Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Routine Test Drives (00:00:35)
• Farm Country Anecdote (00:02:08)
• CVT Functionality (00:03:26)
• Importance of Transmission Fluid (00:05:39)
• Role of Transmission Fluid (00:06:54)
• Pre-Scan Process (00:07:34)
• Transmission Fluid Color (00:08:25)
• Battery Testing Insights (00:08:52)
• Scanning Vehicle Modules (00:10:42)
• Vehicle Condition Report (00:11:24)
• Battery Replacement Considerations (00:12:20)
• Oil Check Procedure (00:12:47)
• Checking Air Filter (00:16:12)
• Brake Fluid Analysis (00:16:32)
• Suspension Check (00:17:01)
• Tire Condition Assessment (00:19:02)
• Oil Filter Leak Discovery (00:20:02)
• Oil Leak Explanation (00:21:04)
• Transmission Inspection (00:23:40)
• CVT Fluid Drain Procedure (00:24:10)
• Fluid Filling Techniques (00:25:32)
• Service Information Importance (00:26:13)
• Aftermarket Fluid Options (00:27:56)
• Fluid Temperature Checking (00:31:10)
• Fluid Circulation Process (00:32:39)
• Surface Rust Management (00:35:00)
• O-Ring Replacement Reminder (00:36:59)
• Gray Areas in Service Recommendations (00:38:19)
• Importance of O-Ring Replacement (00:38:40)
• Correct Fluid Level Setting (00:41:05)
• Air Venting in Transmission (00:41:35)
• Routine for Tire Rotation (00:43:00)
• Cleaning Corrosion from Wheels (00:43:18)
• Importance of Proper Lug Nut Tightening (00:46:01)
• Final Thoughts on Vehicle Maintenance (00:48:15)

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care

Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care

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The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss, and 360 Payments

In this episode of For the Record, Maylan Newton tackles the pressing issue of the technician shortage in the automotive industry. Maylan emphasizes the importance of proactive involvement from shop owners and industry representatives in engaging with educational institutions and students. He highlights the need for better representation at vocational events and the necessity of running businesses that attract and retain skilled technicians. Maylan urges the industry to work together to create an inviting career path for the next generation.

Maylan Newton, ESI- Educational Seminars Institute. Maylan’s previous Episodes HERE

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• Hiring Challenges in the Industry (00:00:30) Maylan discusses the full-time nature of hiring and the industry’s struggles to attract technicians.
• Skills USA Event Insights (00:01:02) Maylan shares his experience at a Skills USA event, highlighting the lack of automotive representation.
• Engaging Young People (00:02:19) He emphasizes the need for the automotive industry to inform youth about career paths available.
• Personal Outreach to Schools (00:03:24) Maylan recounts his efforts speaking at high schools to promote automotive careers.
• Importance of Industry Visibility (00:05:25) Maylan urges industry members to actively engage with schools and promote career opportunities.
• Attracting and Retaining Technicians (00:06:17) He stresses the need for fair treatment and compensation for new technicians entering the field.
• Talent Acquisition Efforts (00:08:01) Maylan highlights the proactive approach of other industries in recruiting young talent.
• Call to Action for Shop Owners (00:09:38)
  He challenges shop owners to commit to engaging with local schools and vocational programs.
• Quotes for Inspiration (00:10:35)
  Mahlon shares motivational quotes to encourage industry involvement and improvement.

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and 360 Payments

Shop Boss – Shop Management Software built by shop owners for shop owners. It works the way you need it to, right out of the box. Find on the web at https://shopboss.net

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The Aftermarket Radio Network

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix – Auto Shop Coaching.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O’Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Show Notes

Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network

Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX – Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com

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Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today’s Class

Discover the significance of mentorship with Bill Weaver, a NAPA Autotech Trainer, and his mentor, Jim Dzurik. They share personal stories and insights into their mentor-mentee relationship, highlighting how mentorship has profoundly impacted their lives and careers. The conversation delves into the importance of passing on knowledge and wisdom to the next generation. The episode emphasizes the value of seeking and offering mentorship to foster growth and personal development.

