“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Henry Ford
In the small town of New Salisbury, Indiana, Conrad’s Transmission, Inc. is not just any auto repair shop; it’s a local legend, a community pillar, and a testament to what can be achieved when a family puts their heart and soul into their work. Founded over fifty years ago by Paul Conrad, this place has grown from a modest two-bay garage into a beacon of automotive know-how and a hub of community spirit, all while keeping the wheels of unity, hard work, and excellence spinning.
Opening in 1968 as Conrad’s Garage, Paul Conrad prioritized top-notch automotive repair, but the early distinction of the shop came from his choice to hire Ellis Burn. Despite being blind, Ellis was a master at handling automatic transmissions, a talent that had been undervalued by other employers due to his disability. Ellis quickly became more than just an employee; he transformed into a foundational pillar of the shop. His presence shattered barriers and established the inclusive, family-oriented atmosphere that Conrad’s is celebrated for today. Under his guidance, Paul learned the intricacies of transmission work — everything from removal and overhaul to installation — solidifying the shop’s reputation for expertise and compassion.
Zoom ahead to 1979, and Conrad’s Garage underwent a major evolution, becoming Conrad’s Transmission, Inc. This change wasn’t just in name; it was a declaration of their unmatched expertise in the world of transmissions, highlighting their core strength for all to see.
In an inspiring transition, Paul Conrad’s three daughters – Phyllis, Paula, and Denise – took the helm of Conrad’s Transmission, a move that highlighted the strength and influence of women in a field long dominated by men. Their leadership exemplifies the significant role that female entrepreneurs play in challenging norms and setting a new course for those who follow. Under their guidance, Conrad’s not only upheld its tradition of outstanding automotive service but also embraced new ideas and innovations, showcasing the transformative power of women in business across various industries.
Then, as the narrative unfolded into 2020, a new chapter began with Denise’s daughter, Tiffany, and her husband, Russell Goodman, stepping forward to continue the family’s legacy.
Before joining the family business, Tiffany worked in the tire department at Wal-Mart. She started as a service writer, then moved to tech, and finally the shop manager for about a year. For Tiffany, her transition into management was easy. She had worked side-by-side with the other techs in the tire department, so they had already seen her prove herself. They knew she was a no-nonsense person, who expected things to be done by the book. She gained a lot of experience which helped prepare her to take over the family business.
Russell, Tiffany’s husband, joined the team at Conrad’s Transmission as a builder while the couple were still dating before Tiffany began her tenure at the shop. Transitioning from the dealership world to Conrad’s became a pivotal move for him, especially after Paula announced her retirement. With a specialization in building imports, Russell’s ability has become invaluable. Tiffany expresses profound appreciation for his contributions, saying, “I really don’t know what I would do without his help and skill set here at the shop. We are truly blessed to have him on board.”
Tiffany also holds immense respect and admiration for her two aunts and her mother, recognizing the profound impact they’ve had on both Conrad’s Transmission and the New Salisbury community. Their dedication to the family business and their steadfast commitment to service excellence have earned them widespread affection and a stellar reputation among locals. 
Tiffany often reflects on the legacy they have built, filled with gratitude for the path they’ve paved. She is deeply honored to follow in their footsteps, embracing the responsibility to uphold the family’s esteemed name and continue the tradition of excellence that has become synonymous with Conrad’s Transmission. For Tiffany, stepping into their shoes is not just a matter of continuing the family business but a cherished opportunity to carry forward a legacy of community engagement, leadership, and integrity that her mother and aunts have exemplified throughout the years.
The shop, still in its original location on Rooster Church Road, has seriously leveled up. Now sporting modern facilities with six bays and five frame racks, Conrad’s has become the go-to spot for pretty much anything car-related. This expansion isn’t just physical; it’s about services too, turning Conrad’s into a one-stop wonder for the community’s automotive needs.
Conrad’s is about more than just fixing cars. They’re at the forefront of automotive technology, constantly upping their game with the latest training and seminars to make sure your ride gets the top-notch service it deserves. And their heart beats not just for cars but for the community, too. Getting involved with local charities and associations like the American Legion Post 332 and the Harrison County Relay for Life, Conrad’s is all in when it comes to giving back.
Hearing from the folks who’ve brought their cars in, you get the real picture. Customers rave about Conrad’s as a “Wonderful Family-Owned Business who cares about the Customer!” – and praise their honesty and reliability. It’s stories like these that cement Conrad’s reputation as the go-to guys who do great work without the runaround.
Looking ahead, Conrad’s isn’t just sitting back. “Our goal is to always strive to improve the customer experience at Conrad’s,” says Tiffany, underlining the motivation that propels the team. They’re all about pushing boundaries, diving into the latest automotive tech, and expanding their services to keep pace with the community’s needs. This constant drive for improvement and innovation ensures that Conrad’s stays ahead in the auto repair industry, always finding new ways to better serve their customers.
When you look at the whole Conrad’s saga, it’s clear this is more than just a business. It’s a legacy of togetherness, resilience, and commitment to the community. Following Henry Ford’s wisdom about the power of working together, Conrad’s has shown time and again that success is all about unity, perseverance, and shared goals. From its humble beginnings to its present status as New Salisbury’s automotive and community service beacon, Conrad’s Transmission is a shining example of what it means to be a family business that truly cares about its town and its people.
In essence, Conrad’s Transmission is more than a place where cars get fixed; it’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration, hard work, and community dedication. It’s a story of how a small-town shop can become a pillar of automotive excellence and a heart of community service, all by sticking to the simple yet powerful philosophy of the Conrad family.
Have you ever wondered how shops are chosen for this column? We know there are many deserving ATRA shops out there – you might be one of them. Sometimes, we hear about shops and their unique stories through the grapevine. However, most of the time, we end up being detectives. We ask our industry contacts for recommendations, and then we contact the shops they’ve suggested.
You’re invited to tell us about an ATRA shop that you think has an interesting story to tell – maybe your own shop. There’s no cost. It just takes about an hour for a telephone interview and a visit by our photographer. We’ll do all the heavy lifting. To get the ball rolling, send an email to Dennis at dmadden@atra.com.
