The Magical Team is Growing

Shawn Gilfillan • September 26, 2022

As you know, Automotive Magic prides itself on the people we have on our team. Each one of our crew brings their own unique set of skills and insights that help make the Magic happen. 


Over the last few months, we’ve increased and improved our family. With Magic Lube and Rubber finishing off its second month in business we’re really excited that we have in place what we would consider a dream team. And we’ve also filled some pretty significant shoes at the Automotive Magic location as well. If you are at all familiar with darts, we hit a hat trick with this group of gentlemen. 



Brandon Birmingham


Let's start off with Brandon Birmingham, our new service consultant over at Automotive Magic.


Brandon is currently studying at Stratford University. He’s studying automotive and once his education is complete, he’ll have earned his certification as an automotive technician.


Brandon is from Budd Lake, NJ, andas a wee little guy he’s always been fascinated by anything with a motor, from little RC nitro cars to massive funny cars. When he’s not working, he’s still doing something with cars whether it's working on his own car or competing on iRacing (competitive simulator racing). No matter what Brandon does, be it with cars, out fishing orplaying his tenor saxophone, his girlfriend Alyssa is by his side.


He’s got great plans and dreams for his future including getting his international competition racing license so to compete in a formula car or Indy car series.  We’re excited that Brandon has joined our team and we know that he and his aspirations are exactly what we look for in an employee.

Brandon
David Rojas-Montoya

David Rojas-Montoya


A hop skip and a jump over to Magic Lube and Rubber, you’ll be greeted by David Rojas-Montoya,


David’s from Budd Lake, NJ and he’s a recent college graduate of Rutgers University in Newark where he earned his degree in Legal Studies and Political Science. While working towards his Bachelor's degree David gained valuable automotive experience working at a Honda dealership as a technician.


He’s a natural when it comes to working and communicating with people, so in his position as Service Consultant he is able to assist clients with their vehicles and explain so that they have a better understanding of what is needed. The fact that David is bilingual in Spanish and English only increases his ability to help people. During his free time he enjoys training his dog Thor, and traveling.

Justin Bilza


Since we’re here at ML&R let’s introduce you to Justin Bilza. Justin is an aspiring technician and recently started his time at ML&R as the head of quality control. He comes from a long line of hard working men in various blue collar fields and is proud to be carrying the torch.


From a young age he worked alongside his father, developing a love for carpentry, and recently found his passion in the automotive industry. During his free time he likes to spend time playing guitar and going on hikes, and in the future he hopes to build a camper van to travel the country.


Justin is happy to be a part of Automotive Magic and can't wait to grow with his team.

Justin Bilza
Shawn Gilfillan

Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003. 


In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business. 


Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.

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October 13, 2025
When it comes to car maintenance, most drivers think about oil changes, brake checks, or topping off fluids. But one of the simplest—and most overlooked—services that can make a huge difference in your vehicle’s safety and performance is tire rotation. At Automotive Magic, we like to remind our customers that your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touch the road. Keeping them in good condition isn’t just about saving money, it’s about protecting you and your passengers every time you drive. What Is a Tire Rotation? A tire rotation is the process of moving your vehicle’s tires from one position to another—front to back, side to side, or even diagonally—based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and the type of tires you have. The idea is to ensure that all four tires wear evenly over time. Without regular rotations, some tires will naturally wear faster than others, especially the ones on the drive wheels of your vehicle. Why Tire Rotations Matter Even Tire Wear Every vehicle puts different amounts of pressure on the front and rear tires. For example, front tires tend to wear down faster because of steering and the weight of the engine. By rotating them, you spread the workload across all four, ensuring they wear at a similar rate. Extended Tire Life Tires aren’t cheap, and uneven wear can force you to replace them long before their time. Rotating them regularly helps you get the maximum mileage and life out of your investment. Improved Safety Unevenly worn tires can create handling issues, reduced traction, and longer stopping distances. Rotating them gives you better grip on the road, especially in challenging conditions like rain, snow, or icy pavement. Better Fuel Efficiency Tires that wear unevenly create drag, forcing your vehicle to work harder and burn more fuel. Balanced, evenly worn tires roll more smoothly, helping you get the most out of every gallon. Protecting Your Warranty Many tire manufacturers require regular tire rotations to keep your warranty valid. Skipping this simple service could mean losing valuable protection if something goes wrong. How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires? Most manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, though this can vary depending on your vehicle, tire type, and driving habits. A good rule of thumb is to have them rotated every time you come in for an oil change. Our team at Automotive Magic always checks the condition of your tires during your visits and will let you know if it’s time for a rotation. Signs You May Be Overdue Uneven tread depth (more wear on the front or rear tires) Vibration in the steering wheel at certain speeds A noticeable pull to one side If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a service as soon as possible. Tire Rotations and Seasonal Driving Living in New Jersey means your tires take on year-round challenges—potholes in the spring, heat in the summer, and snow and ice in the winter. Regular rotations make sure your tires are ready for whatever the road throws at you. Pairing rotations with seasonal tire checks is one of the best ways to stay ahead of costly repairs. At Automotive Magic, we don’t just rotate your tires—we make sure your entire vehicle is safe and road-ready. Every rotation comes with a comprehensive vehicle health check to catch issues early and give you peace of mind. Our technicians are trained to spot alignment problems, tire pressure imbalances, or other issues that could affect your driving experience. The Bottom Line Tire rotations may not seem glamorous, but they’re one of the smartest ways to extend the life of your tires, improve safety, and save money in the long run. By including them as part of your regular maintenance schedule, you’ll enjoy smoother rides, better performance, and the confidence that your car is in good hands. At Automotive Magic, we’re here to make sure your tires—and your whole vehicle—stay in top shape. If it’s been a while since your last rotation, schedule your appointment today and let us help keep you rolling safely down the road.
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