Hmmm… Can anyone tell me what kind of diesel we have here on this dyno? Every JASPER running complete diesel engine is live-run dynamometer tested to assure trouble-free performance. Engines are tested under varying loads to simulate in-the-vehicle operation. After the final inspection, it will be off to the paint booth!

Dartt Automotive Service of Evansville, Indiana, was recently honored by the Tri-State Better Business Bureau for their service to the community. The Business & Integrity Torch Awards are presented to local businesses that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to leadership, their communities and an organizational commitment to ethical practices. The BBB developed this program believing these businesses deserve the attention of the local community.

Dartt Automotive celebrated 25 years of service in 2011. Dale Dartt, president and owner, began the business following in his father, William “Chuck” Dartt’s, footsteps. Dale and his wife, LaDonna, along with employees Jerry Burton, Derek Mann, Paul Clark and Chad Beirman, offer customers over 80 years of automotive repair experience. Each technician is ASE-Certified, with Dale and Jerry both being ASE Master Technicians.

In order to better serve their customers, Dartt Automotive recently completed an expansion of their business facility and hired an additional employee. They continue the family tradition of providing quality customer service, focusing on friendly, professional automotive repair and competitive prices.

A member of the Better Business Bureau since 1987, Dartt Automotive strives to follow the BBB’s integrity guidelines. Jasper Engines & Transmissions congratulates Dartt Automotive on this achievement.

What? You’re not following JASPER on Facebook? We want your comments about our products, promotions and sponsorships. Come and join the thousands of others who have clicked the ”Like” button at: http: www.facebook.com/jasperengines.

Dallas Auto Repair is just a short drive out of Dallas, Georgia, on the Villa Rica Highway. Since 1983, Dallas Auto Repair has been a family-owned general repair facility, serving the residents of Dallas, Hiram, Polk County, Aragon, Villa Rica and surrounding communities northwest of Atlanta. They also perform diesel service and repair, emissions testing and repair, and provide full service towing.

Mike Hulsey started his automotive career in 1973, when he opened a Gulf filling station on Main Street in Dallas. Mike ran the station until 1983, when he opened Dallas Auto Repair a few miles out of town at 838 Villa Rica Highway. He started with two mechanics in a two-bay shop. Over time, the business grew to the point where Dallas Auto Repair currently has six technicians working 14 service bays under 9,000 square feet. Two of their technicians are ASE Certified and regularly attend various technical-training sessions. Of course Dallas Auto repair pays for their technician’s training.

Over three generations of customers utilize Dallas Auto Repair as their first choice for vehicle repair. Personal convenience features, like free shuttle service to a customer’s home or office within the local area, are offered. “People do not have to wait,” says Hulsey. “We can take them home or back to work.” Should they choose to wait in the customer lounge, the shop offers free WiFi service.

Dallas Auto Repair has been an installer of JASPER quality remanufactured gas and diesel engines, transmissions, transfer cases and the occasional marine product since the early 1990’s.So why does Mike like using JASPER? “We use JASPER because of their quality, warranty, availability and price,” says Hulsey. “From the initial order to the product delivery, JASPER treats us like Family.”

The future looks bright for Dallas Auto Repair, as Mike Hulsey looks to grow his business every year, to be the shop everyone wants to patronize. “Repeat business is the true measure of success,” says Hulsey. “Referral business is what drives us.”

The Jasper Engines & Transmissions 2011 calendar is out. We had some great entries sent to us, and a big “Thank You”goes out to everyone that submitted their images.

We’re in the preliminary stages for our 2012 calendar. Do you or your customer have a vehicle that’s calendar worthy? Why not send in your entry? The deadline is August 1st.

Entrants must submit a color photograph (35mm or larger) and information about their unique vehicle, or performance car or truck, along with the JASPER remanufactured product that has been installed. Vehicles should be placed in a “show” type setting. Polaroid pictures and low resolution digital images transferred onto photo paper cannot be accepted.

