Jill Tranmer
Jill Tranmer (Adkins) is an owner of the Tool Box and Bearing Sales in Great Falls, Montana. She purchased the tool and hardware store two and a half years ago and recently expanded the business to include a parts store. Jill restored the Bearing Sales name to her town with permission from both the original owner and President of the corporation who purchased it, reinforcing her commitment to preserving and growing local industry. With nearly 15 years of experience in bearings and power transmission, she leads her team with a focus on operations, sales, and customer satisfaction. Jill grew up working alongside her father in the bearings and power transmission industry, which instilled in her a deep knowledge of parts and a passion for customer service. She honed her expertise through nearly a decade at Bearing Sales and management roles at other companies before taking ownership of her own business. Jill’s professional focus is on bearings and power transmission, and she approaches leadership with hands-on experience, a dedication to building strong relationships, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in both operations and service. She holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.S.) in Business Administration and Management from Great Falls College Montana State University, where she earned Dean’s List honors. Beyond her business accomplishments, Jill is passionate about community service, volunteering, and promoting trades as viable and rewarding career paths for younger generations. She regularly engages with local initiatives, supports small businesses, and highlights the importance of mentorship and skill development in the trades. Jill’s leadership is defined by collaboration, persistence, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed—values that continue to drive the growth and impact of the Tool Box and Bearing Sales in Great Falls.
• Great Falls College Montana State University - AAS, Business Administration and Management, General
• Member, Great Falls Chamber of Commerce
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dad. He taught me everything I needed to know about parts and even quizzed me around the dinner table growing up. To this day, I loved going to work with him and being part of a team together. I also attribute my success to my mom. She taught me to be detail oriented and thrive with my creativity. She has been a huge help with our marketing. Last, but certainly not least, my husband and 3 kids have encouraged me to follow my passion. They have also taught me I have worth in this industry and deserve to be treated properly. I can be a mom and still follow my passion and have a career. They have also taught me to embrace the "chaos" and "roll with the punches." Each day brings its own challenges and obstacles, and you just push through it and adapt.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"People buy from people." It sounds simple and even a little silly, but this is so powerful. There is a lot to learn in this industry, and you cannot always know everything. But you can have your word, and you can own up to mistakes and earn your customers/suppliers trust and develop long-last relationships.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't give up. Don't let things get to you... eventually your time will shine. You can be a woman in this industry and be successful. You can be a woman and a mother and still be successful. If you are not being treated fairly, you will find someone who will understand and appreciate your value someday.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Early career challenges included proving her expertise as a woman in a male-dominated industry and earning customers' trust. As a small business owner she faces supply-chain and purchasing challenges because most manufacturers prioritize larger buyers. Her accomplishments include buying her own company and later expanding it by adding a parts store.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are community and service. I find the greatest joy and sense of accomplishment in helping others and contributing to something larger than myself.