THE FOUNDER - WILLIAM C. BROWN
After serving as a machinist in the early part of World War II, he served in the
Pacific and European Theater in the Army Corp of Engineers. He returned home and
worked as a machinist-mechanic until buying the business in 1949. In 1972 he
moved to Canton Township after being robbed and having his mechanic severally
beaten. He also wanted to be closer to Metatal Airport for his plane.
Bill has always been active in the auto repair business. He has attended classes
on everything from generator service to automatic transmissions. He attended
school in New York to learn the trade. He was originally certified by the NIASE
as a Master Technician in the early 1970's. Bill served as Secretary of the
Michigan Automotive Service Council and also as President of the combined
mechanical and body division in the mid 1970's. He tries to attend seminars to
keep his hands in the business.
Presently Bill runs our desk in the mornings. He writes work orders and calls
customers and orders parts. In the afternoons he stays busy with his many
hobbies, such as model airplane flying and piloting his Twin Comanche. Bill is
also a charter member of the Canton Rotary Club and immediate past president for
the second time. He is also a charter member of the Canton Chamber of Commerce.
Bill also works as assistant airport manager part time.
THE OWNER - GERARD C. FOLK
Gerry started at Bill Brown Auto Clinic in December of 1981.
He had previously been
employed as and Automotive machinist in Detroit for an Engine rebuilder. He had
worked in this capacity for four years. He was then hired by Bill Brown as a
mechanic. He worked for Bill for 4 years and then took over ownership of the
company.
Gerry graduated from Schoolcraft College in Livonia in 1981 with an
Associates Degree in Applied Science in Automotive Service Technology. He then attended
Ferris State College for a time and also Lawrence Institute of Technology. He
has been an ASE certified master technician since 1984. He recently took and
passed and received the Advanced Engine Performance endorsement from ASE. He is Delco
Tech certified and has taken seminars and courses from Ac/Delco,
Motorcraft, Mitchell, Motor, Fluke, Mac, Sun and others. Gerry has also had
management courses from the ASA. In the past he has attended the CARS convention
and a number of state level conventions.
While most of his time is spend in managing the business, he still has time to
get his hands into vehicle repair. he usually does light electrical and driveability
work when time allows. He spend a lot of time making sure that the operations run
smoothly. He tries to road test most of the vehicles to maintain quality control.
He
also takes care of customer relations and all the usual things that go along with
business management, such as health care, employee relation, insurance concerns,
EPA conforming.
Gerry's wife is also active as secretary-treasurer of the business. She oversees all
the bookkeeping and financial end of the business. She oversees the tax payments
and does payroll and checks our accountant. She also does a great job of
providing moral support when the stress level gets too high.
THE CREW
DAVID NORTHMORE
David is a 1971 graduate of Ferris State College with an Associates in Applied
Science in Automotive Technology degree. He also attended RETS Electronics
School for advanced electronics training. He is ASE Master Certified Technician
and has been since 1972. He regularly attends seminars and training courses put
on by Motorcraft, AC. Delco, Hickock, Mitchell, Sun, Carquest, and others.
Dave has worked here from 1972 to 1981 when he left to work for his Father in
the photographic supply business repairing lithographic equipment. He then
returned in 1986. He does most of the driveability and electronic work. He works
on fuel injection, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning and climate control, and
other highly technical areas. He also serves as shop foreman and manager when
asked. He continually updates himself to stay on top of the rapidly changing
industries.
ORVILLE MEINING
Orville has worked at Bill Brown Auto Clinic since 1986. Previously, he was
employed by Livonia Auto Electric for 22 years and Rosedale Shell for 9 years.
He has attended various schools and seminars over the years.
Orville is the senior brake man at the shop. He rebuilds and services all our
calipers and wheel cylinders. He also does our starting and charging system
service and is well versed in air conditioning work.
MARTIN VANPATTEN
Martin has worked for us since September of 1989 when he started as a trainee.
He has advanced to an ASE Certified Master Technician. Martin is short one class
from graduating from Schoolcraft College with a Associates Degree in Automotive
Service. They have since dropped the automotive program. He is a well versed
general technician and works on anything from heavy engine repair to
driveability to brakes. He actively attends seminars and and classes to stay on
top of business. He is Delco- Tech certified and also fully certified from the
state. He is one of the most thorough and conciencious technicians around.
KENNETH STEPCHUK
Ken has been with us since October of 1994. He came to us from his parents
engine rebuilding company where he had worked for 12 years. He is very well
versed in major engine repair and service. Ken is a very knowledgeable and
thorough technician. He attends seminars and classes to stay current. He is our
resident racing fanatic.
PHILIP HAYNES
Phil has worked here since August of 1991. He graduated from Motech in 1973. He
is our brake and front end specialist. He also does some heavy engine repair. He
attends seminars and courses such as the Moog and Wagner Clinics regularly and
works very hard to get to the bottom of our tough brake and alignment problems.
THE SUPPORT STAFF
CLARE PARDEE
Clare is our office manager, book keeper, parts manager and locator, and work
scheduler.
She has worked here part time for four years and helps keep things running
smoothly. She greets customers and writes estimates, schedules appointments,
finds parts, and takes care of a lot of the bookkeeping such as accounts payable
and receivable, and all our journal posting. She is an indispensable part of the
team.
OTHA MURRAY
Otha has worked here part time for five years as our inventory manager. He
insures that we get the best parts for the best price and maintain a decent
inventory.
WILLIAM PARENT
Bill has worked here part time for almost six years. He does all our customer
follow-up calls to insure customer satisfaction. He calls each of our customers
to make sure that everything is operating as expected.
