“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”– Henry Ford
For the Wells family of Magnolia, Kentucky, transmission repair is more than a trade; it’s a tradition spanning four generations. What began in the 1960s with Doug Wells’ grandfather, James, has grown into a business known for craftsmanship, honesty, and steady growth. In Doug’s own words, nothing has shaped the shop’s recent journey more than his involvement with ATRA.
Doug Wells grew up in the garage, watching his grandfather and father work with their hands and treating customers fairly. “I learned early on that customer service isn’t just about fixing a car.” Doug reflects. “It’s about explaining things clearly and making sure people know you’re on their side.” That lesson carried through his years at a dealership in the 1980s, where he honed his skills before returning to the family shop. Once back, he shifted its focus entirely toward transmission work, laying the foundation for what would become Wells Trans-Tech in 1992.
The leap wasn’t without risk. His wife was hesitant when he first considered leaving the dealership. Doug recalled, “Once she saw the opportunities and the freedom it gave us, she realized it was the right move.” The decision started the Wells family on a path of tradition that continues today, with son Zack running the shop since 2015 and grandsons already showing interest in the trade.
For decades, Doug relied on hard work and family values to keep the business moving forward. Three years ago, he decided to join ATRA. What began as curiosity about the Golden Rule Warranty and tech help line quickly turned into something much larger. It became the turning point that reshaped how Doug saw his business, his confidence, and his place in the transmission industry.
Doug states, “The old saying goes, if you hang around smart people, you become smart. That’s exactly how I feel about ATRA. The guys there have given me a wealth of knowledge, and it’s increased my confidence tremendously.”
He says attending conferences and seminars has changed the way he approaches both leadership and problem-solving. “When you’re surrounded by people who’ve been through the same challenges, you start to see the bigger picture,” he explains. “It makes you think differently. The connections make me feel invincible in this industry.”
Before joining ATRA, Doug admits he sometimes second-guessed himself. “You work in your own shop day in and day out, and it’s easy to feel isolated. When you’re part of a network like ATRA, you realize you’re not alone. If I run into an issue, I can pick up the phone and call the tech line or reach out to another member. That support system is worth everything.”
He views the cost of membership as a small price to pay for what he’s gained. “It’s not an expense; it’s an investment,” he says. “The knowledge and relationships I’ve built through ATRA are priceless. Supporting the group that supports me just makes sense.”
Wells Trans-Tech has always evolved with the times. The shop originally handled all types of auto repair before Doug decided to focus strictly on transmissions as vehicles became more complex. That shift allowed him to concentrate on the work he enjoyed most while ensuring each repair was done to the highest standards.
Today, the shop is known for quality work on both domestic and import vehicles, staffed by ASE-certified and GM Dealer Certified technicians who share that same sense of pride.
The team has already seen a steady increase in 10-speed transmission repairs. Doug says, “So far, we’ve had good luck with the repairs we’ve done, and we’re learning more with every job.” His dedication to ongoing training mirrors the same philosophy that drew him to ATRA – never stop learning and never stop improving.
Beyond the walls of Wells Trans-Tech, the shop has always stayed active in the community. The company is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Hart County Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, the Chamber honored the company as Small Business of the Year – recognition that meant a great deal to Doug and his team. 
“It wasn’t just about business growth,” he says. “It was about the way we serve people with honesty and integrity.”
Doug also serves as a magistrate for Hart County, where he’s learned that leading in the public eye isn’t much different from running a shop – both require patience, clear communication, and empathy. Although he admits he’s not always comfortable giving speeches, he says he could talk about transmissions all day. “If you ask me to talk about automotive, I can go on for hours,” he laughs.
As Zack continues to grow the business and Doug’s grandsons begin showing an interest in the trade, the Wells legacy is clearly in good hands. 
Doug reemphasized that he credits his renewed energy and confidence to the support he’s found through ATRA. He says the organization not only gave him valuable tools but also a sense of belonging that reignited his passion for the work.
“Joining ATRA was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Wells says. “It’s changed the way I think, the way I lead, and the way I see the industry. It’s given me the confidence to know we can handle whatever comes next.”
From a small home garage to becoming one of Hart County’s most respected repair shops, Wells Trans-Tech’s story proves that progress doesn’t happen alone. True success, as Henry Ford said, comes from working together, and for Doug Wells, that philosophy has never felt more true.
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 Aurelio at APena@atra.com.
