Emmanuel Stoupakis was just 10 years old when he and his family immigrated to the U.S. from Greece. That was 50 years ago, and today “Manny” is a prime example of how hard work and a terrific business model can help someone realize the American Dream.
Manny grew up and was educated here in the U.S. While still in high school, he took a part time job at a nearby tire store where he got his first taste of the auto repair industry. It was the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship.
Transmission Rebuilder
After graduating high school, he found a full time job at the Cottman center in West Collingswood, New Jersey. “I started out as an installer and worked my way up to rebuilder,” explains Manny.
While developing his transmission rebuilding skills, he also built a strong business relationship with the shop owner, Ozzie Bombaro. The two created a partnership, opening a the Cottman of Lansdale, PA together. That was about 30 years ago, and their partnership is still going strong.
Today, the Lansdale Cottman is doing extremely well; while they do some general repair work, they’re primarily a transmission shop. Manny does all the rebuilding; he has a center manager to take care of his customers and two R&R techs who work on the cars.
According to Manny, about 65% of their business comes from wholesale and business referrals; they have a regular salesperson who handles outside sales, visiting local shops about twice a month.
“Some shops send us the cars themselves; others refer the customers to us and we handle the entire job,” says Manny. And between their referrals and retail customers, the Lansdale Cottman stays pretty busy all year long.
That actually says a lot about their business ethic and service quality, because Lansdale is a small community. The folks who live in those small towns are well known for sharing their experiences with one another.
For a business to be successful under those conditions, it has to be a place where customers feel comfortable… a place they trust. Manny’s Cottman center earns that trust each and every day.
For marketing, Manny and crew depend mostly on what they get from the Cottman home office, and they’re very satisfied with the results. The one time they step out on their own is when they take part in a local, annual car show. While they don’t use it specifically as a sales tool, it does give Manny and his crew a chance to meet with folks from around town.
Transmission Repair In Lansdale, PA
The American Dream has long been a standard for people all around the world who see a better future for themselves and their families. And Manny’s story proves that the Dream remains alive in Lansdale… under the Cottman logo!
Contact Cottman of Lansdale, PA at www.CottmanofLansdale.com.