TransColonial Auto Service stands as a symbol of the art of automotive excellence in the charming town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. For owner Eric Uchbar, the road to establishing TransColonial Auto Service wasn’t a straight shot – it was a winding journey full of detours that began with a deep-rooted love for cars.
Eric’s story begins at the age of 17 at the original shop – Colonial Auto. He began working there and immersing himself in the world of repairs and performance. It didn’t take long for him to dream big, and by 18, he felt he was ready to purchase the shop. But timing, as they say, is everything, and Eric’s opportunity would have to wait. He was then introduced to the field of real estate, but his love for cars never ceased – fueled by a family history of unique builds and custom projects that kept his passion alive.
Fast forward 20 years, and the shop had grown under the stewardship of Rick, who had purchased Colonial Auto, merged it with another business, and added a dedicated transmission shop. The facility expanded to an expansive 20,000 square feet – making it a cornerstone of automotive repair in the region. By December 2024, the stars finally aligned for Eric to fulfill his long-held dream and purchase the business.
Eric contacted a close friend, Jon Pesek, to partner with him in running the day-to-day operations. Eric and Jon share a history that goes back to their high school days, where their mutual love for performance cars, street racing, and car shows laid the foundation for their partnership. While Jon’s professional background was in landscaping and maintaining equipment for 22 years, his experience in management and customer service made him the perfect fit to oversee the shop’s operations.
TransColonial Auto Service’s foundation is built on its talented team, many of whom have been with the shop since the Colonial Auto days.
Anthony Tosi has been a part of this shop for 27 years, ever since he was just a kid, pulling into the same facility every morning with the same passion he had on day one. His love for transmissions keeps him pushing forward, always eager to stay ahead of the curve as the industry evolves.
Kevin Watkins, a service technician with 47 years in the industry and eight at TransColonial, is the shop’s driving force—always moving, always working, and always ensuring things run smoothly. When he’s not under a hood, you’ll find him on the water, casting a line.
Dan Sizemore has spent the past 15 years making sure every transmission rebuild is a seamless process. He’s Anthony’s right-hand man, handling everything from removing and installing transmissions to prepping classic cars for repairs. If he’s not working on a vehicle, he’s probably warming up with a cup of hot chocolate, a staple of his daily routine.
Steve Vober is on the front lines and has spent the last four years keeping the shop in sync with parts, customer communication, and supplier relationships, leveraging his 30 years in the industry. Off the clock, he enjoys target shooting with his revolvers.
Mike Miller, who retired after 28 years at GM, couldn’t resist the pull of the shop environment. Working part-time for the past six months, he still loves turning wrenches and being around the crew. When he’s not in the shop, you’ll find him hunting at his cabin in southern Ohio or target shooting with his lever-action rifles.
Russ Simms rounds out this dynamic team as a seasoned technician and fabricator with an excellent work ethic. Whether it’s taking on new challenges, lending a hand wherever needed, or applying his expert fabrication skills, Russ is always up to the task. When the workweek ends, you’ll find him off-roading with his wife in their lifted Jeeps, proving that his passion for mechanics extends far beyond the walls of the shop.
Together, this team makes TransColonial Auto Service more than just a repair shop – it’s a family, dedicated to keeping the wheels turning and the engines roaring.
“Things are running very smoothly,” Eric says with pride. “Rick built a great company, and the volume of vehicles that come through our doors speaks to that legacy.” The shop’s reputation has only grown while other businesses in the area have shut down, driving an influx of new customers eager to experience TransColonial’s high standards.
Walking through TransColonial Auto Service, it’s hard not to be struck by the dedicated space for classic cars. A full 5,000 square feet is reserved for vintage vehicles, with cars on lifts and technicians expertly restoring them to their former glory. The team keeps a treasure trove of old cores on hand, ready to be pulled off the shelf and built to order.
“We’re not afraid of these types of builds,” Eric says. “In fact, we thrive on them.” Their ability to handle classic cars sets them apart, drawing enthusiasts from across the region who trust their prized possessions to the skilled hands of the TransColonial team.
Every great shop has its mentors, and for TransColonial Auto Service, Mike Riley from Transtar is an invaluable resource. Living just down the road, Mike’s wealth of knowledge has been instrumental in helping the team tackle complex builds and expand their expertise.
“It’s amazing the amount of knowledge he has,” Eric shares. This spirit of mentorship aligns perfectly with Eric’s own values, as he and his team continually learn and grow to stay at the forefront of the industry.
While TransColonial Auto is already a one-stop shop with divisions for general repair and transmissions, Eric has his sights set on the performance world. Plans are underway to dive deeper into track racing transmissions, dual-clutch systems, and other high-performance builds.
“We’re learning-based and focused on growth,” Eric explains. This forward-thinking mindset ensures that the shop remains a leader in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
In addition to serving local customers, TransColonial Auto Service is building partnerships with other shops and shipping transmissions nationwide. This added commitment to wholesale and collaboration underscores their dedication to quality and service, no matter where the customer is located.
At TransColonial Auto Service, Eric, Jon, and their expert team are embarking on an exciting new chapter. With their blended passion, they’re honoring the legacy of Colonial Auto. Whether restoring classic cars or building cutting-edge performance machines, this renowned Chagrin Falls shop is setting the bar for the future of automotive care, ensuring its place as a leader in the industry for years to come.
