RR 181: Jerry Kubitsky from Summit Transmissions
Jerry Kubitsky is the President of Summit Transmissions in La Mesa, California
A Car Guy.
Jerry has always loved to build or fix things. Through the years he has owned about 70 different vehicles and restored several MGB’s. He also restored his parents original 1966 Mustang which was featured in Mustang Monthly.
A Motorcycle Guy.
Jerry has ridden motorcycles since 1972. His last bike was a Honda Goldwing that he and his wife to commute to work and go on adventures.
Started in Parts.
Jerry started working for Chief Auto Supply in 1974 and
was promoted to manager in 3 weeks. He stayed in auto parts including British Auto Parts until 1986. Jerry came to work at Summit Transmissions as a front office employee and eventually purchased the company in 
1994.
Fixed a Few Famous Vehicles.
The current shop is around 5,000 sq. ft. with 8 lifts and 3 technicians. Summit Transmissions enjoys a great reputation with over 350 Five Star reviews, A+ ratings with BBB and Angie’s List. Jerry and his team have repaired some famous vehicles, including the original Batmobile, Ghostbusters 2, Farris Bueller’s Ferrari, and a 1966 blue Mustang that sits in the Reagan Presidential Library.
Philanthropy.
Jerry has always had a servant heart, which not only translates to his business, but for activities outside of business. For 17 years, he raised money for Multiple Sclerosis and later became a director for Bikers Against Diabetes. I’ve served as Chapter President, Public Relations Chair and on the State Board of Directors of the Automotive Service Council of California (ASCCA). Jerry is currently an advisor on two college boards and has taught a Bible study class on business.
Jerry says, “In life, few things are more valuable than the trust you earn with others and the relationship that develops from that.”
In the episode, we talk about:
- How he survived the fire he had in his shop in August 2016.
- The discovered cause of the fire that was captured on his newly installed security cameras
- The changing transmission business
- His business model changes to include more general automotive
- The challenges of debt
- How well he works with his wife Sandy.
Years in industry: 40 Years in business ownership: 25 Number of technicians: 3 Number of Lifts: 8 Number of Bays: 6 Open Days: Mon – Sat Annual estimated volume: $800K Specialty: Transmissions and General Auto Repair Industry involvement: ASCCA – ATSG – ASE Special Accreditation’s: ATRA Philanthropy: Rock Church – American Diabetes Association BAD Ride – MS Society – ASCCA Cars For Careers Supplier Program: TechNet
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About the author, Carm Capriotto, AAP
Carm is the founder and host of the Remarkable Results Radio Podcast and the pioneer of automotive aftermarket podcasts. Carm calls on his years of experience in the aftermarket to bring engaging stories from his guests.
Listen to raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that include insights, trends, best practices, and expertise. Each interview brings an opportunity to learn one new thing through the stories of personal achievement. Many podcast guests tell their story of transformation from working in their business to working on it.
As host of over 1,000 episodes, Carm uses his enthusiasm and passion for the aftermarket especially the service sector to take his listeners on a journey showcasing successful service professionals’ paths to Remarkable Results. He also enjoys interviews with aftermarket industry thought leaders who bring their industry perspectives to his listener.
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