At a recent Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) meeting, longtime member and local business owner Bobby Kostrewa delivered his commercial craft talk, giving members insight into the history, growth, and technical excellence behind his business, Tranz Connection.
Bobby has been a fixture in the Toms River automotive community since founding Tranz Connection in 1991. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he began working in auto repair as a teenager, attending automotive tech school and even operating a two-car garage behind his house while pursuing a career in the NYPD. After retiring from the force in 1988, he moved to Ocean County and transitioned full-time into the automotive industry—first in parts, then in running his own shop.
Originally located next to the Toms River Diner, Bobby started small, operating out of a modest building with three bays and two lifts. As business grew, he expanded into the back half of the building and added more service bays. After 15 years, he fulfilled a major milestone: designing and constructing his own state-of-the-art facility at 1169 Washington Street in Toms River, where Tranz Connection operates today.
This new shop—built with energy efficiency in mind—features heated floors, an R-50 insulation rating, and eight lifts, including a custom one for Bobby’s personal projects. It’s clean, DEP/EPA-approved, and reflects his commitment to quality and professionalism.
Advanced Diagnostics and Honest Service
Tranz Connection is known for much more than just oil changes and tune-ups. As Bobby emphasized during his talk, today’s vehicles require deep expertise and advanced tools to diagnose and repair complex systems. He’s invested heavily in the latest diagnostic technology and software—spending tens of thousands annually on subscriptions that allow his team to interface with vehicle systems for accurate, manufacturer-level service.
From tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to reprogramming vehicle settings, Tranz Connection brings dealership-level service to the independent repair world. One demonstration during Bobby’s presentation showed a TPMS sensor and the process involved in testing, diagnosing, and programming each tire’s battery-operated valve sensor.
“Back in the day,” Bobby shared, “you could fix a car with a small toolbox. Now, you need advanced computer systems just to change basic settings.” He avoids cutting corners and refuses jobs he can’t do right—especially when it comes to complex European vehicles that require expensive, proprietary software.
Services and Certifications
At Tranz Connection, Bobby and his team offer full-service automotive repairs for cars and medium-duty trucks (up to 26,000 GVW), including:
- General automotive maintenance and repair
- Transmission repair and overhauls
- Computer and sensor diagnostics
- Tune-ups, brakes, and oil changes
- TPMS programming and replacement
The shop is AC Delco, ATRA, and Motorcraft certified, and Bobby himself is a master-certified mechanic and licensed New Jersey state inspector and reinspector, authorized to issue red rejection stickers and perform official inspections.
A Reputation Built on Trust and Experience
Bobby’s deep roots in the industry, combined with his honesty and no-nonsense approach, have helped him build a loyal customer base over three decades in business. He prides himself on fixing cars the right way and always keeping up with new automotive technologies.
If you’re dealing with a check engine light, routine maintenance, or a complex electrical issue, Tranz Connection offers expert service from a team you can trust.
Tranz Connection
Address: 1169 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
If you’re interested in meeting local business owners like Bobby, join us at OCBA for an upcoming networking lunch.