By Lin Honeycutt
Starting with a Toolbox and a Dream
When I started Honeycutt Transmission over 30 years ago, all I had was a small toolbox, a strong back, and the determination to make it work. I had just earned my associate’s degree in Auto Technicians and had a dream to build something of my own—something honest, dependable, and rooted in hard work.
I never planned to become a business owner, let alone run one of the top-rated shops in the country. I just knew I loved fixing cars, solving problems, and helping people get back on the road safely. Looking back now, I realize this journey was never just about transmissions—it was about learning how life works, one job at a time.
The Value of Showing Up
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of simply showing up. Every day. Rain or shine. Sick or tired. There were plenty of mornings I wanted to hit the snooze button, especially in the early years when money was tight and stress was high. But I showed up—and so did my team.
There’s no shortcut to success. You’ve got to be consistent. You’ve got to keep your word. If you say you’ll have a job done by Friday, you make sure it’s done—even if you’re under the hood until midnight. That kind of grit builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any lasting business.
Tools Are Only Part of the Job
I’ve collected a lot of tools over the years—wrenches, torque converters, diagnostic computers, you name it. But I’ve also come to understand that tools can only take you so far. What really matters is the person holding them.
You need patience to diagnose a problem. You need wisdom to know when to repair something and when to replace it. You need humility to admit when you made a mistake. And you need heart to care about the person behind the wheel, not just the car in your bay.
Working in a transmission shop, I’ve learned to listen—not just to the noise a car makes, but to what a customer isn’t saying. People often come in frustrated, stressed, or even scared. They’re worried about the cost, the inconvenience, or if they’re being taken advantage of. Treating people with grace and honesty goes a long way in calming those fears.
Grit Gets You Through the Tough Days
There were seasons when it felt like everything was against me. Equipment would break down. A big job would fall through. I’d get a bad review or have to deal with a difficult situation I didn’t see coming. That’s when grit kicks in.
Grit isn’t about being tough all the time—it’s about getting back up when things knock you down. I prayed a lot during those seasons. I leaned on my faith, my wife Cindy, and the small circle of friends and mentors who believed in me. Every challenge was an opportunity to grow stronger, learn something new, and keep going.
Grace—For Others and Yourself
Over the years, I’ve come to believe that grace is just as important as grit. Running a shop means you deal with people—employees, customers, vendors—and people are human. They mess up. They have bad days. So do I.
There have been times when a mechanic made an honest mistake, and we had to make it right. Instead of yelling or pointing fingers, I’ve tried to create an environment where we learn from errors and improve together. That same grace applies to myself. I’ve learned not to beat myself up over things I can’t control. Some days just don’t go your way—but that doesn’t mean you’re a failure.
Passing It On
As I got older, I started to think more about the legacy I want to leave behind. Yes, I’m proud of the awards, including being named one of the top ten garages in the country. But what means more to me is hearing a young mechanic say, “You taught me how to do things the right way.”
I’ve trained a lot of people over the years, many of whom went on to start their own shops or become leaders in the industry. That’s something I hold dear. Passing on knowledge, integrity, and work ethic—that’s the real reward.
Life Lessons Under the Hood
Looking back, running a transmission shop has taught me more about life than I ever expected. I’ve learned that success is built on sweat, not luck. I’ve learned that fixing something isn’t always about having the fanciest tools, but the right mindset. I’ve learned that people matter more than profit, and grace is often more powerful than force.
Most of all, I’ve learned to be thankful—for the opportunity to serve, to grow, and to lead with faith and purpose. I didn’t just build a business. I built a life.