Bill Weaver, NAPA Autotech Trainer. Listen to Bill’s previous episodes HERE

Show Notes

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS

NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching

Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/

Thanks to our Partner, Today’s Class

Optimize training with Today’s Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today’s Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/

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-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

Lance Wiggins, Executive Director of ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association), discusses the importance of training in transmission diagnostics and the evolving relationship between automotive and transmission shops. He also discusses ATRA’s chapters, which encourage training and communication among members, and the association’s upcoming national training event. The most significant benefit of training attending events like the ATRA Powertrain Expo is the networking that takes place. The buzz and conversations that happen between attendees are invaluable and cannot be replicated on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. So, rev up your knowledge and invest in yourself by attending training seminars. By doing so, you will provide the best possible service to your customers and stay ahead of the competition.

Lance Wiggins, Executive Director, ATRA.

Show Notes

• Watch Full Video Episode
• The Importance of Transmission Diagnostics (00:01:24) Lance Wiggins explains the integration of transmission and engine modules.
• Keeping Customers Cradle to Grave (00:05:33) Lance Wiggins emphasizes the importance of keeping customers cradle to grave and the symbiotic relationship between automotive shops and transmission shops.
• Importance of Training (00:07:35) The importance of training for technicians, especially in engine and transmission diagnostics.
• ATRA Chapters (00:09:33) Lance explains what ATRA chapters are and how they function, including their role in organizing training seminars and events.
• Building Relationships through Training (00:14:50) Lance emphasizes the importance of building relationships with customers and training professionals, and how it can benefit the shop owners and technicians.
• Investing in Yourself (00:19:02) Lance shares his son’s thought process of investing in himself by purchasing tools, and how it applies to the automotive industry.
• Choosing the Right Scan Tool (00:20:25) Lance discusses the complexity of choosing the right scan tool for different types of diagnostics and reprogramming.
• ATRA Conference (00:22:07) Lance talks about the ATRA conference in Nashville, Tennessee, and the importance of networking and attending training classes.
• Honorable and Professional Business (00:26:19) Carm and Lance discuss the importance of creating a positive culture in the automotive industry and the need for a strong team to provide reliable transportation to customers.
• Shortage of Qualified Technicians (00:28:17) Lance talks about the shortage of qualified technicians in the automotive industry and the need to attract younger people to the profession through training programs in universities.
• Importance of nurturing young technicians (00:29:04) Lance Wiggins emphasizes the need to bring in young technicians and nurture them to grow their potential.
• Expectations and work ethic of young technicians (00:30:03) Carm Capriotto and Lance Wiggins discuss the high expectations of some young technicians and the importance of having a good work ethic.
• ATRA’s consumer website and services (00:33:41) Lance Wiggins talks about ATRA’s consumer website, shop finder, and transmission rebuilding and diagnostic services.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA AUTO CARE

Learn more about NAPA AUTO CARE and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting www.NAPAAutoCare.com

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Ask Maryann Croce! What advice would you give a new business owner? Will this advice benefit the established business person?

Would you like some advice on starting a business. What if you could apply this advice to your established business. With me is Maryann Croce from SmallBusinessvantge.com. She and her husband Tony also own Croce Transmission in Norwalk, CT. 

As a business owner, she can chalk up many a mistake that has turned into wisdom. She has been there and done that and shares 5 key principles to help a startup business person get ahead of the game. She is speaking to resilience, commitment, getting help, being curious and giving. Learn why messaging, relationships and financials are vital no matter what stage you are and your business is currently in. Don’t believe you need to go it alone.

Maryann was a banker turned business owner. Tony was a technician turned shop owner. She is also a member of Women in Auto Care and owns smallbizvantage.com

Her biggest mistake as a new business owner was thinking she had to do it all. This is one of the reasons why her signature talk “Gain Control by Letting Go” was created.

Maryann is also a member of Women in Auto Care and owns smallbizvantage.com. Hear Maryann in her previous episodes HERE.

