THE BEST TEAM IN VENTURA, CA

Since 1968, Dave Wilkes has worked in several positions, including brake and front-end mechanic, R&R technician, rebuilder, shop foreman and shop manager. In 1993, he purchased his current Ventura transmission repair shop and changed the name to Dave Wilkes Transmissions. He has seen the transmission industry change significantly from all 3-speed-rear wheel drive transmissions to highly complex front wheel all-computer-controlled transmissions of today. However, one thing that remains constant is Dave’s dedication to providing you with the best transmission service in Ventura, CA. For a complete history of Dave Wilkes, please see the article in Gears magazine

Wally began his career as a mechanic in 2000 and has extensive experience managing service departments as both a shop manager and service manager. He is active in his local church, where he also serves as a minister. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, children, and many grandchildren.

Dan has worked with Dave since 1988, which was his first Job after graduating from UTI in Arizona. He has worked at Dave Wilkes Transmission since the beginning in 1993. He has worked as an installer and rebuilder. He is also an expert when it comes to transmission rebuilding and is the primary diagnostic technician. And also steps in as backup shop manager and custoomer service. Dan ensures that all the fine details in your repair are taken care of, and he keeps our transmission repair shop running smoothly. He’s ASE certified in Automatic Trans/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train & Axles and Electrical/Electronics.

Since 1979, starting in a transmission shop as a manager and rebuilder, Cliff has been in the transmission repair industry, spending 17 years as tech advisor at Aamco and the ATRA, as well as publishing transmission manuals and presenting seminars. He also taught as an Transmission instructor at Oxnard Community College. He holds an ASE Master certification in all mechanical and electrical fields of automotive technology. Cliff is a proven expert in all types of domestic and import transmission repair, from classics to today’s high-tech computer controlled powertrains. Also an MCSE certified network administrator/computer expert, Cliff keeps the computer systems at our Ventura transmission repair shop running smoothly. Cliff joined our team in May of 2005.

Henry has been a transmission installation specialist since 1989 when he joined Dave Wilkes Transmissions. Henry is the most experienced transmission installer at our transmission repair shop. Ventura customers know that Henry pays great attention to detail on the work that he does and are familiar with his ability to do seemingly impossible repairs. He is responsible for servicing, removing, and reinstalling the transmissions and repairs. After Henry has installed transmission, its hard to tell that its been worked on.

From an early age, Reeve has enjoyed working on cars. His interest led him to take automotive courses at Oxnard Community College, where he met Cliff McCormick—transmission instructor and rebuilder at Dave Wilkes Transmissions. Reeve began his career as an apprentice and is ASE certified. Beginning in a general repair shop and then joining the team at Dave Wilkes Transmissions. Since joining the Dave Wilkes Transmissions team in 2023, he has taken pride in doing the job the right way and addressing customer concerns with care. He especially enjoys diagnostic work and being involved in the full diagnostic process, ensuring every repair meets the shop’s high standards.

Mario started a job at his transmission shop right out of high school. Working at home with his father on cars was a regular part of his early years. 3 years at a transmission shop was my first shop experience, before joining the team at Dave Wilkes Transmissions. I am excited to be working at Dave Wilkes Transmissions and to be taking my skills as a transmission specialists to the next level. He really loves transmissions, and at Dave Wilkes Transmissions he is learning the trade, and what he needs to know to become a certified transmission specialist.

Raina is the book keeper at Dave Wilkes Transmissions. A Ventura County resident since 1980, she brings 15 years of experience in medical billing and accounting from her time at Apria Healthcare. She has been married for 34 years and is a proud parent of three children and twelve grandchildren, plus two beloved fur babies. Outside of work, she trains horses and enjoys camping and dirt bike riding.