by Rachel Schreiber
Peter Raciti, owner of Boss Products, has found unexpected pleasures in the unexpected things in his life. He was born in New York and transplanted to Ann Arbor when he was in high school because his dad took a job in Michigan.
Peter has worked with the automotive industry all his professional life, first as an automotive project manager in the Detroit area and then as a trade consultant for the Australian government for its auto industry. Six years ago, he started Boss Products, they make filters for domestic and foreign vehicles. He says, “We’re trying to go from original equipment to after market available for everyone in the general public who wants their transmission or power steering to last longer,” he says. The filters are available online through JC Whitney or Northern Tool. The Inline filter can also be purchased through Chrysler and Ford dealerships. He explains, “If you have a problem with your transmission, on a new or used car they would give you one of our filters. We sell to remanufacturers, the companies that take broken transmissions, tear them apart and rebuild them. Many remanufacturers specify our filter has to be installed or the warranty won’t be enforced.”
He stands behind his product and states, “I believe the filter is a good product. I believe in myself in being able to promote it. What I wasn’t aware of were the negative connotations adding additional filters had in the industry. I’m up against people who say, ‘my father and grandfather change their oil every 3,000 miles, why do I need to spend more money on a filter?’ If you knew better you could leave the oil in your engine longer because it’s cleaner, you’re going to save oil. You’re going to reduce wear and friction. If you reduce those things the engine lasts longer and you’re going to get better gas mileage. Businesses with many vehicles would benefit from adding our filters to their delivery vehicles so they can take advantage of fewer oil changes and better gas mileage.”
The economy and the troubled automotive industry have been challenging for Boss Products. Peter states, “When the automotive industry began its downward spiral, my business went in the wrong direction.” Then an unexpected surprise caught him off guard. “We were looking for other products to develop in testing the MagnaFilter (second generation filter) for a particular customer with a particular need when we discovered a new adhesive. Rapid Fix was invented.” Rapid Fix kit includes an adhesive that can be used singularly or with a welding powder. A DVD is included in the kit to demonstrate its usage. “Rapid Fix is a professional, top grade adhesive. It can be used to mend jewelry, sports equipment, automotive parts, for hobbies or anywhere two pieces need to be glued together. It was an unexpected consequence of a test we were doing for MagnaFilter,” Peter says. Rapid Fix and the filters are sold to many of the same customers.
In the midst of filters, adhesives and trying to stay afloat, Peter did something unexpected. He hired mentally and physically challenged people from Excel Employment based in Livingston County. Noel and Chris, from Excel, work on the production floor packaging and labeling Rapid Fix bottles. They work under Excel’s supervisor Jeff Wismont. Peter states, “I feel very fortunate all my children were born healthy and I thought what a better way than try to give someone a chance who didn’t really didn’t get a fair shake. Peter also employs his daughters, son and nieces. “We enjoy having Chris and Noel and they enjoy being here with us. My original intention was to give something back to the community. But I have found having them here has given me a whole lot more in return. It feels good and it puts a smile on my face.”
Boss Products
Peter Raciti
7879 Jackson Road, Suite E
Ann Arbor, MI
Phone: 734-424-0487
Email: pete.raciti@charter.net