A lot of things have changed for RK Trans & Auto Repair in Raleigh, North Carolina, since the shop profile we published in April of 2020. We contacted Lorraine and Robert Klein to conduct a follow-up interview, and Lorraine explained that the business had been sold. During the conversation about how and why this transpired, Lorraine felt it necessary that we tell their story to help other shop owners who may find themselves in the same situation.
As we revisit RK Trans, we witness not just the progression of a business but also the unfolding narrative of a personal journey – a journey marked by challenges, triumphs, and ultimately, a renewed pursuit of prioritizing health and well-being above all else.
Looking back, Robert’s story begins with humble roots. He was born into a family where transmissions weren’t just a business, they were a way of life. His parents, Cel and Ken, laid the foundation for what would become RK Trans & Auto Repair, a thriving business built on a foundation of hard work and dedication. As a child, Robert’s playground was the shop floor, where he absorbed the intricacies of transmission repair, learning the ropes from his father and submerging himself in the world of gears, clutches, and torque converters.
By the time most kids were still learning to ride a bike, Robert was already knee-deep in transmissions, tinkering away with the tools of the trade. His passion for fixing things was evident from an early age, and as he grew older, so did his desire to stand out in the automotive field. From attending technical classes across the country to earning certifications as a Master Rebuilder, Robert’s thirst for knowledge knew no bounds.
Alongside his professional pursuits, Robert found time to nurture other passions, from his love of motorcycles to his active involvement in the community and industry organizations. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious, earning him a reputation as not just a skilled technician but also a trusted mentor.
However, as the years passed and RK Trans grew into a thriving business, the demands on Robert’s time and energy began to take their toll. Long hours spent working in the shop, along with the stress of running a successful business, started to weigh heavily on his health. Yet, like many entrepreneurs driven by passion, Robert pushed on, determined to keep his business running smoothly and his customers satisfied.
“It was like putting a band-aid on a broken arm.” remarks Lorraine, Robert’s wife and business partner, as she reflected on the challenges they faced. “We needed a technician that would be able to rebuild while also taking on more responsibilities in the shop.” However, finding a suitable candidate to fill this crucial position proved to be a daunting task, presenting difficulties in securing a permanent placement within the team.
It wasn’t until Robert began experiencing chest pains that he realized the extent of the toll his work was taking on his health. Concerned but reluctant to seek medical help, Robert initially brushed aside his symptoms, chalking them up to stress and fatigue. With Lorraine’s insistent intervention, Robert finally agreed to see a doctor, setting off a chain of events that would ultimately change their lives forever.
Despite initial dismissals from medical professionals, the couple refused to accept anything less than a thorough examination, pushing for further tests until the true extent of Robert’s condition was uncovered. So, what began as routine medical tests soon turned into a harrowing ordeal as doctors discovered serious heart conditions that required immediate attention.
Here is Lorraine’s recap of the ordeal. “The weekend after the closing of the sale our shop, Robert’s chest pains were of the worst kind. Over the weekend the pains seemed to worsen, leading us to the ER. Again, they dismissed the pains as part of the stresses in his life and prescribed sleeping meds and anxiety meds… We made plans to visit his primary care doctor who recommended a calcium test and CT scan of his heart.
“The day after the CT scan, the cardiologist called Robert. She insisted on performing a heart catheterization, which was scheduled in two weeks… After the procedure, they told us they had installed a stent into the “widow maker” artery. They also said the backside artery was 100% clogged, but they wanted to wait for him to heal and see how he was feeling.
“Approximately a month later, he was not better. He was still tired, and the pain had shifted in his chest. We met with a new cardiologist who specializes in this particular artery. This guy was like the transmission expert of the automotive industry, so Robert jelled with this doc.
“This second procedure required 2.5 hours and an overnight stay. They installed two stents to open the artery. Later that night, Robert was finally coming down off all the pain meds, and he started bickering with me. That’s when I knew he was feeling much better, and I had my hubby back – rosy cheeks and all.
“So, that’s the story behind why we sold our transmission shop. If we had not sold our business, Robert might not be home with me now. With all that behind us, now we’re looking forward to new adventures to go on together as a couple!
“Robert has this saying, ‘If you have an itch, scratch it. If you are not satisfied, keep scratching until you are satisfied.’ He pushed his doctors to really hear how he was feeling, so he kept scratching that itch until he and I were satisfied.”
This sobering story was a wake-up call for Robert and Lorraine – a harsh reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing personal health above all else.
Faced with the reality of his condition, Robert and Lorraine made the difficult decision to sell RK Trans, a move that they believed would ultimately save Robert’s life. It was a bittersweet moment, saying goodbye to a business they had poured their hearts and souls into, but also a necessary step towards a future filled with hope and possibility.
It’s unfortunately a wake-up call that’s all too common among entrepreneurs. With a background as a registered nurse, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects that long-term stress can have on individuals, particularly among business owners. According to recent statistics, entrepreneurs are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing heart disease and related issues compared to the general population. Studies have shown that the demands of running a business, the pressures of financial instability, and long work hours, can take a severe toll on one’s health. In fact, research indicates that business owners are more likely to suffer from conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks due to chronic stress and lifestyle factors.
Shop owners often find themselves neglecting their health as they put the needs of their business above everything else. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of pushing off addressing health issues until they escalate into serious conditions.
Additionally, the pursuit of success often leads to inadequate sleep, as business owners work long hours, sacrificing rest to meet deadlines and obligations. Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, decision-making, and raises the risk of heart disease. Dehydration from hectic schedules and poor dietary choices further increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. Combined with the constant pressure and stress of entrepreneurship, it’s evident why heart disease is common among business owners like Robert.
Shop owners need to manage their health while also managing the demands of owning a business. This starts with recognizing the importance of self-care and committing to regular check-ups with healthcare professionals to catch any issues early on. Also, prioritizing adequate sleep by establishing consistent bedtime routines and allocating enough time for rest each night. Hydration is also key, with focus on drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated and maintain optimal bodily function. Perhaps most importantly, shop owners must learn to manage stress effectively by implementing stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies and activities they enjoy. Setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and learning to say “no” when necessary are also crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
As Robert and Lorraine embark on the next chapter of their life, their journey serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and focusing on personal well-being. For Robert and Lorraine, the road ahead may be uncharted, but one thing is clear – they’ll face it together, united in their pursuit of health, love, happiness, and a future filled with new possibilities.
