Speaker Spotlight

Tony Kuczynski is currently the President & CEO of Mister Transmission (International) based in Toronto, Canada.  In business for over 55 years and with Franchise locations from coast-to-coast, Mister Transmission is Canada’s largest transmission and driveline specialty chain.  Born in California, Tony has worked and held senior leadership roles at Canadian and US based companies such as Carquest Auto Parts/Advance Auto, Canadian Tire and Ace Hardware.  Tony started his career has a technician with Cummins diesel engines, after completing his journeyman apprenticeship, he went back to school to study business.  He currently holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and an MBA from Northwestern’s School of Management.  Tony’s twenty-five year automotive career has focused on sales, operations and business growth – including the acquisition and integration of Independent parts stores and automotive repair centres.   Tony is currently a Program Advisory Committee member at Centennial College (Technical College) and Tony is currently a Board member of the Canadian Automotive Industries Association.

Carl has been in the Marketing and Communications industry for 33 years and has helped many ATRA members improve their online presence while developing strategies to attract additional customers.

Maryann has been a shop owner since 1999, A certified partner of 90 Year Day performance system, and the founder of Small Biz Vantage: where she guides shop owners/leaders to increase profits, develop a team, and create a work-life balance that works.

Ironically, a former transmission franchise executive helped launch Bruce Kneeland’s career in the pharmacy business. While he’s not a pharmacist, Bruce received the 2022 American Pharmacists Association’s Honorary Membership Award. He’s also listed as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy. Kneeland is an engaging speaker. You’re sure to enjoy his story-telling style.

Thom Tschetter is a popular Expo speaker. He also writes a GEARS Magazine column called “Up Your Business.” For his articles and speaking presentations, Thom calls on over 4 decades of automotive experience, having owned a chain of award-winning transmission shops in Washington State. Many people don’t know that Thom was never a mechanic. He came to our industry with a business background and a college degree in marketing and economics.

Since his first appearance for ATRA and GEARS in 1992, thousands of people have benefited from Thom’s unique perspectives, insights, and guidance. His presentations are always laced with funny-but-true stories from our industry. You don’t want to miss this entertaining, informative session.

After attending George Washington University, GFX President Fanny Hanono joined her father in 1988 to help run his automotive business, Carfel, Inc. Fanny quickly streamlined operations to focus on a more robust and vertically integrated automatic transmission parts business. After Fanny was named president, the company exploded into an industry-leading multimillion-dollar operation. Carfel’s success attracted the interest of numerous corporations. In 2001, the company sold all Carfel assets and became GFX. Fanny’s expertise in running daily operations, controlling logistics, and managing the distribution center allows GFX to maintain its streamlined enterprise. Our operations ensure that you receive durable, high-quality parts that stand up to wear and tear.