Last month, we featured the compelling story of RK Transmissions, highlighting Robert and Lorraine Klein’s thoughtful decision to sell their well-established shop. This month, we shift our focus to Tim Childers, an individual whose journey led him back to the very foundation where his career in automotive began. We’ll explore Tim’s decision to purchase the shop, his transition into ownership, and how his early dreams of running a successful automotive business have now become a reality. Join us as we delve into Tim’s story, tracing his steps from an eager apprentice to the proud owner of Real World Automotive.
From his earliest days at Griffin Transmission, Tim Childers nurtured a dream that seemed as expansive as the summer sky above Raleigh, North Carolina. Barely fifteen, with the summer of 1996 stretching before him, Tim stepped into the shop not just to escape the idle months, but to embark on a journey that would define the rest of his life. His uncle, Don Griffin, owned the shop and offered Tim his first job as a porter. Little did Tim know; this job would plant the seeds of an enduring passion and a lifelong career.
Each day, as Tim swept floors and organized tools, he watched the mechanics with a keen interest that went beyond mere curiosity. It was here that Tim’s dream began to take shape. He reminisces on a memory that he recalls clearly, “I walked through the shop as that young boy, imagining myself walking through as the owner.”
As he progressed to become an R&R technician, Tim’s understanding deepened, and so did his passion. He fell in love with the industry and his skills sharpened as he worked part-time as a builder. By 2004, Tim had accepted the position at Griffin Transmission to rebuild full-time, each day inching closer to the vision that had captivated his teenage mind.
Yet, life, as it often does, guided him away from Griffin Transmission. Tim spent a decade mastering his craft in a big box chain shop, managing a team and ensuring the profitability of operations. These were years of growth, filled with achievements and challenges, yet the shop walls of his uncle’s business seemed to call him back.
In 2023, the winds of fate blew favorably. Tim learned that RK Transmissions, a shop located in the same building where Griffin Transmission once thrived, was for sale. The owners, Robert and Lorraine, were ready to pass on the torch, and Tim saw his past and future converging. He had met Robert years earlier through his role as the local county IGO president and connections forged through shared interests and mutual respect in the automotive community.
Tim didn’t hesitate. In September of 2023, he purchased RK Transmissions, rebranded it as Real World Automotive, and embarked on a new chapter in the very space where his dreams had first taken root. As if destiny had held this moment in reserve for him, Tim now walked through the shop as its owner, just as he had envisioned years ago.
Under his leadership, Real World Automotive flourished, growing from a three-bay to a six-bay shop in mere months. The shop quickly gained a reputation for excellence, servicing fleet vehicles for community service departments, including the local U.S. Marshal’s Violent Task Force Team and the Raleigh Fire Department.
Tim’s philosophy was simple yet profound: treat every vehicle as if your loved ones were in it. This approach not only won him loyal customers but also echoed through the community, enhancing his shop’s reputation for quality and reliability.
However, owning a business was not without its trials. Staffing issues arose as they often do in the automotive industry, but Tim addressed each challenge with a positive attitude. He knew that every problem was an opportunity in disguise—an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to demonstrate leadership.
Real World Automotive has become more than just a business; it’s a community hub, a place where technicians are nurtured, and customers are treated with honesty and respect. Tim’s team, including Robert Klein who transitioned from former owner to shop foreman, became his second family. Robert’s been a cornerstone of support for Tim. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of transmission systems make him an invaluable asset to the team.
For example, Robert is guiding the development of Trip Griffin, a C Technician and R&R tech apprentice, embodies the spirit of growth and learning that Tim values so highly. Under the guidance of experienced team members like Robert, Trip has quickly become proficient in various repair tasks, showing an interest in advancing his technical skills. His enthusiasm and willingness to learn make him a perfect fit for the team, and his progress is a testament to the nurturing environment Tim has fostered at the shop. Together, they push the boundaries of service and skill, driven by a shared vision of excellence.
Reflecting on his journey, Tim realized that the essence of his dream had always been more than ownership—it was about creating a legacy, about making a difference in the world through the work of his hands and the leadership of his heart. He remembered his days as a teenager, walking through the shop, dreaming of a future he could barely grasp. Now, standing in the midst of his realized dream, Tim knew that true fulfillment came not from reaching the destination but from embracing each step of the journey.
Tim Childers’ engagement with professional networks has also played a crucial role in the growth and success of his business. His active participation in Business Networking International (BNI) and the Automotive Service Tire Association (ASTA) not only keeps him connected with the latest industry trends but also opens doors to valuable business opportunities. These associations provide a platform for Tim to share knowledge, gain insights, and collaborate with peers – further enhancing his business expertise and contributing to the shop’s reputation as a leader in the automotive service industry.
Real World Automotive stands as a shining example in Raleigh, not just as a place of business, but as a place where dreams are built and achieved. For Tim, the journey from porter to owner is not just a career path but a life’s work, marked by perseverance, love for the craft, and an ingrained desire to make a meaningful impact.
As the sun sets each evening over Real World Automotive, Tim takes a moment to walk through his shop. He watches as the last lights are turned off and the tools are put away, a habit that connects him to the days of his youth. In these quiet moments, he reflects on the journey that brought him here, the challenges he faced, and the triumphs that followed. It’s in these reflective moments that Tim feels the deepest sense of achievement—not just for the successes of his business, but for staying true to the dream that a young boy once had in this very space.
As Tim looks forward, he sees a future filled with possibilities. He plans to continue growing his business, nurturing his team, and serving his community. But most importantly, he plans to keep dreaming big, just as he did all those years ago as a teenager in the shop. For Tim, dreaming is not just about envisioning the future – it’s about creating it, one car, one customer, and one day at a time.
