In the vibrant town of Ronkonkoma, a mere hour away from the bustling streets of New York City, GT Transmissions is an outstanding example of family values, dedication, and the art of transmission repair. This family-owned automotive shop has a rich legacy spanning decades, setting them apart from their competitors with shorter histories.
I had the privilege of speaking with Matthew and Michelle Trube, the passionate siblings (now owners) at the helm of GT Transmissions. I enjoyed delving into their journey, values, and the unique qualities that make their shop an industry standout.
The GT Transmissions story began with their father, Greg, who, with their grandfather, Jim, established a shop together over forty years ago. Greg branched off and created GT Transmissions twenty years ago. Growing up in a family immersed in automotive expertise, Matthew and Michelle were exposed to the intricacies of the trade from a young age.
Matthew’s journey took him from being a general auto mechanic and transmission installer to becoming a skilled rebuilder and diagnostician. Meanwhile, Michelle gained a deep understanding of customer service while working in the office, mastering the administrative side of the business.
What truly distinguishes GT Transmissions from its competitors is its unwavering dedication to their customers’ best interests. Matthew and Michelle prioritize correctly diagnosing vehicles, offering financing options, and delivering exceptional service. They go beyond transmissions, specializing in the entire drivetrain to ensure comprehensive care for their customers’ vehicles.
Their customers’ preference for GT Transmissions is no accident. Matthew and Michelle attribute their success to the strong teamwork within their staff and the respect they show for everyone they encounter. As a small family-owned and operated business, GT Transmissions fosters personal connections with its clientele. Their bilingual staff, fluent in English and Spanish, but interestingly, also fluent in American Sign Language, ensures that their services are accessible to a broader range of customers.
GT Transmissions has earned a reputation for standing behind its work and providing wholesale pricing, catering to the unique needs of other repair shops. Their commitment to excellent service and the willingness to answer any questions that wholesale customers may have establishes them as a reliable and trustworthy partner. In fact, GT Transmissions has become a go-to resource for other shops seeking advice and guidance.
Additionally, their regular customer base is built on strong word-of-mouth recommendations, with customers hearing about GT Transmissions through friends or other trusted repair shops. This loyal following is a testimony to the shop’s consistent quality and commitment to honest and reliable service.
Honesty stands as the very foundation of GT’s business philosophy. Matthew explains, “We always stand behind our work and honor our warranty – we pride ourselves on our reputation.” Matthew and Michelle firmly believe in transparent communication, ensuring that their customers fully understand the repairs and maintenance their vehicles require. By explaining and demonstrating the intricacies under the hood, they aim to de-mystify auto repair and build trust within the industry.
The path to success for GT Transmissions was not without challenges. From being understaffed to facing the sudden loss of their father, Greg, the siblings persevered with unwavering determination. They invested extra hours, worked weekends, and sought assistance from freelancers to meet their customers’ needs. Each challenge they encountered was a stepping stone on their path to success. Michelle describes the transition, “It was a huge challenge when our father passed away. Taking over the business so abruptly was emotionally, mentally, and physically rough work! We didn’t have a plan in place, and we’re still overcoming it over a year later.”
Their parents and grandparents played a significant role in shaping Matthew and Michelle’s business and life journey. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to helping others, they continue to seek guidance from their mother. She runs Globe Transmissions, their grandfather’s original shop, alongside her trusted business partner, Ray. “We also credit our success to our father,” as Michelle explains, “He helped as many people as he could, almost to a fault. We try to follow his work ethic and mirror his kindness.”
The exceptional team at GT Transmissions is the cornerstone of their remarkable achievements.
- Bob, an experienced rebuilder with over forty years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge to the shop.
- Carlos and Frank are young, passionate installers. Their fresh perspective and willingness to learn ensures the highest level of service.
- Amier is a versatile and mechanically inclined helper who contributes to the smooth operation of the shop.
Together, they form a cohesive unit that upholds GT Transmission’s commitment to excellence.
As the owners, Matthew and Michelle wear multiple hats to ensure the seamless operation of the business. Matthew takes on various roles, from shop manager to diagnostician, remover, installer, and rebuilder. Meanwhile, Michelle oversees front-end operations, including bookkeeping, service advising, writing, and organizing parts and supplies.
Beyond their dedication to automotive excellence, Matthew and Michelle actively participate in their community. They work with the American Cancer Society, creating chemo care bags to support individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Their dedication to assisting others goes beyond the confines of the store, showcasing their authentic concern for those who need help.
GT Transmissions knows that helping advance the automotive industry also contributes to our industry’s ability to provide exceptional customer service. They actively engage with technical schools in their area. Michelle attends Western Suffolk Boces, studying auto mechanics.
Also, recognizing the importance of staying up to date with the latest industry developments, Matthew and Michelle plan to invest in further training and education for their entire team. They are committed to attending seminars and training sessions to expand their knowledge and skills, ensuring they remain at the forefront of transmission repair technology. Additionally, they are considering expanding their services to include CVT transmissions and potentially branching out into the realm of electric vehicles. With an eye toward the future, GT Transmissions aims to continuously evolve and improve its offerings to meet the changing needs of its customers in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
Michelle is focused on the growth and success of GT Transmissions and on fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the automotive community. With a forward-thinking mindset, she envisions the possibility of starting a local ATRA chapter, creating a platform for industry professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and further enhance their expertise to benefit the entire community.
GT Transmissions is more than an automotive repair shop – it’s a testament to the power of family, hard work, and dedication. Matthew and Michelle have carried their family’s legacy forward, infusing GT Transmissions with integrity, expertise, and a customer-centric approach. With its knowledgeable team, commitment to honesty, and active community involvement, GT Transmissions continues to earn the trust and loyalty of its customers, setting the standard for excellence in the industry.
