As a young man, Gary Haslip took an entry-level position with Eugene Automatic Transmissions Inc., dba Aamco Transmissions, in Eugene, Ore. He stayed with Aamco and worked his way up to owner. Haslip now owns Aamco stores in Eugene, Springfield, and Corvallis, Ore.; Spokane, Wash.; and most recently he purchased a store in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. "At the age of 13, I knew I wanted to be in the transmission business," said Haslip.

Haslip has worked in the automotive repair industry for more than 30 years and is active in the industry, as well as in the community. He has been an ASA member since 1994. According to Deb Elkins, ASA-Oregon executive director, "Gary Haslip is an exceptional individual. His willingness to support ASA is incredible."

In addition to Haslip's support of ASA, Rick Allison, shop general manager, also participates in association activities. Allison currently serves as ASA-Oregon vice president and is past president of his local ASA chapter. He will hold the position of ASA-Oregon president next year. (Pictured outside the entrance are (l to r) Rick Allison, general manager, and Gary Haslip, owner.)

"I joined ASA because of the professional camaraderie that I experience with member shops. I will continue membership because we continue to grow, develop and become more efficient, more effective and more professional. I deeply believe in and follow the ASA Code of Ethics," said Allison. His strong commitment to ASA is apparent through his countless hours of work on behalf of ASA. Allison has worked with Haslip as general manager for nine years.

According to Haslip, "I joined ASA because I believe in ASA. I also believe in the Code of Ethics and, furthermore, I believe we can do nothing more than become more professional in our undertakings."

Haslip and Allison work closely together in the day-to-day operations. "I am all things to all people, but my first love is turning wrenches," said Haslip. The shop has a vast amount of inventory and the owner and employees take pride in being able to do one-day service on most transmission repairs and rebuilds.

The 7,800-square-foot facility averages 44 repairs a week. The business opened with six bays; today it has nine with 15 employees. "Our shop has not had a customer complaint in over four years," said Allison.

Due to the continued customer satisfaction the facility demonstrates, it was honored by Aamco. With more than 700 Aamco centers in the United States and Canada, Haslip's business captured the 1998 Aamco Pinnacle Club award for the Western Region. In addition, the shop finished overall in the top 10 of the chain for the United States and Canada.

Haslip and Allison not only contribute to the automotive industry, they are both involved in their community. Haslip is involved with church activities, Kiwanis and the Lane Leaders association. He is a past president of the National Aamco Dealers Association and is currently serving as a board member.

Allison holds a board position for M.A.D.D., serves as an advisor for the Lane Community College and he is a national arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau. He is a former advisor for the Oregon Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Council and Gang Task Force. Being a former U.S. Marine and retired detective sergeant of the Eugene Police department, Allison was well-suited to serve in these advisory positions.

The business regularly lends its time and money to many other local causes as well. The shop annually holds fund-raisers for local athletes and for the high school theater group. It is important to both Haslip and Allison to do their fair share for the community. It is because of their community involvement and radio and television advertising that the business is so successful, they believe.

Haslip is also dedicated to his employees. To assist them, he has developed an emergency fund and a scholarship fund. The shop provides two scholarships to employees with children entering college. "We base the eligibility on the employee's evaluation, seniority and dedication to the business," said Allison. Once a student graduates, the scholarship is given to the next person on the list. The business has given two such scholarships with great success.

"We are able to provide this benefit to our employees because we have almost no turnover," said Allison. This is evident based on the number of years some of the employees have been with the company. According to Allison, one employee has been there 28 years, another 21 years and still another for 19 years. Haslip and Allison firmly believe that if you treat employees like family, pay a fair salary and provide good benefits and work environment, you will have dedicated and loyal employees.

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