Got All Auto Parts – Jeff Madison
Jeff Madison is the general manager at Got All Auto Parts in Bay City, Michigan. Jeff has been working in the automotive field since he was sixteen years old. He started working in local transmission shops and by the time he was 21, he had his own repair shop. Jeff had already gained experience as a district manager by that time and he used that knowledge to build a niche in transmission repairs.
About seven years ago, Jeff purchased Got All Auto Parts and brought on his old friend Kevin Karwat, in order to streamline their services and products. The original niche was to rebuild transmissions and sell them at wholesale cost to shops or the general public. With a foundation of trust and reliability, Got All Auto Parts became a way to expand their business. They are now able to supply all parts for vehicles, while still providing the best value.
Jeff prides himself on providing a much-needed option for his customers. Got All Auto Parts has a focus on rebuilding transmissions. This gives buyers the option of repairing their vehicle without having to pay retail price for a brand new one. Rebuilding and reusing parts is just one-way Jeff promotes a better environment. The shop has also had a new air compression system installed to be more environmentally friendly.
Tell us a bit about what you do?
I’m the general manager, so I work with our customer service department and lead the manufacturing department. I’m also involved in buying our inventory. We get a lot through auctions, online and local. We primarily focus on rebuilding transmissions. We have an assembly line style at the shop to ensure everything is done properly. It gives us the checks and balances we need. Once complete, we are able to offer those at a great price to buyers. We ship nationwide.
What gave you the idea for your company?
When I first opened my shop, it was for transmission repairs. After some time, I realized that rebuilding transmissions was a great option, especially for those who didn’t necessarily need a brand new one. So, I found a bigger area and started working on the rebuilds. Initially, it was maybe 20-30 per week. We grew very quickly though, and realized we needed to expand even more.
We expanded to include all auto parts so that we could grow our customer base. Our customers would call us for their transmission needs, then naturally the next question would be if we had engine parts or bumpers or whatever else they needed. We wanted to be able to supply anything. We now have an inventory that includes used auto parts, new auto parts, and aftermarket parts.
What is your favorite thing about your chosen profession?
For me, the best part is saving our customers money and giving them a trusted source for their auto parts. Our prices are up to 60% less than retail parts. Our customers get excited when they see our prices compared to others. Some clients simply can’t afford a brand-new transmission, but they can handle a rebuilt transmission. Their car may be worth $1000, and a new transmission can run around $2000. It’s not worth it to spend that kind of money. We offer them another option that is reasonable and keeps their vehicle on the road.
What keys to being productive can you share with us?
Determination is the number one key to productivity. You have to believe in your product and market it to the right people. You also have to ready and willing to change things up when it’s necessary. We were doing well with the transmission rebuilds, but when we saw the greater need we were able to make the changes to grow even more. It’s not all about money, it’s about being able to create lasting relationships with our customers.
Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
I want to be the leading supplier of automatic transmissions in the nation. I think we’re currently among the top 10 suppliers right now. I want to get to number one.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned through the course of your career?
We have grown so much over the last several years. We have had to make changes to how we run the shop, as well as to who we employ. I guess the most valuable lesson has been to hire the right people. You have to find the right people who are going to be dedicated to the position and will provide the customer service that we expect.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
Listen to the customer’s needs and act accordingly. In our industry, it’s really all about trust. The customer has to know that we are saving them money and providing them with a good product. Anyone entering the auto parts field needs to be aware of the need in their area and be sure to fulfill that need.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I work seven days a week. I’m a workaholic and I don’t really have too many hobbies that I get to do. It’s tough, but if you want to be successful, that’s what it takes. Even on my occasional day off, I’m not really off from work. I have phone calls and emails to follow up on. I am always reachable.
Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
Peace and War by Leo Tolstoy
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I think the one thing that I feel like I missed out on since I got into the industry so young is that I haven’t had the opportunity to see the world. I think I would tell my younger self to pause long enough to do that. I enjoy the success and I love what I do, I just don’t think I took enough time to really enjoy things and I would definitely want to change that if I could.
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