares the deeply personal story of his mother’s childhood in an orphanage, how that shaped his values, and why supporting foster families and children is so meaningful to him. From partnering with Mountain America Credit Union to organizing a massive community Christmas event, Dave’s passion for service shines through every story.

Key Topics Covered

• Dave’s Background: From starting his auto shop in a storage unit to building a successful business over 36 years.
• Personal Connection: How his mother’s experience as an orphan inspired his commitment to foster care.
• The Power of Service: Why giving back changes lives—both for those who receive and those who give.
• Community Christmas Event: Details about the annual Family Community Christmas in Farmington, serving thousands of families with food, clothing, toys, and holiday cheer.
• Encouragement for Listeners: Practical ways to get involved and make a lasting impact during the holiday season.

Memorable Quotes

• “Service is a dividend that pays double.” – Dave
• “Be careful what you fill your mind with—your life depends on it.” – Dave
• “One caring adult can make all the difference.” – Amy

Resources & Links

• Utah Foster Care: utahfostercare.org
• Family Community Christmas (Farmington, UT): December 20th at Farmington Fair Park
• Mountain America Credit Union: macu.com

Call to Action

Want to make this holiday season meaningful? Join the Family Community Christmas event or support foster families in your area. Your time and kindness can change lives.

Transcript:

Amy: Welcome to Fostering Conversations.

I’m your host, Amy Smith. Today we have Dave with Dave’s Auto,

Thank you so much for joining our podcast today. We’re excited to chat with you.

Dave: I’m happy to be here. Thank you.

Amy: So let’s start off by just introducing yourself, you know, what’s a little bit of your background and how did you get involved with Utah Foster Care?

Dave: my background is, I’ve been a mechanic my whole life since I was 15. So that’s 50 years now. And I started the business here in Utah in 1990. So we’re starting our 36th year this year. And started in a storage unit in the dead of winter with no heat. And Lord, I’ve been very blessed.

So that’s a little bit about me and where I came from and why I’ve gotta shop. Mountain American Credit Union came to me last year, a little before Christmas, and asked me to collaborate with them with Utah Foster Care. And I was so honored to do it, and they didn’t even know it.

They just came to me because they wanted a a working kind of guy to be part of their ad campaign and everything. And then through, meeting the people and you know, talking to Utah foster care and everything a story came up and that story is probably why this is so near and dear to me, but no one knew that.

But it’s unusual how people will get put in your life or you’ll get put in people’s lives and then it’s an answer to somebody’s prayer. You know, for me it’s an answer to my prayer ’cause I can give back. I’ve been so blessed in my life. And I hope that in some way that benefits Utah Foster care.

So there’s a story there, and I don’t know whether you want that

Amy: Yeah let’s just dive right in so that our listeners aren’t on the edge of their sheets like I am.

Dave: Okay I’ll try to get through this. I’ve yeah, it’s an emotional story.

okay. So my mother, God rest her soul. It was an orphan.

So I’m looking for a tissue and of course in the mechanic shop, I got a shop rag here. Okay. Not really. Alright okay, I got that outta the way. Okay. My dear sweet mother, God rest her soul was the one of the finest women I ever knew, but she was an orphan. Now. I don’t know this, and I’m wondering when , the