Where It All Started—Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts
Written by Ainsley Jacobs
Photography courtesy of the manufacturer
Originating in 1999, Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts, Inc. became a leader in transmission parts solutions for both automatics and manual gearboxes, primarily thanks to its expert team of dedicated employee-owners.
Founded by a group of team members with extensive industry experience and knowledge, the original owner of WIT eventually decided to sell the company. “He wanted to help the employees as best as possible in the long run, so, in 2004, we became an ESOP,” explained Kim Casey, Executive Assistant/Office Manager and Board of Directors member who has been with WIT since day one.
The Employee Stock Ownership Plan at WIT ensures the employees are committed to the company’s success, as their financial futures are directly tied to that of the company through their ownership. The benefit plan also includes great perks, vacation time, a 401K retirement option, and more.
“We also have invested in other areas to strengthen the company through diversification,” Casey noted of how the WIT group owns a print shop, Roadmaster Powertrain, Atlantic Converters, a logistics company, and more. “Everything feeds back into the ESOP, and we’re very family oriented. We take care of each other, and we work to keep our team happy so they stay with us long-term.”
Based in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, the primary WIT headquarters houses roughly 200 employees and sits on a 10-acre property with plenty of room for future expansion. Over the years, though, WIT has also branched out to include 40-plus other locations across the United States with a second main distribution center located in Florence, Alabama, while a third is already in the works to help bolster WIT’s global logistics.
WIT’s growth over the years is due to prioritizing a commitment to customer service – the cornerstone of the company. “We take pride in caring for our customers since we wouldn’t be here without them,” Casey said. WIT’s experienced industry veterans and sales representatives aren't stuck in cubicles; they’re actively invested in the customer and regularly visit floors, support disaster relief efforts, and so much more.
Additionally, WIT carries a full line of top-quality new, OE, used, and remanufactured products for both automatics and manuals from industry-leading manufacturers. Having established long-term relationships with top suppliers, WIT stocks transmissions, torque converters, rebuild kits, hard parts, performance parts, and kits, as well as coolers, fluids, tools, accessories, and more.
“We remanufacture transmission parts in-house, and we have our own torque converter facility,” Casey added. WIT also utilizes strict quality-control processes with master builders in place to oversee operations and ensure everything is exactly as it should be before it’s boxed, labeled, and shipped. “We can take care of everyone from average enthusiasts to the dedicated NMRA racers.”
For 2023, with inspiration from NMRA 8.60 Street Race class creator Leticia Hughes, WIT came on board as the title sponsor of the dynamic NMRA Limited Street championship category. “We were excited about getting involved with the NMRA and showing our support of the racing industry,” Casey continued. “One of our top Master Builders is on-site at each NMRA event to help with whatever’s needed.”
From competition cars to tow vehicles and street cars to show cars, Whatever it Takes Transmission Parts, Inc. offers the products, knowledge, service, and skill to supply them all with exactly what is needed.
Written by Ainsley Jacobs
Photography courtesy of the manufacturer
Originating in 1999, Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts, Inc. became a leader in transmission parts solutions for both automatics and manual gearboxes, primarily thanks to its expert team of dedicated employee-owners.
Founded by a group of team members with extensive industry experience and knowledge, the original owner of WIT eventually decided to sell the company. “He wanted to help the employees as best as possible in the long run, so, in 2004, we became an ESOP,” explained Kim Casey, Executive Assistant/Office Manager and Board of Directors member who has been with WIT since day one.
The Employee Stock Ownership Plan at WIT ensures the employees are committed to the company’s success, as their financial futures are directly tied to that of the company through their ownership. The benefit plan also includes great perks, vacation time, a 401K retirement option, and more.
“We also have invested in other areas to strengthen the company through diversification,” Casey noted of how the WIT group owns a print shop, Roadmaster Powertrain, Atlantic Converters, a logistics company, and more. “Everything feeds back into the ESOP, and we’re very family oriented. We take care of each other, and we work to keep our team happy so they stay with us long-term.”
Based in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, the primary WIT headquarters houses roughly 200 employees and sits on a 10-acre property with plenty of room for future expansion. Over the years, though, WIT has also branched out to include 40-plus other locations across the United States with a second main distribution center located in Florence, Alabama, while a third is already in the works to help bolster WIT’s global logistics.
WIT’s growth over the years is due to prioritizing a commitment to customer service – the cornerstone of the company. “We take pride in caring for our customers since we wouldn’t be here without them,” Casey said. WIT’s experienced industry veterans and sales representatives aren't stuck in cubicles; they’re actively invested in the customer and regularly visit floors, support disaster relief efforts, and so much more.
Additionally, WIT carries a full line of top-quality new, OE, used, and remanufactured products for both automatics and manuals from industry-leading manufacturers. Having established long-term relationships with top suppliers, WIT stocks transmissions, torque converters, rebuild kits, hard parts, performance parts, and kits, as well as coolers, fluids, tools, accessories, and more.
“We remanufacture transmission parts in-house, and we have our own torque converter facility,” Casey added. WIT also utilizes strict quality-control processes with master builders in place to oversee operations and ensure everything is exactly as it should be before it’s boxed, labeled, and shipped. “We can take care of everyone from average enthusiasts to the dedicated NMRA racers.”
For 2023, with inspiration from NMRA 8.60 Street Race class creator Leticia Hughes, WIT came on board as the title sponsor of the dynamic NMRA Limited Street championship category. “We were excited about getting involved with the NMRA and showing our support of the racing industry,” Casey continued. “One of our top Master Builders is on-site at each NMRA event to help with whatever’s needed.”
From competition cars to tow vehicles and street cars to show cars, Whatever it Takes Transmission Parts, Inc. offers the products, knowledge, service, and skill to supply them all with exactly what is needed.
