In a community where local businesses form the foundation of everyday life, Croce’s Transmission Specialists in Norwalk, Connecticut, has become much more than just a trusted repair shop. With Tony and Maryann Croce at the helm, the business is a testament to the power of building relationships and giving back to the community it serves.
When Tony and Maryann Croce decided to start their transmission repair business, they understood that technical skills were just part of the equation. The other part? Building genuine relationships with their customers and their community. Over the years, Croce’s Transmission Specialists has become a name people trust, not just for their vehicles, but for the way the business treats every individual that walks through the door. “We wanted to be more than a repair shop,” says Maryann.
“We wanted to be a resource for our community—someone people can turn to for reliable service and advice.” This mindset has helped build a solid foundation, one that continues to grow stronger as the years go by.
The Croce’s commitment to their community goes beyond providing excellent automotive care. They’ve made it a priority to invest in the next generation. Tony and Maryann are involved with local technical schools, such as Bullard-Havens and Porter & Chester, where they serve on advisory boards, participate in job shadowing, and help with career days.
But it’s not just about teaching students the technical aspects of automotive repair. The couple is dedicated to preparing students for life after high school by sponsoring a curriculum that includes basic financial knowledge. The program focuses on practical skills like budgeting, saving, and managing credit—essential knowledge for financial success after graduation.
“We feel strongly about financial literacy,” says Maryann. “It’s one thing to prepare students for a career, but they also need to be equipped with the financial tools to succeed in life.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult time for businesses around the globe, and Croce’s Transmission was no exception. However, rather than focusing solely on survival, Tony and Maryann used this time to reinforce their commitment to the community. They adapted by introducing a more convenient drop-off and pick-up system to ensure customers could still access their services safely.
Maryann reflects, “COVID was tough, but we wanted to make sure our customers knew we were there for them, even if it meant changing how we operated.” This dedication to serving their community during such a challenging time further cemented Croce’s Transmission as a business that truly cares about the people it serves.
Additionally, the Croces prioritize caring for their employees, understanding the vital role they play in the shop’s success. “It’s important to look after the team, especially when times get tough. That’s how we’ve kept a loyal and motivated workforce,” says Maryann.
When asked about the concept of work-life balance, Maryann offers a different perspective. “It’s not really about balance,” she explains. “It’s about setting priorities for the moment.” Rather than trying to juggle everything equally, she believes in focusing on what needs the most attention at any given time, whether that’s work, family, or selfcare. This mindset has allowed her to remain fully present in whatever she’s doing, rather than feeling torn between competing demands. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you try to balance everything perfectly,” she adds. “Instead, I look at what’s most important right now and give that my full attention.”
Tony and Maryann Croce’s commitment to the community extends far beyond the doors of their shop. They’re both involved in several local and industry boards, such as the Better Business Bureau and the ATRA Board, where they work on initiatives that benefit both the transmission repair industry and their local economy.
In addition to her role in the shop, Maryann has taken on the role of a business coach through her platform, Small Biz Vantage. As a coach, she helps auto shop owners streamline their operations, increase profitability, and reclaim valuable personal time. 
She specializes in helping business owners move from the constant grind of “owner overload” to designing businesses that are both sustainable and profitable. Her system, the “3-Day Weekend” program, guides shop owners in shifting from being consumed by their businesses to gaining back 10 hours per week within 90 days .
Maryann’s coaching is designed for single-location automotive shops, helping them grow their businesses by subtracting non-essential tasks from their schedules rather than adding more. “Most business owners feel like they’re running 24/7, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” she explains. By focusing on what matters most and empowering their teams, Maryann believes shop owners can develop a business that thrives without them constantly putting out fires.
“I’ve been through the struggles of running a business, and I want to help others avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered,” she explains. “Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective and some guidance to help someone get to where they need to be.” Maryann’s coaching focuses on practical advice in areas such as leadership, finance, management, and team development, empowering other entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and thrive.
As much as they thoroughly enjoy running Croce’s Transmission Specialists, Tony and Maryann recognize that it’s time to start thinking about retirement. They’ve always cherished being outdoors, spending time in nature, and enjoying moments with their grandson, which has inspired them to begin planning for the next chapter of their lives.
While still in the early stages of this transition, their focus is on ensuring the business thrives without their daily involvement, so they can fully embrace their love for family and nature in the years to come.
Tony and Maryann are preparing for the future of Croce’s Transmission. They understand that the values they’ve built their business on—trust, community service, and integrity—must continue, even after they eventually step back from day-to-day operations.
“We’ve built something we’re proud of,” says Maryann, “and we want to make sure it continues to grow and thrive, even when we’re no longer here to run it ourselves. The next generation will carry the torch.”
At its core, Croce’s Transmission Specialists is about more than fixing cars. It’s about the relationships built, the community supported, and the lives impacted. Tony and Maryann Croce have created a business where people come first, and that philosophy has been the foundation of their success. 
Whether it’s through offering financial literacy education, supporting their team, or coaching other business owners, the Croces have shown that success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you serve the people around you.
As Croce’s Transmission Specialists continues to thrive, one thing is certain – the legacy that Tony and Maryann have built will continue to inspire, support, and uplift their community for years to come.
