Trust matters in this industry. Especially when it comes to remanufactured transmissions.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce Nick Martel, Strategic Account Executive at ETE REMAN. He’s someone who doesn’t just talk about running a shop. He lived it. For more than two decades.
Nick is another reason ETE is your trusted reman partner… and another reason your shop gets to be the hero.
From Small-Town Vermont to the Shop Floor
Nick grew up in Enosburg Falls, Vermont, a small farming town near the Canadian border. His early years were filled with farm chores, sports, and doing whatever it took to keep gas in his truck. After bouncing between colleges in Vermont and Ohio, Nick found himself in the automotive world, first at a Ford dealership.
It paid the bills, but it didn’t feel like a future.
Then came a night at the drag strip.
One too-ambitious “hero run,” one scattered transmission across Napierville Dragway, and one expensive tow later, Nick found himself walking into a transmission shop with a blown unit and a bruised ego. That shop? AAMCO. The outcome? A $5,000 repair… and a job offer.
The owner was short-staffed. The hours were Monday–Friday, 8–5. For a 21-year-old ready for more balance (and less dealership grind), it was an easy yes.
Nick started the following week and never left the transmission world.
Learning Every Side of the Shop
Like most shop owners and managers, Nick wore every hat. His official title was Center Manager, but his real responsibilities included anything that needed to get done.
Answering phones. Selling jobs. Test drives. Diagnostics. Tearing units down. Helping in the shop when needed.
It didn’t take long for Nick to realize that success required more than just good customer service and fair pricing. To really run a shop, he needed to understand diagnostics, vehicle systems, and, most importantly, how to work alongside technicians.
Watching skilled builders like Paul “Speedo” Van Brunt break down, diagnose, and rebuild countless transmissions gave Nick a deep respect for the craft. It also sparked curiosity. He wanted to understand the why, not just the what.
Over time, necessity forced Nick to become fluent in both the front and back of the shop. Staffing shortages, turnover, and real-world challenges made it clear: being a one-trick pony wasn’t an option. To survive and thrive, you had to know it all.
Why Remans Changed the Game
Years ago, most transmission shops rebuilt nearly everything in-house. But as parts costs climbed, experienced builders became harder to find, and transmission options exploded, the math started to change.
Nick learned this lesson the hard way.
Comebacks. No-go’s. Warranty liability. Millions of dollars’ worth of transmissions on the road. Any one issue could wipe out a week, or a quarter, of profit.
That’s when remanufactured transmissions became a strategic move, not a compromise.
When Nick partnered with a remanufacturer that took pride in quality, things changed. Liability dropped. Profit stabilized. Warranty support mattered. His mindset shifted from staying busy to staying profitable.
“It’s not how much you make—it’s how much you keep.”
By balancing in-house rebuilds with high-quality remans and filling gaps with general repair, Nick grew his shop, supported his team, and served his customers well.
Why ETE Was the First Call
After 23 years of shop ownership, along with the good, the bad, and the ugly, Nick made the decision to sell the business, move his family to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and figure out what came next.
And when it came time to choose who he wanted to work with?
ETE was his first call.
As a shop owner, Nick already knew the difference. ETE units delivered quality. Customer service showed up. Warranty issues were handled the right way, which meant his customers were taken care of, too.
When Nick bought an ETE unit, he could count on profitability and peace of mind. Now, he brings that same perspective to the other side of the conversation.
What This Means for Your Shop
Nick doesn’t see himself as a salesperson. He’s more of a consultant. He approaches shops like a former shop owner who understands pressure, margins, liability, and the reality of keeping bays moving.
He knows what it’s like when:
And that’s exactly why his insights matter.
What’s Coming Next
This is just the beginning.
In upcoming content, Nick will be sharing real-world insights from the shop floor: what works, what doesn’t, and how remans can help shops stay profitable without sacrificing quality.
Because at ETE, our goal isn’t just to supply transmissions.
It’s to help your shop be the hero.
Stay tuned—Nick has a lot to share.