A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Jim Sharbono is a seasoned entrepreneur with over four decades of experience in the automotive repair and real estate industries. His career began in 1973 when he entered the automotive sector as a technician at ABC Transmissions. Through dedication and business acumen, he quickly advanced to management and ultimately ran the company before launching his own business in 1984.

Recognizing the importance of continued education in business operations, Jim pursued coursework in business and personnel management at Tacoma Community College and Fort Steilacoom Community College. This foundation, combined with hands-on experience, set the stage for his long-term success in business ownership and investment.

Professional Experience and Business Ventures

In 1984, Jim founded All Transmissions, transforming it from a small, single-location shop into a multi-store operation employing 50 staff members. After over 30 years of success, he sold the company in 2015.

Beyond his flagship business, Jim expanded into various ventures in the automotive and real estate sectors:

• ABC Transmissions (1973-1984): Jim’s entry into the automotive repair industry, where he progressed from technician to manager and ultimately took over operations in 1979, leading the company until July 1984.

• All Transmissions (1984-2015): The flagship business that Jim and Debbie founded, expanding to four locations and employing 50 staff at its peak. After more than three decades of success, the business was sold in 2015.

• The Trans-Plant (1993-2002): Acquired with a 53% ownership stake in 1993. Jim and Debbie maintained their involvement for nearly a decade before selling their interest in 2002.

• Parkland Transmissions (1994-2000): Acquired in 1994, with 47% ownership later sold to a managing partner, Bob Huke. Jim retained partial ownership until selling his remaining interest in 2000.

• Shar Enterprises: A management entity created to oversee and streamline operations across multiple business ventures with varied ownership structures. The company was dissolved following Jim and Debbie’s transition out of the automotive repair industry.

• ASH (1997): Established as a holding company for residential rental property investments. The entity was dissolved after the successful sale of its properties.

• SAR (now Share Investments LLC) (1998-present): Initially formed as a joint property investment, now a thriving real estate company managing over $24 million in assets, with a strategic goal of growing to $50 million in five years and $100 million in ten years.

Industry and Community Leadership

Jim has been actively involved in industry boards and community organizations, contributing to business standards, consumer protection, and workforce development:

• Automotive Service Association (ASA): Served at the local, state, and national levels, playing a key role in shaping industry policies. Recognized for his contributions with the Garage Man of the Year award in 1990.

• Clover Park Technical College Advisory Board: Provided expertise on curriculum development to ensure alignment with industry standards and workforce needs.

• Washington State Apprenticeship Council: Contributed to workforce development initiatives, helping to establish training programs that prepared future professionals for careers in the automotive industry.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Board of Directors: Worked closely with the BBB, including organizing meetings between the automotive repair industry and the Attorney General's office to foster trust and transparency.

• Washington State Attorney General's Office: Collaborated with the Attorney General's office to draft the state's automotive repair law, aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring industry accountability.

• Ford Motor Company Lemon Review Board: Served as a board member responsible for evaluating and resolving disputes between consumers and Ford related to defective vehicles.

• Back Country Horseman of Pierce County: Member of the Board of Directors, supporting initiatives that promote responsible land stewardship and equestrian access to public lands.

• Tacoma 8 Rotary: Long-standing member, actively involved in community service and charitable initiatives.

• Conexion and Changing Rains: Board member for these nonprofit organizations, dedicated to supporting military families and children in need.

Additional Roles

Jim also served as a Pilot for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 10 years, supporting high-level transport, surveillance, and drug interdiction missions. His service earned him multiple awards, including District 13 Pilot of the Year recognition.