AUTOINC. ONLINE - Shop Profile

Don Stone (pictured, right), owner of AAA Quality Transmissions in Stuart, Fla., began in the automotive industry at age 12. "I was intrigued with how cars worked," said Stone. His father was also an automotive technician that specialized in transmission repairs in the 1950s. "I guess you could say it is in the blood," said Stone.

"To me, my business is really not a job; it is a hobby that I enjoy. I have always had a fascination with taking broken things apart and making them work again," said Stone. This approach to business has enabled AAA Quality Transmissions to become very successful in the five years it has been open.

Before opening his shop in 1994, Don worked for a local AMC dealership and at a Mobil Oil Company's retail development center as an assistant manager. There he learned how to operate a service station and create sales.

Don and his wife, Lori (pictured, right), opened their business with 2,000 square feet and two lifts. "That lasted about six months and we had to expand into another 2,000 square feet," said Stone. In addition to expanding square footage during the first year of operation, Stone also added two more lifts. One lift gave them capability of lifting 45-foot motor homes. Today the business has 5,600 square feet, with 1,600 square feet being used for office and storage space.

Originally the business employed Stone, Lori and Stone's brother, Everett. Stone's brother no longer works for the business, but they added three employees. "I was up to nine employees at one time, but it was too much of a headache and we cut back," said Stone. Due to the continued growth of the business, AAA Quality is allowed the luxury of choosing what vehicles it works on. "We see approximately 40 vehicles per week and out of that, 10 are not transmission problems; 20 have minor problems that are corrected; and the remaining 10 need internal repairs or rebuilds," said Stone.

He is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Don and his technicians continually attend ASE and industry training to stay on top of today's advanced vehicles.

AAA Quality is unique in that Don is the only transmission shop owner in Stuart, Fla., with hands-on knowledge. He answers several questions over the phone, sometimes preventing the need for shop repairs. "We believe this is good business," said Stone.

His involvement in the community is also very important to him. The shop is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Don and his employees' commitment to getting the job done right the first time is their business emphasis. "Our shop is involved in many activities, but the best one is sitting on the Martin County High School Automotive Academy Advisory Committee," said Stone. He is currently working to set up a National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certified high school program in his area. He is hopeful this program will be implemented this school year.

AAA Quality's marketing strategy includes an ad in the Yellow Pages and a weekly ad in a local coupon paper. The coupon ads describe common problems that occur within a vehicle. "Many customers contact us and say, 'My car is doing what your ad said this week.' This generates a lot of business," said Stone. The shop also has a Web site (http:// www.aaaquality.com) for consumers looking for transmission-related information. The biggest advertising method for AAA Quality is customer referrals. Stone attributes 75 percent of his business to word-of-mouth referrals.

The business serves several community service vehicles also. Stone performs work for the Stuart Police Department, the Martin County Sheriff's Department, the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the Martin County Fire Rescue, the Martin County Vehicle Maintenance, the Port St. Lucie Utility vehicles, Federal Express and many more.

Stone is firmly committed to the automotive repair industry. He has been an ASA member since 1994 and currently holds the position of ASA-Florida president. He has also held numerous other positions on the chapter and affiliate levels. In addition to Stone's association involvement, Lori too has held association positions including chapter secretary, chapter vice president and chapter president.

"I joined ASA for the networking aspects and getting together with other people within the industry. Being a technician before a business owner left me with a lot to learn about business. ASA has helped with that through AMI courses, as well as listening to other professionals in our industry," said Stone. He will continue his membership because he believes there is strength in numbers and that this strength is beneficial in Washington, D.C., and in Tallahassee, Fla. "I also use various member benefits and save three times what my annual dues are," said Stone. Don says he finds it sad that not all shops take advantage of the opportunities that ASA has to offer.

Don also gives back to the industry. He helps other technicians around the state by instructing them on driveability problems with his "Slips & Shudders Transmission Clinic." Stone has conducted his clinic at several ASA-Florida chapter meetings.

In addition to his association work, Stone is also active in the Transmission Rebuilders Network International (TRNi), the Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG), and the International Automotive Technicians Network (i-ATN). By participating in these groups, Stone has helped several shops by sharing his experience and knowledge of transmissions. He has also benefited from the information he has received as well.

Future plans for AAA Quality Transmissions are to look for a larger facility and possibly start a transmission parts business. Stone is also considering purchasing his own building instead of leasing.

It appears that continued success for AAA Quality Transmissions, and Don and Lori Stone, will carry over for many years to come.

Shop Stats

Name: AAA Quality Transmissions
Location: Stuart, Fla.
Number of employees: 4
Square Footage: 5,600
On the industry: “ My employees, like myself, enjoy the transmission business and not just the financial rewards it brings. ” - Don Stone

Making a Living Out of an Enjoyable Hobby

Shop Stats