Meet Ben and Michelle Roybal, the heart and soul of A-Affordable Transmissions Center situated in the lively towns of Sheridan and Thornton, Colorado. It’s not just about being at the helm of a successful auto repair business for this dynamic duo. Instead, it’s about carrying forward a family legacy with love, passion, and dedication.
On July 18, 2022, they took on the challenge and began their journey to transform these two centers into a wonderful mix of heritage and cutting-edge innovation. Their goal? To create a future that is deeply rooted in family values and propelled by progress.
Let’s rewind a bit to when Ben was just a 16-year-old kid brimming with ambition. He’d knock on the doors of local auto shops, eager to learn the ropes and make his mark. What started as a youthful pursuit turned into an enriching career journey, taking him from humble garages to high-ranking dealerships. This experience packed his toolbox with a wealth of knowledge and an understanding of the latest technological advancements, ultimately shaping him into the committed business owner he is today.
Michelle has a background in real estate, which contributes to making her the perfect match for Ben’s love of all things mechanical. She’s got the financial game on lock and human resources in check. Plus, her service game? Top-notch. She’s made a space where you won’t just feel like a customer, but like a part of the family.
Their recipe for success is simple – Quality Work at Fair Pricing. But it’s not just a catchy slogan; it’s what they live day in, day out, and it’s what sets the tone for their relationships with their team and their customers.
Now, let’s get acquainted with the fantastic folks who keep the gears moving smoothly:
- Darrin Hebner is the master builder at Sheridan. Darrin and Ben go way back—like, two decades back. Darrin’s in-depth knowledge of what makes this shop tick is the secret sauce for A-Affordable’s top-notch standards.
- Jacob McCaslin is the R&R at Sheridan. Originally from Thornton, Jacob’s mad skills in repair and rebuilding are essentially the backbone of shop excellence. His commitment embodies the shop’s spirit of dedication and quality.
- Tony Marquez is another R&R pro at Sheridan. Tony’s epic journey with Ben, from a GMC Dealership to A-Affordable equips the team with dealership-level finesse and expertise, upgrading service quality and boosting the team’s collective skills.
- Estuardo Morales, or as the team like to call him, “E” is another R&R champ at Sheridan. A breath of fresh air, E’s zest for learning since joining the staff in July 2023 has supercharged the team spirit.
- Jessica Roybal, Service Advisor/ Manager at Sheridan is also Ben’s daughter. With her brilliant mix of academic proficiency in biology and hands-on experience in service sectors, Jessica is the perfect connection between their beloved customers and the magic that happens in the garage.
- Maggie Weeks is a Service Advisor in training at Sheridan. As Michelle’s daughter, the family business runs in her blood, and she’s gearing up to bring new vigor to the legacy. Having specialized in Business Administration, Maggie’s all set to bring a fresh wave of creativity and efficiency.
- Rich LaRusso is the Master Builder at Thornton. His two decades of experience with engines and transmissions have given him an eagle eye for perfection. Every project under his watch becomes a testament to durability and quality.
- Dillion Laughlin is an R&R at Thornton. Dillon grew up amidst hammers and nails. His natural knack for building, honed by a lifetime of informal training, flows into his work, adding a whole lot of heart and wisdom.
- Oscar Villegas Is also an R&R at Thornton. His 23 years of industry experience provides the foundation pillar of the workshop capabilities, ensuring that the shop’s standards keep soaring.
- Patrick Shaver is the Service Advisor and Manager at Thornton. With 25 years of car wisdom up his sleeve, Patrick ensures that every customer walks away feeling informed and welcomed.
- Ben takes a hands-on position in the shop, ready to help the technicians with any questions or problems they have. He jumps in to diagnose issues and find solutions, and even covers for the service advisors when they’re out sick or on vacation. Michelle is just as involved. She manages all the HR paperwork, takes care of new hire onboarding, manages bill payments, and oversees the accounts. Plus, she’s always ready to pick up the phone if needed. On top of all that, Michelle also played a crucial role in purchasing the real estate for their business.
Together, these fabulous individuals form the high-powered engine that drives A-Affordable Transmissions Center.
The Roybals are always at the forefront of car repair, constantly bringing in new technologies like their Tekmetric software system to keep everything running seamlessly.
Although they’ve not been running the show for that long, their business has strong roots. Every spot where they set up shop has been a key part of the community for years. This gives Ben and Michelle a rich storyline to work with – one that’s about embracing the new, fueling growth, and strengthening family bonds.
Their vision isn’t just about being the biggest or having the most locations. It’s about fueling a business that’s so successful that their kids might one day take the wheel.
They’re always looking for ways to grow and learn, hooking up with groups like the Shop Fix Academy and SCORE. They’re big believers in swapping innovative ideas and finetuning their business strategies. This commitment to always learning and evolving means that A-Affordable Transmissions Center don’t just keep pace with industry changes – they blaze a trail.
When they’re not in the shop, Ben and Michelle are all about adventure and connection. You might catch them cruising the open road on their 2022 Harley Road Glide or hanging out with the Parker Hog Chapter. This shared love not only brings them closer but also connects them to their community. It really captures the warm, genuine partnership they have – in life and in their business.
Imagine a world where the clank of tools and the hum of engines combine with pure human connection. That’s exactly what the A-Affordable Transmissions Center story is all about. It’s a family with their hearts in the engine, turning dreams into reality with a whole lot of passion and a grounded sense of honesty.
With their careful guidance, eye for detail, and warm, open environment, Ben and Michelle have created more than just a car repair shop. It’s a place where ties are built, and everyone feels like they belong. No matter if it’s a simple oil change or a major overhaul, customers know they can count on A-Affordable Transmissions Center for top-notch service, fair deals, and a friendly smile – always.
