When Jeff Bolton was just 21, he realized it was cost-effective to learn how to work on his own vehicles. He purchased a Haynes manual – basically the automotive bible for beginner DIY consumers – and taught himself the basics. By Jessica Petrucelli
When Jeff Bolton was just 21, he realized it was cost-effective to learn how to work on his own vehicles. He purchased a Haynes manual – basically the automotive bible for beginner DIY consumers – and taught himself the basics.
“I was working at Nissan and had delivered newspapers before that,” Bolton said. “I had very limited automotive experience but have always been a hands-on person.”
He soon entered the world of franchising, signing on with a window tint company in the early 1990s. When that franchise was purchased by Moran Family of Brands, Bolton was introduced to Mr. Transmission® – one of the largest automotive transmission repair franchises in the U.S.
“I knew it was a great company because they treated their franchisees right,” Bolton said, detailing why he purchased a Mr. Transmission in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. “From the start, the brand was very responsive, answered every question I had and treated me like family.”
Established in 1956, Mr. Transmission provides transmission and drivetrain component repair and maintenance services to customers nationwide and locations are spread out across the U.S. and internationally in Africa. The franchise is part of a co-branded operation with Milex Complete Auto Care®, which has been operated by Moran Family of Brands for close to 50 years.
Bolton said joining the company has been one of the best decisions he’s ever made, and while he admits there have been struggles during his 29 years in the industry, he has persevered. In the past several years, Bolton has become one of Mr. Transmission’s top-performing franchisees, reaching $2.3 million in sales in 2024.
“He has overcome lots of obstacles over the years and has become a great success story in our franchise system,” noted Pete Baldine, president of Moran Family of Brands. “Jeff has been the recipient of our award of excellence multiple times for great customer service.”
Bolton still remains a hands-on business owner, fixing most of the cars himself and averaging 11,000 steps per day.
“I like where I am right now,” he concluded. “It’s our goal to continue increasing sales each year and keep making people happy.”
Jessica Petrucelli