Goodrich – After 23 years in partnership with his son Mark, Gerald Brownrigg, 73, will officially retire from the family business, ‘Brown’s Do-It Center, 7281 S. State Road, Goodrich.
‘I am going to miss the people,? said Gerald. ‘I have always stopped whatever I was doing at the store to greet my customers and ask how they were doing.?
His son, Mark, said it has been his dad’s example that has taught him how to take care of their customers. ‘My dad always taught me to treat customers the way I would want to be treated,? said Mark.
Making sure the business grows slowly, Mark and Gerald said, has been the key to its success. ‘We listen to our customers and their needs. We have expanded our store seven times. We are always looking for more products,? said Mark.
Gerald said they started with an 1,800 square foot building and have added onto the building over the last 25 years, making it 15,000 square feet today.
Sister Sheryl, who also works at the family business, said people are surprised when they come into the store because they think it’s like one of those big warehouse hardware stores. ‘Even though our store is big, it has that small town hardware store atmosphere that everyone seems to like,? she said.
Family businesses have their challenges, said Mark. ‘All of us at times have had to agree to disagree,? he said.
With seven children, 18 grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren, Gerald said he will enjoy spending more time with them. He said after the family Christmas gathering at his house this year, he will head down south to Florida where the weather is warmer to play golf for awhile.
Gerald said he will go into the store from time to time to see everyone and said he has thoroughly enjoyed the work he’s done at the store. ‘I just want to thank all of my customers and great employees that we have had over the years. They have really made all of the difference in making our business a success,? said Gerald.