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When Transtar first opened its doors for business, there were two people in a small building in a Cleveland suburb, and approximately 30 transmissions on the market. This industry has changed dramatically in the past 35 years, and Transtar has definitely led the way in innovative solutions. Today, there are more than 235 transmissions on the market. Transtar has grown to encompass 1,500 employees and 70 locations worldwide, the most comprehensive product line in the industry, and has become the undisputed leader in technology in the transmission industry

Too often technicians blame something they can't see, only to find that the answer was right there in front of them the whole time. A failed torque converter is a good example: You can't see inside the converter, and may not see the original reason why it failed, even though the root cause might be in plain sight. Like not seeing the forest (cause of failure) for the trees.

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Experience has shown that a single comeback can cost you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. The fact is, when it comes to parts or supplies, you very often "get what you pay for." Sure, you might be able to save a few bucks by choosing lower-cost alternatives, but at the end of the year, when you compare your savings to costs, you'll discover that just a few comebacks will quickly swallow up those savings.

As technicians, we're accustomed to fixing problems with a new part or update.

..So, when you're trying to build your business, it's no wonder so many shop owners consider a similar approach.

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This is the second in a series of articles about franchising in the transmission business. In the last issue of GEARS, we looked at how to enter this business by the franchise route; in this issue, we'll focus on going it alone.

Both strategies have examples of success; both have examples of abject failure. The attempt here is to answer the age-old question: "Does the franchising concept really fit the transmission business?"

Prior to the storm of the century, I took a brief trip to Shaver Lake, CA. It's my safe haven: quite, mountain living. Fortunately for me I have to roll right through Fresno to get there. On my way up the mountain, I stopped in to visit a couple shops in the area: International Torque Converters and Payless Transmissions and Clutch.

In this issue of Keep Those Trannys Rolling, we're going to look at a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a nagging TCC Shudder.

Our story begins with a call to the ATRA Technical HotLine from Devon Long. Devon,  is a technician from Dales A-1 Transmission in Mitchell, South Dakota.

...These shop visits are unlike anything we have ever done before. We spend several days at the locations digging deep into the core of these operations to uncover what is truly working and why. We interview customers, employees and even the surrounding competition. We do a complete analysis of the financials and talk to the owners about their philosophies, goals and vision for their shops.

If there is a secret to their success. we're going to find it together!

Are you ready to uncover the secrets to success in the transmission business today? Then let's go!

ATRA Members Get Customers

ATRA's Poker Run - Gulf State chapter partners with Ronald McDonald House for charitable/community involvement event

Road2ACure - ATRA and ATRA shops provide peace of mind sponsorship for pancreatic cancer awareness campaign.

Mike details his recent trip to Australia with fellow ATRA technician, Randall Schroder.

Mike and Randall were speaking at the annual IAME (Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers) technical seminar.

Special thanks to Ken McIntyre of Mona Vale Autos automatic transmission service in Mono Vale, Australia for his down-home/down-under hospitality!

GEARS does not endorse new products but makes this new information available to readers. If you have a new product, please email the press release information with applicable digital photo or drawing to fpasley@atra.com

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? A troubled 2008 Dodge Avenger with a 41TES recently made me ponder the age-old question. My version was which came first: engine misfire or converter clutch slip? I found the answer to my dilemma while performing simple, routine checks.