Business & Tech
Business Spotlight: Browning Tire and Auto Center
Each week we feature a business from our hometown of Lilburn. This week, learn more about Browning Tire and Auto Center.
Michael White has been the manager at Browning Tire and Auto Center since 2005. Located at 3099 Five Forks Trickum Road, the auto center opened its doors in 1990. Customers of Browning are given a variety of options when it comes to auto care including tire installation, brakes, oil changes, timing belt replacement and tune ups. I recently sat down with White to talk about managing the business.
Patch: How did you get started in the automotive industry?
Michael: It was an after-school job. I never figured out what I wanted to do so here I am at 52 and I'm still doing it. Eric Browning opened this store in 1990 and it was originally supposed to be a Goodyear store. But for a few reasons beyond his control he became an independent shop. I met Eric working at a Goodyear store. He was working there while he was training. He kept nagging me to come work for him after opening the shop so eventually I showed up.
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Patch: What is the best aspect of managing the auto shop?
Michael: I don't have to get dirty working on cars anymore. You can get burned out after turning wrenches for a long time so now I manage and it's a nice break.
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Patch: What is the most challenging aspect of managing Browning?
Michael: Customers will sometimes come in and they're not happy because their car is broken. Most of them are great and long-time customers. But every once in a while we'll have someone show up and they want something done instantly because they wanted it fixed yesterday. We do the best we can but unfortunately we can't always do it in the time frame our customers would like.
Patch: What makes Browning unique?
Michael: I think most of our customers would tell you that they feel comfortable coming here. They trust us. We still have the first customer that walked through our doors in 1990 doing their repairs here. We try to treat everybody fairly and equal and they appreciate that.
Patch: What makes the Lilburn community special?
Michael: Lilburn has good schools and a down home, small-town feel.
Browning Tire and Auto Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