High-resolution digital images, 8″ x 10″ at 350 dpi, are preferred. All entries will be judged based on adherence to the category, equipment appearance and the quality of the photograph. Entries should be mailed to:

Jasper Engines & Transmissions
P.O. Box 650
Jasper, IN 47547-0650
Attn: Roxanne Sherman

Harrison, Arkansas, is the home of Mastertech Auto Repair. Situated halfway between Little Rock and Springfield, Missouri, Mastertech provides complete service and repair for domestic and import cars and light-duty trucks.

The automotive career of Mastertech owner, John Sagers Sr., spans over 50 years, either repairing vehicles, teaching auto repair to college students or running his business. Prior to opening Mastertech, John, Sr. taught automotive technology at what is now known as the North Campus of North Arkansas College. “It was exciting to get a hold of a young man who had talent and determination, and give him the right training,” said John, Sr.

In May of 1999, at the urging of hisson, John Sagers Jr., John Sr. opened Mastertech in a leased 3,500 square foot building on Highway 65 South in Harrison. Five years later, Mastertech moved to its present location at 3925 Duncan Drive. At 8,400 square feet, this shop is over twice the size of the original building, with 12 service bays and nine lifts.

John Sr. is very proud of his business, the appearance of his building and the service that is offered. But most important, he’s proud of his technicians. Three are ASE Certified Master Techs, one is ASE Certified in brakes, and his two service advisors are ASE Certified automobile service consultants. It was the certification that was the inspiration for the name of the business.

“We wanted a name that would promote a professional image, a master technician,” says John Sr. “Branding is very important in this business and we wanted a distinct name in order to promote our brand.”

Since 2006, Mastertech Auto has been an installer of JASPER remanufactured engines, transmissions and transfer cases. “Mastertech uses JASPER products because of their 3-year, 100,000 mile, warranty and no-hassle claims,” says John Sr. “Several of our customers have heard of JASPER’s reputation for a quality product.”

John Sr.’s approach to Mastertech has brought his business many honors within the community. He’s received an award as a Distinguished Leader in Small Business, and Mastertech has been voted “Best of The Best” the past two years by a local newspaper reader poll. “Our motto is ‘Repaired correctly, in a timely manner, at a fair price,’” added John Sr. “What the customer wants most is to get the car back promptly and when promised.”

Mastertech Auto Repair has recently branched out to include collision repair and towing. They also offer a free pickup service for their customers’ convenience. It’s part of John Sr.’s future plans to always try to bring more customers to Mastertech.

“People basically have three choices: buy a new car, fix an old one, or walk,” says John Sr. “In the present economy, people aren’t buying new cars, so maintenance is important. Quality car repair is recession resistant.”

The Indiana Department of Labor has announced the Merit Certification of Jasper Engines and Transmissions’ Crawford County facility in Indiana’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

VPP, Indiana’s Voluntary Protection Program, was established to recognize and promote safety and health management programs throughout the state. All companies, regardless of size or business, can participate in VPP - where management and employees work together to create and maintain a healthy working environment.

The Crawford County facility is the second of JASPER’s remanufacturing facilities to achieve VPP status, and is one of only 56 Indiana companies to reach this level. The Jasper, Indiana, remanufacturing facility earned its Merit Certification in 2008. “It is always gratifying to witness companies that proactively address and manage workplace safety and health,” commented Commissioner of Labor Lori Torres. “The Department of Labor is pleased to partner with and congratulate Jasper Engines and Transmissions for achieving VPP Merit status.”

“The JASPER Safety Committee and Associates have been working on this program, and its benchmarks, for four years,” says Jason Pieper, JASPER Safety Director. “We understand we still have a lot of work to do, but we have now created more awareness, more Associate involvement and made sure JASPER has Safety Systems in place.” The VPP Merit Certification ceremony was held September 24th at the Crawford County facility. The ceremony provided an opportunity for JASPER Associates, staff and management to showcase their exemplary status to state officials and local elected officials.

JASPER has been successful in reducing the number of OSHA recordable injuries and illnesses by 30% in a three-year span. “VPP sites are demonstrated leaders in the occupational safety and health arena,” added Torres. “The reduction of recordable injuries and illnesses at JASPER is proof positive in how successful implementation of a safety and health management system has an impact on not only injury and illness rates, but also on employee satisfaction and morale.”

