How long have you worked with Mr. Transmission?
33 years. I started working there in May 1984.
What did you do before coming to Mr. Transmission?
I graduated Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing. I then spent my first two years out of college working at a Sherwin Williams store, before being offered a manager position with Mr. Transmission in Jackson in May of 1984. After spending 10 years as Center Manager, I bought the Mr. Transmission store when the previous owner retired. I’ll never forget that moment. It was what I had been working toward for years, and I’ve never looked back.
Why did you decide to work at Mr. Transmission and then purchase the business?
I thought when I joined Mr. Transmission that there could be an opportunity for me to eventually own the shop. At the time, I felt that some of the technical skills and personal traits I possessed were a good fit for the industry, so I wanted to break into the industry and get some experience. I’m very people-oriented, which is important in interaction with customers, other franchisees and the franchisor. I also cared deeply about achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.
What are some of the reasons you have been able to sustain a successful business for such a long period of time?
One of the biggest factors in my business’ success has been that I’ve offered consistent, dependable service over many years. My customers know what to expect from my location. One of the keys to achieving this is to surround yourself with good employees. Your business is only as good as the people who work for you. I want to keep people happy and motivated, and that has a direct impact on customer satisfaction. I have several employees that have worked for me for many years. One of my employees is a rebuilder who has worked at my Mr. Transmission in Jackson for 25 years.
What has been the biggest change in working with Mr. Transmission for more than 30 years?
Technology is what has changed the most during my time in the business. It’s important to learn and adapt to these changes, or you’ll get left behind quickly. Technology can add a fun aspect to business that wasn’t there when I opened, so I try not to feel intimidated when it seems like things are changing really dramatically. By keeping up with the latest diagnostic and repair updates, my staff and I can offer the best service to customers in my area. I’m proud that my Mr. Transmission is one of the few transmission centers in Mississippi to offer computer reprogramming/reflashing services. I think it’s a really great way to serve customers and deliver repairs that make an immediate and long-lasting difference in their vehicles’ performance.
What has been the best part about being a Moran franchisee?
Being a family-owned franchise, there is a strong comradery and sense of togetherness among all of us in the system. We are all fighting the same battles, so we are able to share advice and suggestions of ways to be successful.
What do you enjoy the most about owning a Mr. Transmission?
Over the years, my Mr. Transmission business has grown to provide service to people in a 50-mile radius around Jackson. I like being able to offer my hometown customers quality, reliable service they can count on. I often gauge this success through return customers or referrals, which I have quite a lot of. I also appreciate the positive work environment I’ve built, and I love that I have the opportunity help my employees support their families.
What would you tell prospective franchisees interested in owning their own business?
I would say you have to be 100 percent committed to the business. This is not the type of business in which you can show up one day each week and expect to be successful. You need to be willing to work and learn everything you can. As an example, many years ago I would monitor a Mr. Transmission store in Mobile, AL, which was one of the top-performing stores in the system. There were times in which I would make the four-hour drive to Mobile and spend the day there to learn about what made them so successful. You can succeed, but you must put in the work.
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