Key Talking Points

• What advice would you give to a new business ownerResilience to be testedEasy to be the owner when everything is going smooth
• Will have constant challenges- need to be thick skinned
• Don’t lose empathy or kindness but don’t take things personally
• Take a standCore values- know what they are and take a stand for yourself and others. Have to work for you, your team, your customers. Be an example every day 
• Ask for helpBuilding relationships is key- vendors, suppliers, other business owners in industry and community
• Have a curious mindsetBe open-minded to new ideas- willingness to grow and learn
• Won’t get stuck in negative flow 
• Share and give Locally, industry event, you always have something to offer
• Help each other without an agenda 
• What is a healthy business?Profitable, sustainable and enjoyable .
• Your business is part of your life, not your entire life- don’t lose sight of yourself, friends and family 
• How do you evolve to a business owner?Messaging- voice and messaging is right for business
• Relationships- how you nurture them
• Know the financials of the business
• Maryann’s Newsletter HERE

Talk soon,

Resources:

• Thanks to Maryann Croce for her contribution to the aftermarket’s premier podcast.
• Link to the ‘BOOKS‘ page highlighting all books discussed in the podcast library HERE. Leaders are readers.
• Link to Maryann’s Small Biz Vantage website HERE.
• Leave me an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one of them.

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NAPA AutoCare’s PROimage program makes it easy for you to make the most of the NAPA brand. A PROimage upgrade lets you maintain your shop’s identity as a reliable, locally-owned business while letting your customers and potential customers know you’re partnering with NAPA, the most recognized and trusted name in the automotive aftermarket. AutoCare Centers that have completed a PROimage exterior upgrade enjoy an average 23 percent sales increase during the first year. You can also choose to go PROimage on the interior and transform your customer waiting area from merely utilitarian to warm and welcoming. You can even get a free look by visting www.NAPAAutoCare.com and clicking on the NAPA PROimage link under the NAPA PROimage tab. Of course, the AutoCare site is also the place to go to find out about all the advantages being part of the NAPA family has to offer.

Kevin Hurley moved from Detroit to California when he was one year old. He grew up in Anaheim, CA. and attended California State University Fullerton. He married his wife Carol in 1983. They have three children.

Kevin worked in restaurants as a waiter and worked real estate sales thru college. He started working at an AAMCO Transmission shop in Capistrano Beach, CA form 1981-1997. He opened eight different shops and sold them to partners but kept the best one.

Now twenty-eight years later he has a successful business, Mission Viejo Transmissions and Auto Repair in Mission Viejo, CA. His work creating “Girls In The Garage” is legendary having been picked up by media outlets and news channels locally and nationally.

Interview Talking Points:

• No automotive background.
• Was recruited to work for a transmission shop.
• In three years he took his Ammco shop to #1 in the country out of 900 and it stayed that way for the seventeen years he was there.
• He owned every transmission shop in an eight-mile area. There were six shops under his partnership. Ammco came in and said no to his other shops. He left and he sold to his partners.
• His son works in the business.
• For 25 years they were a 2-bay shop with 2100 sq ft with 4 lifts.
• They did more business than the Firestone next door with 10 bays.
• Had a chance to buy a shop with 16 lifts and quadrupled the business and he attributes it all to Girls In The Garage.
• He has more compassion than he knows what to do with.
• The shop has a women-only bathroom with high-end perfume. He buys the best toilet paper he can get and reviews bathroom cleanliness every half hour.
• The customer wait room has no point of sale items. It is like being in your living room.
• He believes that women think that automotive repair shops will take advantage of them. It is important, to Kevin, to insure that never happens at Mission Viejo Transmissions
• Works with girl scouts, MADD, police departments, Make A Wish, and American Cancer among others.
• Participants get safety glasses and lanyards in the fully catered event.
• Girls In The Garage is a Non-Profit organization.
• The event is held the first Wednesday of Every Month 5 PM to 8 PM.
• The 25,000-pound lift becomes the band stage and a dance floor.
• There is a lighting system with full color and lasers.
• Women ask the greatest questions.
• Girl Scouts are a big factor to their success and participation.
• They make it a point that everyone there gets involved.
• The girls can get their hands on anything automotive. He provides gloves everywhere.
• Every event is videotaped and all shown on the website.
• He is working on making the event live on his website.
• There is an actual station to change a water pump.

