In May of 1987, I had mentioned to my Dad that I wanted to open my own business. Being that I had a strong background in my career in the automotive transmission repair, I had worked many years for the large franchise transmission repair shops (some of which no longer exist). I had explained to my Dad that when I was asked to give a customer a ride home because the ‘parts-driver’ was not available, something in me changed that afternoon. It was a woman who was a senior citizen and had to leave her vehicle for transmission repair. As I was driving her home, she began to explain to me the costs of her repair. I was stunned. I was shocked how much this shop was charging this customer for the repair. I knew this woman could have went somewhere else and got the same quality work for a fair, reasonable price. The woman continued to express her concerns on how she would be able to produce this money. She was head of household, living on a fixed income and the vehicle was her only means of transportation. I remember thinking; "If this shop can charge this amount to a customer for a minor repair, I can only imagine what burden a customer would have if the vehicle needed a major repair." I went home that evening not feeling good about what I was doing in life and suddenly I did not want to work for this large franchise any more. So, I told my Dad that I had always had the idea of opening my own transmission shop and it was time to give it some serious thought. For years, I had been helping neighbors, friends and family at my home with their transmission repairs.

My Dad made me realize that I had a strong customer basis and gave me full support. With a mortgage and bills, my wife could not believe that I would leave a well paying job that included full benefits for my family, allowance for my car payment and gas expenditures. I gave notice to my job and began my business plan with my equipment, a tool box full of tools, the garage in my house and a financial budget of $0.00 dollars. Although, I had an abundance of drive and motivation, plenty of reassurance to take the risk, and I was given an enormous amount of desire that was provided by my Dad’s smile.

BTS Transmission Specialists became a successful growing business staffing many employees and I was happy when my Dad enjoyed just hanging out to socialize with the customers, employees, vendors and even the solicitors. His favorite saying was, "I’m just here to drink the good coffee." Dad continue to bring in those cold sodas and we all looked forward to his pots of homemade soups that he would bring into the shop for everyone to enjoy. Even though the Cancer and pain made it very difficult for him, Dad would still come to the shop, put on his BTS work jacket and sit at the front counter to greet our customers.