“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
If you ever find yourself rolling through Kennewick, Washington and you happen to break down, there’s a good chance someone local will point you to All City Transmission. This family-run shop has been a cornerstone of the Tri-Cities area for 21 years and for good reason. They’ve built a reputation as solid as their diesel builds, keeping hardworking trucks on the road and transmissions built to last.
The shop first opened in 2004, the vision of Bill McDonald, a guy who’s been elbows-deep in the industry since he built his first car at age 15. What started as a small, hands-on business has grown into a 10,000-square-foot shop with six bays and one massive lift that can handle just about anything, including RVs. What makes All City special is the people behind it.
You’ve got Bill himself, still wrenching and diagnosing like the seasoned pro he is. His wife, Jennifer, keeps the front end running smoothly as the service writer, making sure customers feel heard and taken care of. Their son, Billy, is learning the ropes from both of them, while balancing a growing family at home with his fast-paced workload at the shop. He’s shown strong leadership when Bill and Jennifer have stepped away, and he’s proving more and more capable as he continues to grow into the role.
The rest of the crew rounds out the All City family. Brian is a top-notch diagnostician with a great eye for detail. Zephyn, the builder-in-training, is learning the ropes as an R&R technician. Then there’s Corey, the kind of R&R tech every shop hopes for – dependable and ready to dive in.
Specializing in heavy-duty builds for diesel pickups that tow, this shop doesn’t cut corners. The team tackles these high horsepower, high torque builds with a mix of precision, pride, and patience. Their builds aren’t just repairs, they’re built to hold up when the pressure’s on.
When it comes to diesel work, All City Transmission is in a league of its own. While many shops shy away from heavy-duty jobs, this team leans in. They’ve built a strong reputation for their work on diesel pickups, especially trucks used for towing, hauling, and putting down serious mileage under heavy stress. More than weekend toys, these are working vehicles that people rely on every day to earn a living, move freight, or haul heavy loads across long distances.
One of the things that really sets All City apart is their willingness to stand behind their work. They’re the only shop in the region that warranties their heavy-duty builds, and that warranty, two years or 24,000 miles, is more than a promise, it’s a statement that says, “We build it right, and we’ll stand by it.” Bill says he’s even heard that some competing shops have told customers to bring their trucks to him. “There have been instances,” he shares, “where a customer at another shop is told to just let Bill handle that build.”
Whether it’s a Dodge Cummins, a Power Stroke, or a Duramax, the crew takes the time to understand how each truck is used so they can tailor the transmission to the job. That means choosing the right internals, reinforcing weak points, and making sure the build holds up not just in theory, but in the real world – where heat, weight, and torque expose every flaw or weakness.
They’ve also invested in the tools and training that keeps them ahead of the curve. From high-capacity coolers to upgraded torque converters and shift calibration, their diesel work isn’t just about repairing, it’s about refining and improving. Each truck that leaves their lot is built to take a beating.
Of course, it hasn’t all been easy. Bill will tell you straight up one of the hardest things about running a shop goes beyond fixing transmissions, it’s figuring out the business side of things, like payroll, taxes, regulations, and legal compliance. “Nobody tells you about that stuff in school,” he laughs. “You just have to learn it as you go.”
Then came the 2008 crash. “There were 11 transmission shops in our area back then. Only three of us made it through,” Bill says. “It was a scary time.” What saved All City? A little foresight and a lot of discipline. Bill and Jennifer had just completed Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace program. They’d paid off some debt, which gave them enough breathing room to ride out the storm. That decision made the difference.
Through all the ups and downs, the McDonalds have stayed grounded, both in business and in life. When they’re not at the shop, you might catch them up in the mountains riding UTVs. Bill admits, “The sand is alright, though I prefer the slow, technical rides.” It’s no surprise his preferred off-road path mirrors how he approaches business – slow, steady, and smart.
The shop’s reputation speaks for itself. Scroll through the reviews and you’ll find story after story of customers who felt seen, heard, respected, and well taken care of. One person mentioned the team stayed late just to finish the job and get them back on the road. Another appreciated how they were shown the worn-out parts and walked through exactly what needed fixing. That kind of transparency is what turns first-time customers into lifelong ones.
All City is also BBB-accredited with an A+ rating since 2010 and maintains memberships with ASE, ATRA, and ASA. They’ve embraced modern tools too, including digital diagnostics, financing options, and even night drop services that help them meet folks where they are while still keeping that small-town approachability.
Looking ahead, the plan is clear – train Billy to eventually take the lead. He’s learning quickly, has stepped up when needed, and continues to grow under the guidance of his parents. The balance of generations in the shop is one of its greatest strengths. Experience meets new energy, all backed by a shared name and a whole lot of grit.
Bill’s advice to younger shop owners? “Don’t underestimate the business side. The mechanical stuff might come easy, although the behind-the-scenes- scenes such as taxes, payroll, and licensing is where people get tripped up. Ask for help when you need it.”
At the end of the day, All City Transmission is the kind of place that still believes in doing things right. No gimmicks. No rush jobs. Just quality work, fair service, and a handshake that still means something. In an industry that’s always moving, it’s nice to know some shops are still built to last.
With the way Billy is stepping up, the McDonald legacy is shifting into its next gear – full throttle, with family riding shotgun. Thus, proving that when you take control of your path and build on what matters most, you’re not just predicting the future, you’re creating it.
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 Dennis at dmadden@atra.com.