Mission Viejo Girls In the Garage Site

YouTube Video from a Girls In The Garage Event

Shop Profile Number of locations: 1 Years in industry: 36 Years business ownership: 28 Number of technicians: 9 Number of service advisers: 3 Number of lifts: 16 Number of bays: 11 Days open: Mon – Sun Annual estimated volume: $4 MM Percent Repair vs Maintenance vs Other: 60/20/20 Aftermarket affiliation: AAA Business coach: Management Success SMS: Complete Invoice Solutions

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust. For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com and fmgaragegurus.com

At age 34, Craig O’Neill is a proud husband and father of three kids. He married young and at age 20 he bought his first home thanks to the opportunities that hard work in the family business provided. Though he initially began college seeking a degree in history education and was heavily considering missionary aviation, it was obvious to him that his primary calling was to raise a family. Setting aside his full-time education, Craig committed himself to scaling the 3rd generation business to be successful in these exciting but challenging times.

An ASE certified technician and service consultant, he is visibly excited about the technological advances the industry is seeing and frequently can be heard speaking to clients sharing his enthusiasm.

Craig is committed to elevating the professional image of the automotive service community and consistently looking for ways to communicate with bright young people regarding the opportunities that exist in the automotive service profession.

Outside the shop, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and kids, reading all things history related and when time permits building computers and gaming.

Talking Points:

• In business since 1960. Started by his grandfather.
• He has a strong apprentice program in place with beginners with zero experience.
• He looks at it as on the job training.
• Can move these young people into the local community college auto tech program.
• Looking for people that can communicate well with the right attitude and initiative.
• Discover their natural area of interest so they can focus on special training that focuses on their individual strength.
• They have a weekly radio show that helps market the shop.
• He is proud to help build the image of the independent industry.
• Craig is a millennial who is looking for an actionable succession plan.
• His dad has complete confidence in his decision-making.
• He is excited to embrace the opportunity that rapidly expanding technology will improve his business.
• Craig and his Dad found his new business coach/consultant through going to specific aftermarket business management classes.
• Implementing DVI and has had positive feedback from his customers.
• Was not an easy sell to his technicians.
• His young apprentices understand exactly how the software and tablets work. A smart move in his business to get his young apprentices to help implement.
• He sees no relief in the tech shortage when it comes to finding transmission specialists. It may become a lost art or skill.
• Shops must be able to bill for diagnostics. They were not good at billing for diagnostics, but not anymore.
• They are no longer offering a deduction of the diagnostics time if the job is agreed to. This was a mistake that took him too long to realize.
• His diagnostic labor rate is $30 higher than their regular labor rate.
• No shop is an island. Their ideas are coming from networking. He is helping Standard Motor Products beta seminars.
• He has learned to be a better delegator.
• Craig’s wife is not involved in the business, however, contributes to Facebook and what he calls ‘the softer side’ of the business.
• He feels that every business must develop a learning culture in your business. Get yourself and your team to be ‘always learning’.

Shop Profile Years in industry: 20 Number of technicians: 3 Number of service advisers: 1 Number of lifts: 7 Number of bays: 8 Days open: Mon-Fri Percent Repair vs Maintenance vs Other: 70-10-20 Technician training hours per year: 60 Specialty: Transmission Specialists and Advanced Driveability Diagnostics Association memberships: ASA, ATRA, iATN Supplier marketing program: NAPA Auto Care ASE Certifications: ASE Certified in Automatic Transmission, Steering & Suspension and Certified Service Consultant SMS: Mitchel 1 -Manager SE DVI:Autovitals Performing hybrid repairs: Yes Succession plan: Working on one Biggest challenges: Technician shortage, Changes in Technology, Profitability, Parts Quality, Marketing, and Identify Entrepreneur hack: Saturday morning radio show Staffing: A strong apprentice program that has helped grow their own technicians

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust. For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com and fmgaragegurus.co

Wayne Colonna worked for his dad and learned body repair BUT, when the transmission in his first car went down and he could not afford to fix it, he learned on his own to repair it (He tells the story in the interview).  That was the beginning of Wayne’s transmission career. He went to Lincoln Institute of Technology  to learn ”transmission” theory of operation to sharpen his diagnostic skills.

After 16 years of working as a re-builder and diagnostician in transmission specialty shops, his career with ATSG (Automatic Transmission Service Group) began in January in 1991. By 1992 he began conducting seminars across the United States and Canada.

In 2002 he became the Technical Editor for Transmission Digest and was appointed to the position of President for ATSG when the company became employee owned.

