Brown and Sons Auto Parts has joined Automotive Parts Associates (APA). Like many in the industry, Brown and Sons' beginnings were humble. Founded in 1949 by Jack Brown, Brown's first warehouse was the household garage, and his sales/delivery vehicle was the family’s Chevrolet station wagon.
Brown had always talked about vision, vision to see something that wasn’t there yet. By the early 1950s, Brown and Sons had moved into its first warehouse and retail facility. By the end of the decade, all three sons: George, Jim, and Pete had joined the company.
The 1960s were a decade of growth for the family business, where the current facility had become too small for their needs. By the 1970s, the company had moved into its new state-of-the-art facility, which consisted of a modern warehouse, finished retail area, and office complex.
Founded in a car town, Flint, Mich., Brown’s vision set the stage for two more generations over the next fifty years, George’s sons, Nick and Pete, and Nick’s son, Alexander.
Over time, the company has had to evolve, but they’ve held onto Jack Brown’s ethos: strong work ethic, keen business acumen, and respecting both customers and employees. If Jack were here today, he’d be pleased to see his vision of almost seventy-five years ago come true, the business he started is still flourishing, and his son, grandsons and great-grandson are still part of it.
APA President Steve Tucker said, “With an eye on strong steady growth, Brown and Sons has always taken the right steps to achieve these goals, and that’s why we’re thrilled to have them join APA.”
