ABOUT US

Mission

Transformers works with the top organizations that will develop forward-thinking proprietors to be more effective with people and their organizations. As a result, they revolutionize the industries they represent and leave a legacy of continuous improvement.

Vision

Transformers impacted organizational cultures in ways that enhanced the well-being of its employees, shareholders, and customers. Transformers Institute uses proven strategies to transform your business. With specialties in business, psychology, culture, and leadership coupled with tactical best practice methodologies to help our clients become industry leaders.

Culture

Collaboration. Excellence. Focused Energy. Relationships. People First.

Greg Bunch is the founder of Transformers Institute and has assembled a team of professionals dedicated to transforming the automotive service and repair industry through the most dynamic and progressive programs together under one roof. 

<See Us in Ratchet and Wrench!>

MEET OUR TEAM

 

GREG BUNCH

Transformers Institute President and Coach

 

Greg has worked as a Master Technician, Service Advisor and Manager throughout his automotive career and currently owns Aspen Auto Clinic, an award-winning 6-location automotive service business in Colorado. Greg is also an industry expert and is a sought after speaker and trainer. He owns and runs the Transformers Institute, a training, coaching, and marketing company dedicated to transforming the auto repair industry. In addition, Greg also is a columnist for Ratchet and Wrench magazine. 

Learn More About Greg

MARCUS NORTON

Transformers Institute Chief Operating Officer

 

Marcus Norton, a seasoned executive and business strategy leader, currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at Transformers Institute. In this role, he is steering the organization towards new heights of success and innovation. With a wealth of experience in executive leadership roles, Marcus has made a lasting impact in various sectors, including Corporate Insurance, Financial Services, and the Automotive industry. His previous role as Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Mobility Support Solutions, LLC showcased his expertise in navigating complex negotiations and contributing to large-scale projects. As the CEO of APEX Incorporated, Marcus pioneered innovative investment and dealer programs, including the development of the first specialty lending facility for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) called Liberty Finance Partners. His entrepreneurial spirit also led to the establishment of NEMT startup/sub-prime lending solutions for Veterans across the US. Beyond his professional endeavors, Marcus values family, faith, and outdoor activities, and is known for his passion for culinary adventures, sports, fine bourbons, whiskeys, cigars, and ice cream.

Learn More About Marcus

DORIS BARNES

Transformers Institute Director of Strategic Growth

 

Doris Barnes, the dynamic Director of Strategic Growth at Transformers Institute, brings over 20 years of automotive industry experience to her role. Beginning with a noteworthy tenure at Mercedes-Benz, where she earned recognition as an AMG Expert, Doris transitioned to a pivotal role in business development and client relations at Elite Worldwide. In her current leadership position at Transformers Institute, she leverages her strategic acumen to identify growth opportunities and pioneer innovative sales strategies. Doris is deeply committed to cultivating strong client relationships and navigating the company through the evolving market landscape with foresight and innovation. Beyond her professional commitments, Doris is a devoted mother who finds joy in outdoor activities and cherishing quality time with her two children, emphasizing travel, family, and friends as integral elements of her personal life.

Learn More About Doris

 

FERNANDO MIRANDA

Transformers Institute Vice President

 

Fernando is an incredibly accomplished executive with over 23 years in the automotive industry. He has done it all, from parts and services all the way to complete executive operations. He is a resourceful entrepreneur who builds and leads top-performing teams on multi-million business projects. His ability to communicate, problem solve, innovate, and teach are second to none. He has held executive VP roles for fortune 500 companies, and now brings his entire suite of skills to the Transformers Institute team. If you are looking to advance your career, redefine the industry, or strike out as an entrepreneur - you can count on Fernando to bring your skills and thinking to the next level.

Learn More About Fernando

 

DAN TAYLOR

 Senior Business Advisor

 

Dan's passion is helping businesses and organizations succeed! As an established business coach and consultant, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Transformers Institute board.

Learn More About Dan

 

PATRICK EGAN

Creative Director and Vice President of Marketing

 

Patrick has a rich history of brand strategy and marketing with more than 30 years of experience spearheading transformative strategies designed to elevate the market presence of a diverse range of organizations—from agile startups to Fortune 100 corporations. With over a decade focused specifically on the automotive industry Patrick has a deep understanding of the nuances of automotive brand positioning, allowing him to tailor innovative solutions that resonate with target audiences and drive sustainable growth.

Learn More About Patrick

 

BRYAN GOSSEL

 

Bryan has been lucky enough to call Fort Collins, Colorado his home since the fifth grade when his family relocated here from Wisconsin. Faith, family and racing pretty much sums up Bryan's life. He credits his strong faith as the reason that he is a devoted husband to his lovely wife of 15 years and father to two beautiful children. And even as a kid Bryan always knew that he wanted to be involved with cars, race cars, and more specifically, sprint race cars.