“Management commitment and Associate involvement are the two main components of the VPP program,” added Pieper. “JASPER has both these elements, which has improved our safety program. JASPER’s goal is to have all of our remanufacturing sites in the VPP program”.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  We wish you safe travels and joyful times with family and friends.  Let us pause for a moment, from our busy lives, to reflect and give thanks for the truly important things in life.  May you and your family enjoy this day and have a memorable holiday weekend.

A Giant who walked humbly and lived among us in a quiet, gentle, loving, caring manner guiding and teaching us to be Servants to Others. His service to JASPER spanned over 64 years.

On September 8, 2010, at the age of 86, Gervase Schwenk was taken from us by cancer. He fought until the end never giving up on living. Less than 8 weeks ago, he was out on his jet ski riding at 50+mph and, prior to one of his treatments, went for a bike ride on his Honda Helix. He truly was a man who Loved Life. He truly lived our mission statement “Do it Right … and Have Fun”.

Just 6 weeks ago, Gervase walked our shop floors talking and shaking hands. Just 2 weeks ago, as we were eating lunch in his kitchen, he inquired about the ESOP, sales, JPS and other projects including the Ground Breaking of an expansion at Crawford County. You see, Gervase lived each minute as if it might be his last, making sure “you felt appreciated”.

Gervase served our nation in World War II and received a Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. He never really talked about that gruesome experience but looked forward to his annual reunions and was always thankful for the service of others.

Doug Bawel, President of Jasper Engines & Transmissions said, “He truly is the smartest man I’ve ever met and, more importantly, the most humble man I have ever met.” Gervase’s talents include being a self-taught engineer, computer programmer, and great tax advisor. He was recognized as being in the Top 10% of the nation’s Stock Portfolio Managers. You would never know it, however, as he didn’t talk about his success or his accomplishments.

Gervase started working for Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Ruxer as a bookkeeper in 1946 when he returned from World War II. Alvin would brag about Gervase’s great penmanship and the fact his letter of why he wanted the job was delivered the same day of his interview. From bookkeeper to Chairman of the Board of JASPER for some 23 years, Gervase is a true testimony of what can be accomplished by “thinking a little differently and working a little smarter”. Whether it was on the shop floor or in a Board Meeting of our company or at Memorial Hospital, the Evansville Dioceses, Precious Blood Church, Sisters of St. Benedict, VU Foundation, St. Meinrad Archabbey or as President of the Jasper Band Parents for a number of years, he stayed in the background, allowing others to receive the credit and the praise. Gervase truly practiced the teachings of Christ… To Serve Others.

Gervase was a family man committed to his 7 children, 18 grand children and 8 great grand children. Whether it was teaching them how to water or snow ski, he enjoyed helping others excel. He was the first one on the ski lift and the last to leave. When asked why – “so you get your money’s worth”, he responded. But Gervase didn’t have to pay as he was over 70, he truly lived each breath as if it was his last.

We all have great memories and stories of this True Giant who was very serious but always willing to have some fun by sharing in company events and programs. Although he will greatly be missed, each of us has been blessed by his presence and his leadership by example. We must work to allow his Legacy to live on in each of us. Let’s remember one of his favorite axioms - to lead by example, not in what we say, but in what we do with our Family, Friends, Favorite Charities and at Work.

Whenever considering a major decision at work, home or on a board, he would share “let’s sleep on it“. Well Gervase, Sleep well our Good Friend… We Love You and Miss You

If you haven’t heard by now, Jasper Engines and Transmissions is 100% Associate owned.  Before any of us were aware of the changes to come, we the Associates were invited to a morning meeting at the convention center across the street.  You could see the puzzled and perplexed expressions in anticipation of this secretive gathering.  As we sat down, it was obvious something significant was about to happen.  It was on that March morning we found out that we, as a collective group, are part of something much larger.

To celebrate this change in JASPER’s ownership, a coin was designed and presented to all Associates to commemorate this huge milestone in our company’s history.  The issued commemorative coin features: the JASPER logo, founding date, legacy statement, mission statement and our five corporate principles.