Johnson’s Transmission & Auto Service Shop in Dunn

Get to Know the Johnson Family & Our Dunn Auto Repair Shop

Johnson’s Transmission & Auto Service is a family-owned auto repair facility offering quality automotive services at reasonable prices. We strive to fix any type of vehicle—foreign or domestic, gas or diesel—to our customers’ specifications and satisfaction, and while we’re a small auto repair shop located in the country, we have a wide selection of modern tools and technology to repair vehicles accurately. We also have access to auto repair hotlines where experts supply us with details to make necessary repairs. With the goal of meeting all our customers’ needs, we provide towing services and auto body work, too. Our technicians are ASE-certified and ASE Master-certified.

Jerry and Jesse Johnson

Jerry Johnson’s Story

Jerry Johnson, Owner of Johnson’s Transmission & Auto Service in Dunn, NC

Jerry Johnson opened Johnson’s Transmission & Auto Service in April 1993 after a series of life events that led him to a career in auto repair. When he was a child, he and his brother received one bicycle to share for Christmas, so it was ridden a lot (to say the least). They wore out every moving part on that bicycle and replaced several sets of crank bearings and rear ends. They even had to replace the fork bearings a couple times, along with putting boots inside the tires where they dragged them on the highway until they had holes in them.

At the age of 15, a friend of Jerry’s had a 1962 Ford Falcon, which they had to work on to be able to drive it around. He enjoyed working on vehicles so much he took Auto Tech for two years in high school, where he rebuilt engines and worked with different cams, carbs, front ends, and transmissions. Jerry also learned a lot working on his friend’s 1967 Chevy-powered Firebird.

After high school, Jerry went to Wayne Community College for two years, studying Auto and Diesel Technology. His goal was to work on farm equipment, but when he finished school, he got a job at Auburn Pontiac in Raleigh—an adventure for Jerry. In 1977, a friend offered him a job in Goldsboro (happily closer to home) working on Mazdas and Volkswagens. He worked there for a while before taking up farming again and then going to work at Plainview Auto and Truck Center, which was followed by an independent auto repair shop specializing in European cars, Honda in Goldsboro, Ford Place in Smithfield (where he worked one day and got a raise for his go-and-get-it attitude), and Benson Ford where he rebuilt automatic transmissions.

Johnson’s Transmission & Auto Service Today

All Jerry’s automotive experience gave him the confidence to build an auto repair shop of his own. Only two years after establishing Johnson’s Transmission & Auto Service, he was able to add a transmission room and another bay. Then, in 2003, he built an entirely new auto repair shop with five more bays, making eight bays total. Today, the shop also has a paint and body shop, as well as 10 full-time employees (including Jerry’s son, Jesse) and three part-time employees. Never one to rest on his laurels, Jerry even started a car lot in 2004 to stay busy during the slow times.

There’s always something going on at Johnson’s Transmission & Auto Service, from new additions to our family to new professional certifications!

Come in and get to know us or learn more here.

Meet Our Team

  • Jerry Johnson
    Jerry JohnsonOwner & President
  • Don
    Don MelcherGeneral Manager
  • Melisa Barbour
    Melisa DaughtryOffice Manager
    Melisa has been with Johnson's for 4 years. She is our Office Manager and Bookkeeper. She comes to us with many years of retail managerial experience. She is also in her last year of school, getting her degree in Accounting/Finance. In her spare time, she enjoy's spending time with her husband Russ and is really enjoying her 1st Grandchild, Kensley.
  • Eddie
    Eddie TaylorService Writer
    Eddie is the Service Manager at Johnson's. He has been with the company for over 10 years. He brings over 25 year experience in the auto industry. He is married to Shannon and in his off time he enjoys cooking.
  • Jesse Johnson
    Jesse JohnsonASE Master Certified Technician and Transmission Specialist
    Jesse is the son of Jerry and has grown up in and around this shop. He was doing custom work as early as 14. He is currently Shop Foreman and in his words "Caretaker". He is married to Traci and has a son, Cam and a step-son, River. When he is not at the shop, you will more than likely find Jesse at White Lake boating and grilling. Jesse will be grilling the chickens.
  • Austin Johnson
    Austin JohnsonService Technician
    Austin has been with the company for 8 years. He does all our lift kits and is a very qualified technician in all aspects of the job. He is married to Lindsey and they have a young daughter Rayleigh. Outside of the shop, he enjoys grilling, golf and spending time with his family. Austin is also a volunteer firefighter.  
  • Bill Carr
    Bill CarrASE Certified Mechanic
    Billy has been with Johnson's for 9 years now. He is ASE Certified and attended school at the NASCAR Institute. He is married to Heather. They have a son, Colt and a baby girl on the way. Billy has great ability as a technician and diagnostic technician. In his spare time, he is a successful drag racer. 
  • Reggie Rich
    Reggie RichAuto Tech Aide/ Detailer
    Reggie is our oil change and tire specialist. He also handles a great deal of other shop assistance and duties. He has been with Johnson's for almost 10 years. In his spare time, he enjoys all sports and cooking on the grill. He and his fiancee,Tab, have a son Shy that attends college in Greensboro.
  • Anthony Allen
    Anthony AllenTechnician
    Anthony has been with us since January of 2018. He previously worked with us for 5 years. He is multi talented with diagnostics and all aspects of auto and truck repair. Anthony is extremely detailed on completion finished work. He is originally from Illinois. He served 5 years in the US Army and also goes by "Sarge". He brings 27 years of auto experience to our shop. When he is not working he enjoys drag racing and is a talented bowler. Anthony recently got engaged to his girlfriend Candace.
  • Dean Hyatt
    Dean HyattPaint and Body Work Technician
    Dean is our body shop technician and painter. He has over 30 years experience and does outstanding work. He has been with Johnson's for over 7 years. When Dean is not at work, he enjoys restoration of Classic Cars and is an avid target shooter and ammunition re-loader. So, just in case you were unaware, we do Collision Repair, Body Work and Painting . In addition, we also have a frame shop and experienced personnel. Stop by and see Dean for an estimate on any body work you need.
  • Jacob Blakley
    Jacob BlakleyBody Technician
    A 2014 graduate of Hobbton High School, Jacob went on to earn his degree in Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology from Wayne Community College. He is a welcome addition to our Body Shop and Collison Repair Center here at Johnson’s. In his spare time, Jacob is an avid outdoors man and is a skilled bow fisherman. Jacob also enjoys cooking and spending time with his dog, Cali and cat, Chris.
  • Gregg Tart
    Gregg TartTow Driver

Affiliations

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