Philosophy on Life: "Heck ya!" If you are around Bryan, or the shop, enough you will hear that phrase again and again and you quickly learn that he believes that any obstacle can be overcome with enough dedication, hard work, faith and a "Heck ya!" attitude.

Learn More About Bryan

 

RYAN CLO

 

Ryan Clo is a 20 year veteran of the automotive service industry. He currently owns two specialized automotive service businesses located in Cincinnati, OH. Both shops have systems and processes in place so that his presence is not required on a daily basis. Ryan’s first business, Dubwerx, has a 99% customer satisfaction rate while maintaining profitability and growth.                                                                          
Ryan is very passionate about helping fellow shop owners grow and thrive. He is also involved in the growing startup community in Cincinnati, OH, meeting with other entrepreneurs regularly to discuss best practices and the future of business. Ryan volunteers his time serving on the editorial board for an industry magazine and two community non-profits in Cincinnati, OH.

Learn More About Ryan

 

FRANK SCANDURA

 

Frank Scandura has over 40 years of automotive experience and over 25 years of experience as a service center entrepreneur. He is most known for his expertise in European vehicles and is the author of the book, How To Take Care Of Your Vehicle So It Will Take Care Of You.

Learn More About Frank

 

GREG BURCHETTE

 

Greg is an incredible coach, with incredible diversity in his business experience. From Bridgewater Motorworks to an environmental consulting firm, he's done it all. Greg can show you and your team how to make a meaningful, sustainable difference in your community.

Learn More About Greg

 

TROY KAPLAN

 

Troy Gregory Kaplan is a self-made and self-motivated entrepreneur with a passion for the automotive industry. Alongside his wife and acting CEO, Alana Kaplan, Troy has successfully cultivated a regional empire of automotive repair facilities throughout the Twin Cities, and recently expanded to the heart of Arizona. 

Troy's entrepreneurial spirit, drive, and dedication to excellence have made him an industry leader with 22 automotive repair facilities. His coaching and experience are an asset to our entire team, and your business.

Learn More About Troy

 

REGGIE STEWART

 

Reggie is a family man, entrepreneur, and car guy. In 2006, he borrowed $1,000 from his best friend to start a business selling used BMW parts on eBay. Over the past 16 years, that business has evolved into two premier auto service centers generating over 3 million dollars in revenue and growing rapidly. Reggie’s Motorworks specializes in European vehicles, while Noble Auto Service handles Asian and domestic cars and light-duty diesel trucks.

Reggie has gone from wearing all the hats to working from home on his schedule. He credits his success to his awesome team and the many coaches and mentors he’s met along the way. He enjoys sharing what he has learned and hopes to help more shop owners find the freedom that he enjoys.

Learn More About Reggie

 

Al Pridemore

 

Al Pridemore's distinguished career spans over four decades, encompassing military service in the US Marine Corps, a 13-year tenure in Big Oil's management, and the completion of a bachelor's degree in business at the University of Phoenix. With over 25 years in the automotive service industry, he progressed from being a 'gas pump jockey'/tire technician to roles such as shop management, regional trainer, and Director of Training and Development. Collaborating with his brothers, Al became a minority owner in a national chain of tire and auto service centers affiliated with Texaco. In 2005, they ventured independently, founding Pride Auto Care and establishing a profitable, six-store, family-owned chain in the Denver metro area over 17 years. Although they sold the operations in early 2023, they retained ownership of four properties, assuming the role of landlords. In 2022, their six shops achieved just under $12 million in total revenues, featuring 49 bays and 51 employees with a five-day workweek and 10-hour workdays. Their well-run operations excelled in top-quartile profitability, low employee turnover, and an outstanding service reputation in the communities they served. Al attributes their success to a people-centered culture, fostering exceptional discretionary effort from content and well-trained employees, as well as a loyal customer base. The business model prioritized building quality leadership and developing personnel at all levels, empowering them with oversight for their shops, profit and loss statements, and, crucially, the well-being of their teams. 

 
Learn More About Al

 

LACEY SERVIDIO

 

Lacey discovered her niche for phone Quality Assurance programs when she was an inbound customer service representative and volunteered to help a manager audit for inconsistencies in agent metric reports. Since then, Lacey has found her passion in helping companies stand out with extraordinary skills on the phone by helping build their quality assurance programs. Lacey has over 6 years of experience creating and managing QA programs for top companies such as Instacart, Home Advisor, Booking.com, and McKesson, which is a pharmaceutical and health information technology company. 

 

Learn More About Lacey

BOARD MEMBERS

 

BRIAN SUMP

 

Brian Sump is not your typical shop owner. A former professional athlete, Sump had never turned a wrench in a shop before starting Denver-based Avalon Motorsports in 2007. Brian is now a multi-location shop owner and founding board member of Transformers Institute.