Raul Baray shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Raul, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The automotive repair industry, particularly in the area of transmission services, is often misunderstood on various levels. Many consumers have an idealized perception that new cars are flawless, overlooking the reality that they are intricate machines with numerous moving parts and internal systems that must work in perfect harmony. It’s not uncommon to hear about major recalls or defects arising from poor design or manufacturing processes. Unfortunately, when these issues occur, it’s the repair professionals who face the brunt of customer frustration, as we are tasked with resolving problems that often stem from the manufacturers.
Clients frequently don’t fully grasp the complexities involved in automotive repair, especially regarding transmissions. Each component must operate precisely, and even minor discrepancies can lead to significant challenges. There’s a misconception that fixing a transmission is straightforward, but in reality, it requires a deep understanding of engineering, technology, and the specific nuances of each vehicle.
In our shop, we have a saying: “Transmissions ain’t pancakes.” This emphasizes that unlike cooking a simple dish, repairing a transmission involves a high level of expertise and skill. While we strive to provide excellent service and effectively address customer concerns, the intricacies of our work are often overshadowed by misconceptions about the automotive industry. Educating our clients about these complexities is essential, as it fosters a better understanding of the work we do and the challenges we face in ensuring their vehicles operate safely and efficiently.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
It is a true honor to be featured in Voyage Magazine again; I am personally grateful for the invitation to do another article after our first feature back in 2017. It means a lot to us, and it shows how much our company, TX Transmission Repair, has grown since then.
My name is Raul Baray, and I am the founder of TX Transmission Repair. We are a family-built business specializing exclusively in transmission repair and service across the DFW Metroplex. We started ten years ago, and today we’ve successfully grown from a single shop to two full-service locations in Dallas and Terrell. We are currently working toward opening our third location.
Our success is rooted in our internal culture and a commitment to innovation within a very traditional trade. We believe that everybody on our team shares a willing attitude and a mentality of always striving to do the best we can.
What makes us unique in the industry are the policies we established from day one that were, in their own way, innovative for automotive repair:
The Lifetime Warranty:
When we opened, a lifetime warranty on a full transmission rebuild was something very few, if any, shops were offering. It’s our way of instilling confidence and peace of mind in every single client.
The Price Guarantee:
We were determined to eliminate the common industry practice of “upselling” after the quote. Our model guarantees the price we quote you initially, making the process transparent and honest.
The Owner’s Bond:
I created this business from scratch, and when you build something like this, you create a profound relationship with it—a unique bond that guides every decision we make.
We also offer benefits like our in-house tow service to safely and efficiently move a broken-down vehicle from the street to our shop, ensuring a better experience for our clients right from the point of breakdown.
Ultimately, TX Transmission Repair is a brand built on specialized expertise, integrity, and transparency. We are passionate about what we do, and right now, our focus is on expanding our footprint while maintaining the high-quality standards that have defined us for the last decade.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
If I understand this question correctly, I would describe myself as someone who has always been somewhat rebellious, driven by a desire to do things my own way rather than conform to societal expectations. I believe that many successful entrepreneurs share this trait; it’s a crucial part of their success.
For example, my career path as a businessman reflects this rebellious spirit. I have very little formal education—I dropped out of high school at just 15, without even completing my sophomore year. Back in 2006, when the internet wasn’t as prevalent, the prevailing belief was that someone in my position wouldn’t amount to much. The common narrative was that without at least a high school diploma, you were destined for basic jobs and limited opportunities.
Yet here I am at 35, having been my own boss since the age of 22, generating millions in revenue per year and building a growing business that supports not just myself, but also my team and their families while providing a service and bringing value to our city and those who choose us. I don’t share this to sound arrogant but rather to illustrate that I have never felt the need to fit into the mold that others expected of me. I’ve always focused on following my own path and pursuing my vision, which has ultimately led to my current success.
In essence, I am someone who prioritizes my own aspirations and values over societal norms, and I believe that embracing this mindset has been fundamental to my journey.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Every day. As humans, we all experience that internal dialogue that can instill self-doubt about anything we do, especially when it comes to important or significant tasks and goals. It’s like in the cartoons, where you have that little devil on one shoulder whispering negative thoughts and a little angel on the other encouraging positivity.
The journey is tough every day as an entrepreneur, and there isn’t a single day without problems to solve, whether big or small. However, in the end, action prevails. Unapologetic and raw action conquers all. Even during my most doubtful times, I’ve always gotten up and tackled my responsibilities. I have an unapologetic discipline about taking care of what needs to be done. Whether I feel like it or not, or if I’m emotionally there, that doesn’t matter. If I can physically move, things are getting taken care of, period. That’s the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
This answer somewhat ties back to my earlier point about the misconceptions consumers have about the automotive industry. In the earlier stages of my entrepreneurial career, fueled by excitement and a strong desire to succeed, I held the belief that “the customer is always right.” I found myself being a bit of a yes-man when it came to my clients.
Over time, I’ve come to understand that everyone is just human. There are good people, but there are also those who can be antagonistic or even mischievous. Fair is fair, and I’ve learned not to bend over backward just because someone is a client. I treat everyone with fairness, respect, and honesty, but I also stand my ground for myself and my business whenever necessary.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I think I understand many things on deep levels, but to keep it grounded in the context of business and entrepreneurship, I’ll focus there. Having been in this business for 10 years, I’ve reached a point where things run smoothly and effectively. I’ve also grown into someone who can handle the responsibilities that come with owning a business.
However, when you start a business from scratch, the first few years can be brutal. I believe that people who don’t own a business—especially those who haven’t built one from the ground up—often don’t grasp what that truly entails. It’s something I can only give myself full credit for because even those closest to me don’t fully understand the extent of what it takes and how many roles and skills you have to master.
The emotional toll from constant stress, the physical strain of overworking—sometimes only fueling your body with cortisol because the stress makes it hard to eat—and the sleepless nights over one concern or another… that’s where most people give up, and I don’t blame them. Business on paper seems simple, but in the real world, it’s a complex beast. Your service or product competes with a sea of others in the market, and you have to juggle clients, employees, bills, marketing, vendors, and so much more. I have immense respect for anyone who manages to survive those first two to three years of a new business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://txtransmission.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txtransmission
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17PtnpxSJ7/
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