Monster Transmission & Performance did not begin as a polished operation backed by large capital or a broad product catalog. It began with hands-on exposure to mechanical work and a deep respect for craftsmanship passed down through generations. The company was founded in 2003 by someone who grew up around master mechanics. His grandfather was a master transmission builder and his father learned the trade as well. From an early age he was surrounded by teardown benches, hard parts, and the discipline required to build drivetrains that last.
That early influence shaped the original focus of the business. The founder had a strong interest in restoring older vehicles and recognized a gap in the market for dependable transmissions that enthusiasts could trust. At the time the idea of selling transmissions online was still unfamiliar territory. Monster Transmission became one of the first companies to take that step. The initial offering was modest. Only three products were sold. The 700R4, TH400, and TH350. There were no torque converters and no wide selection. The goal was not to be everything to everyone. It was to do a few things correctly and build a reputation from there.
The earliest days were defined by resourcefulness. The original website was built while living with grandparents and working without outside funding. The message from my family was clear. If the business was going to survive it needed to support itself. That expectation established a mindset that still exists inside the company today. Every department is expected to understand its role and contribute real value rather than rely on momentum or branding alone.
For many years Monster Transmission focused on direct to consumer sales and steadily expanded its product offering. Torque converters were added as customer needs became clearer. Over time the brand became well known among enthusiasts who valued reliability and straight answers when buying complex drivetrain components.
A major turning point came two years ago when the company entered a new phase under new ownership and management. Leadership identified clear areas where improvement would make the biggest difference. Customer service, quality assurance, and production capacity became the center of focus. Investments were made in people, equipment, and internal systems. This was not a marketing exercise. It was a structural change designed to support long term growth without sacrificing build standards.
During this period Monster Transmission also gained visibility through collaboration with Gas Monkey Garage on the television series Fast and Loud. The company supplied transmissions for several high profile build projects. These partnerships did not change how products were built on the shop floor. They did however reinforce the importance of consistency. When a transmission carries your name in a public build the margin for error becomes smaller. That experience strengthened internal accountability across departments.
Monster Transmission operates around five core values that are communicated clearly to every employee. A positive attitude. A strong work ethic. Knowing your department. Respect for others. Volunteer when help is needed. These are not abstract statements posted on a wall. They are practical expectations tied directly to how work is done.
Knowing your department means understanding how your work affects the next step in the process. A teardown technician must consider how inspection accuracy affects assembly. A builder must consider how precision affects quality control. Customer service staff must understand how product knowledge affects trust. Respect for others includes respect for the customer and respect for coworkers who rely on accurate work.
By holding teams to these standards the company aims to go beyond meeting minimum expectations. Leadership places high demands on performance because the products are mechanical and the consequences of failure are real. Customers depend on these components in daily driven vehicles, work trucks, and performance builds.
The company operates under a simple motto. We build more than transmissions. We build relationships. This idea is supported by a mission statement that focuses on delivering the highest quality product to every customer every time. The language is deliberate. Quality is not treated as an abstract goal. It is defined through processes and measured through outcomes.
Monster Transmission maintains high standards because cutting corners would undermine long term trust. Leadership openly states that becoming a leading custom transmission manufacturer is not possible through shortcuts. Customers understand this and expect it. That expectation shapes decisions from parts sourcing to final inspection.
Every unit undergoes teardown, cleaning, inspection, precision assembly, and final quality checks before shipment. These steps are not rushed to meet volume alone. They exist to support reliability and durability. As part of the Burnout Brands family alongside BD Diesel Performance and D and J Precision Machine the company benefits from shared engineering resources and technical insight. This structure supports better problem solving without diluting accountability.
One of the most complex challenges Monster Transmission faced came after merging with other companies and entering more demanding markets. Order volume increased while production capacity had limits. The solution was not to simply push harder. Leadership chose to scale carefully.
Additional staff and production leadership were added. An ERP system was implemented to provide real time visibility across departments. Lean processes were introduced to reduce bottlenecks and tighten inventory control. These changes allowed the company to improve consistency and turnaround times while reducing warranty incidents.
Rather than chasing growth for its own sake the company focused on building systems that could support demand without breaking down under pressure. That approach continues to guide decision making today.
For more than twenty years Monster Transmission focused almost entirely on business to consumer sales. Marketing and search visibility were primary drivers. Recently the company expanded into the wholesale and dealer market. This move required a different support structure and a higher level of technical service.
The results exceeded expectations. More than 280 shops have already signed up with hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional sales generated. This success reinforced the importance of technical support, consistent communication, and reliable logistics. Dealers require confidence not only in the product but also in the people behind it.
Dedicated account representatives guide customers from product selection through installation support. Streamlined shipping and simplified core returns reduce friction. Warranty coverage is structured to provide confidence rather than confusion.
Transmission building is a hands-on technical trade. Monster Transmission places strong emphasis on employee safety, training, and growth. Workspaces are kept clean and well equipped. Employees receive the tools and information needed to perform their jobs correctly.
The company has implemented a structured builder program with three levels. Employees can begin in teardown and advance through training and performance milestones to become senior builders within several years. Senior builders mentor newer technicians, ensuring that knowledge is passed down rather than lost.
Performance is tracked using a skills matrix and regular reviews. Annual evaluations are supported by quarterly check-ins to provide continuous feedback. Recognition is tied to accountability and skill progression rather than tenure alone.
Technology plays a significant role in both manufacturing and customer support. Monster Transmission continually invests in tools that improve testing capabilities, internal communication, and technical service. Technology is also used to help customers make informed purchase decisions and receive accurate guidance.
Online reputation is treated as an extension of the company values. Customer feedback is reviewed monthly to identify opportunities for improvement. Positive experiences are shared internally so teams can see the results of their work. Complaints are taken seriously and used as learning tools.
The company maintains an active presence on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Content focuses on education, product awareness, and industry information. Data analytics are reviewed daily, weekly, and monthly to measure performance across sales, engagement, and customer satisfaction metrics.
Success at Monster Transmission is not measured by sales alone. Financial targets matter, but they are balanced with customer satisfaction and product performance. Net promoter scores, customer reviews, and warranty data are reviewed regularly.
Launching new products is also a key indicator, but only when those products meet established standards. Leadership understands that growth without discipline creates long term risk. By maintaining a balanced scorecard approach the company aims to build steady progress rather than short term spikes.
Monster Transmission & Performance continues to evolve, but its foundation remains tied to hands-on craftsmanship and accountability. From a small operation selling three products online to a nationally recognized manufacturer serving both consumers and dealers, the company's growth has been shaped by deliberate choices rather than trend chasing.
The emphasis on relationships, quality control, and internal standards reflects lessons learned over decades of building mechanical products that must perform under real conditions. That perspective continues to guide how the company approaches its future and the responsibilities that come with its name.
