Family, Community and Cars:

The Heart of Millennium Transmission’s Success

 

Nestled in the heart of Akron, Ohio, Millennium Transmission & Auto Care has become more than just an auto repair shop—it’s a cherished cornerstone of its community. Positioned just south of downtown Akron and surrounded by the scenic beauty of Portage Lakes and Firestone Lakes, the shop thrives in a vibrant neighborhood teeming with life and energy.

 

“We have great neighbors, and we have awesome businesses that have grown alongside us,” says Ziad “Zee” Chiti, the shop’s owner. “The area is home to people that love the outdoors, boating, and watersports, which brings fun vibes to our community.”

 

Zee’s journey to building this successful enterprise is as inspiring as it is unique. Born in Lebanon, he arrived in the United States in 1990 to pursue an accounting degree at the University of Akron. But his passion for cars was ignited much earlier, watching his father repair commercial vehicles during his childhood. “I was never bothered by having my hands dirty and taking things apart to solve problems,” Zee recalls. “It was something that inspired me and gave me satisfaction.”

 

After earning his degree, Zee fused his entrepreneurial spirit with his love for automotive repair. In 1998, he opened Millennium Transmission & Auto Care on Waterloo Rd. in a modest three-bay shop, working alone to bring his vision to life.

 

From the start, Zee set out to stand apart in an industry that, at the time, often struggled with public perception. “The industry had a bad reputation, and trust was hard to earn,” he explains. “I knew by being clear and transparent with my customers, the people would become comfortable choosing us as their repair shop.”

 

That foundation of trust and integrity paid off. Today, Millennium Transmission & Auto Care has grown into a bustling 10-bay operation staffed by a dedicated team of seven employees. Among them is Zee’s daughter, Zaina, who serves as the shop’s lead Service Advisor. “Zaina is an especially important person at the shop,” Zee says proudly. “Customers love and appreciate the way she treats them, and she carries the shop’s image to a higher level.” Zee envisions her taking on the role of manager one day, continuing the family legacy.

 

A pivotal moment in Millennium’s journey came when Zee partnered with DRIVE. Zee credits DRIVE with helping him transform his management style and implement strategies in marketing, quality control, and hiring. “DRIVE has had a great impact on our shop, working side-by-side with us and giving us the help we needed to grow and become successful,” he says.

 

For Zee, DRIVE’s workshops have been instrumental in shaping his approach to daily operations and customer interactions. “Workshops such as the Service Advisor workshop taught me how to better organize my day-to-day operations, how to handle many different types of customers, and address their concerns,” he shares. “You implement what you learn in the workshops until they become a part of you.”

 

Zee’s passion for learning and collaboration extends far beyond his own shop. As a frequent attendee of the annual DRIVE EXPO, he eagerly connects with other shop owners to exchange ideas and share experiences. “Networking with other shop owners is key,” he emphasizes. “It inspires us to keep working hard and paints a vision of how successful shops are run.”

 

But Zee’s commitment isn’t limited to business growth—he’s deeply invested in his community. Millennium Transmission & Auto Care actively participates in local initiatives, hosting Ladies’ Car Care Clinics and supporting causes like breast cancer awareness and pet adoption events.

“Akron is our home,” Zee says. “It’s where we live and raise families, where we work, and where we play. Each of our team members has close ties to our community and believes in supporting community groups, events, and causes.”

 

Millennium Transmission & Auto Care stands as a shining example of how integrity, family, and community can fuel a thriving business. With a focus on continuous improvement and a passion for innovation, Zee and his team are well-prepared to navigate the evolving automotive repair landscape.

 

As Zee reflects on his journey, he shares a sentiment that encapsulates his philosophy: “The growth never stops. There is always something new to learn, something exciting to implement, or a new way of looking at the day-to-day operation. I am so proud to see myself grow to this point in life, and having an awesome team around me brings me joy and happiness.”

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Written by Brittany Crow, DRIVE