Since then Wayne has published many articles and manuals. Besides his heavy travel schedule in the US, he has traveled to over 10 different countries to conduct specialized seminars.  Wayne attributes the success of ATSG to the hard-working team of men and women at ATSG . The team is grateful for the many technicians they have the privilege to work with.

Episode Talking points:

• Transmission repairs have been the red-headed step child for traditional automotive repair shops.
• Transmission shops are moving to more repair.
• Regular shops are considering more transmission work.
• ATSG helps shops diagnose transmission problems.
• Wayne will travel, this year, to speak and teach in Bristol, England, The Netherlands, Australia, Russia and Poland.
• He started with his dad as a young kid in a body shop.
• First car a 1964 Ford with C4 transmission that broke in three months. He fixed the transmission himself; you must hear the story. That was the start of his legacy.
• Went to the Lincoln Institute of Technology.
• He also has his associates degree in theology and supported missions while working in the transmission industry.
• Programming problems are the biggest issues today in the transmission world.
• ATSG fields about 300 calls a day.
• He sees a shortage of young people entering the industry.
• Wayne is a minister and he turned his passion into South Florida Bible Fellowship.
• Loves to fish.
• ATSG seminars are done on Saturdays in cities all over the US.

ATSG Website

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This episode is brought to you by Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Garage Gurus. With brands like Moog, Felpro, Wagner Brake, Champion, Sealed Power, FP Diesel and more, they’re the parts techs trust.  For serious technical training and support – online, onsite and on-demand – Garage Gurus is everything you need to know. Find out more at fmmotorparts.com  and fmgaragegurus.com

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

Summit Transmissions Website

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Enjoy an easy going episode with Michael Morgan of Frost Transmissions in Rainbow City Alabama. It is so rare that 3^rd generation business get as far as Frost Transmissions. You’ll understand how when you hear Michael’s story.

This humble guy has built a great team and shares great wisdom on his journey to remarkable results.

Why Listen? You may relate to Mike’s discussion on:

Dealing with his boldest decision to close a 53 year old location.

Moving to a new shop management system with all the latest high tech improvements in productivity and marketing.

Making sure his greatest strength helps the business prosper.

How Michael’s community work as Chairman of the Board of a private school has made him a better person.

Hiring a co-op technician. He started on the day before we conducted the interview. A great story on brining youth into the industry.

What he does outside of work that keeps him grounded.

Michael Morgan grew up in this 3^rd generation family business and received his BS in Operation Management from Auburn University, he joined the business in May of 1994. His grandfather was a tech in a used car business then took the leap into the world of business in 1960. Michael’s Father, Michael Sr., came into the business with an MBA and as Mike says brought some savvy to the business.

Besides being a full service automotive shop, Frost Transmissions is an Allison Transmission dealer (since 1988) and Michael spent 15 of the last 20 years as an Allison Transmission technician and managed the department. He still keep his Allison certifications up to date and occasionally finds time to spend time in the shop with the guys troubleshooting and even building occasionally.

In 2012 Michael’s father retired and he took over complete operation of the business. While that definitely cut into his “tech time” it’s been a new and exciting challenge running the whole organization.

With fifty-five years in business, five techs, seven lifts and nine bays Michael feels very strong about his dedicated staff, he calls co-workers and values their contribution to the overall success of the business. Melissa, Jason, Steve, Steven, Richard and Matthew are the true success of this business. “Without them” he says, “We couldn’t be successful”.

Frost Transmission Web Site

Maryann Croce of Croce Transmissions in Norwalk, CT and her husband Tony combined her banking career and his automotive technical skills and bought a transmission business 15 years ago. They have 4 bays, 4 techs and one service adviser

As so many in the aftermarket know when husband and wife’s and families, for that matter, run a great business there are a few secrets that make it all work. Maryann talks about two of the secrets to working together; knowing your role and trust.

Maryanne also talks about the formula that was needed to transform the shop she and Tony purchased, to the one they wanted it to be. She says she looks at her business in the long term and promotes the business through customer education. She is an advocate for funding trade schools and is a member of the CCC Women’s Board.

You’ll enjoy the discussion on so many great topics from industry changes, her marketing focus, and how excited she is about technology advances and training. You’ll hear the passion Maryanne has about growing her and Tony’s business.

Croce’s Transmissions Website