Todd Egge pictured with outside signage.

For more than 25 years, Todd Egge has worked in the automatic transmission repair industry. After earning a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from South Dakota State University, he chose to take over the family business, Jay Egge Automatic Service Inc., from his father, Jay.

“I chose the transmission repair business over engineering because I developed a love for the self-satisfaction it gives me. I was also very intrigued by the overwhelming success my father had achieved. It was truly incredible the unprecedented reputation he had built,” said Egge. Todd Egge has served as owner of the business for 11 years. Jay Egge retired in August 1990 after working in the transmission industry for more than 50 years. Sadly, Jay passed away in August. The example he established for providing superior transmission service continues as his professional legacy.

The business, which opened in 1977, is located just outside the city limits of Sioux Falls, S.D. According to Egge, the city offers a small town atmosphere with big business results.

Over the years, the business has grown steadily from two employees to its current 12-member staff and 14,400 square feet. Jay Egge Automatic Service performs approximately 80 repairs per week with 50 percent being overhauls and 50 percent being small jobs. The business works with all levels of clients - from the individual to more than 200 resale customer accounts in a 200-mile radius. Egge takes pride in knowing he and his staff provide quality work and service to the customer. “Take care of the customer and they will take care of you,” said Egge.

Egge's wife, Joanne, is co-owner and also works in the business. She handles the office operations and is an invaluable asset to the company. “She gives me complete confidence in accurate bookkeeping,” said Egge. His role in the business is overseeing the daily operations, estimating and diagnosing driveability problems. It is important to the Egges that they demonstrate to their employees they are “hands-on” owners and involved in all aspects of the business. “We work side by side with our employees on a daily basis,&3148; said Egge.

The staff at Jay Egge Automatic Service includes transmission rebuilders Dewey, Earl, Richard and Greg; technicians Robert, Eric, Lee and Rod; parts manager, Craig; and front office clerk, Pam.

Inside the shop.

A competent staff, quality work and effective marketing have continued to make the shop successful. The business uses various methods to advertise, including telephone directory ads, radio commercials and customer referrals. Community participation also plays a role in the firm's marketing strategy. Currently the business is a member of the Chambers of Commerce in Sioux Falls and Brandon, S.D. In addition, Egge sponsors several community activities such as bowling leagues and slow- and fast-pitch softball teams. He is also very involved with the local circle track racing community.

Egge's involvement in the automotive repair industry is just as important to him as his community participation. He is currently a member of the Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG) and the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA). In addition, Egge has been an ASA member since 2000.

“I joined ASA to help improve the ethics of our industry,” said Egge. As an ASA member he was instrumental in the development and affiliation of ASA-South Dakota and currently serves as its vice president. He is also an advisory board member of the Southeast Technical Institute, which provides vocational and technical training to the area. On the national level, Egge was recently appointed to the ASA Mechanical Division Operations Committee.

Future plans for the business include continuing to offer professional, quality repairs and service at a fair price to its customers.

“I would also like to take the electronic end of automatic transmissions to the highest level,” said Egge.

This continued drive and determination to provide complete customer satisfaction and remain on the cutting edge of technology will keep the Egge family's original reputation intact.

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