GETTING TO KNOW NEW GLANCDA BOARD MEMBER Peter Browning is a thirdgeneration dealer. His grandfather, Richard Browning, founder of the Browning Automotive Group, began his automotive career in 1934 when he joined the used car department of C. Stanlee Martin Oldsmobile in Long Beach, CA. Between 1934 and 1960, he worked in all departments, eventually becoming part owner and general manager. In early 1960, he purchased the entire dealership and re-named it Dick Browning Oldsmobile. The business continued to operate successfully as an exclusive Oldsmobile dealership in Long Beach from 1960 until 1980. With space limitations from business increases and an aging facility, the decision was made to relocate to an entirely new facility in the then-new Cerritos Auto Square in late 1980. Upon relocation to Cerritos, the business name became Browning Oldsmobile-Isuzu. The Cerritos Auto Square became one of the premier auto sales locations in the United States shortly after opening in 1980, and Browning Oldsmobile Isuzu enjoyed great success. The opportunity to represent Dodge in Cerritos resulted in the opening of Cerritos Dodge in 1984. The group was also privileged to be one the first Acura dealers in the United States with the opening of Cerritos Acura in 1986. Although the Oldsmobile-Isuzu franchises have been replaced by Mazda, the Browning Mazda, Cerritos Acura and Cerritos Dodge franchises continue to operate successfully in the Cerritos Auto Square. With the death of the founder, Richard Browning, in 1991, ownership of the Browning Automotive Group passed on to his son, Kent Browning, who has been with the Browning Automotive Group since 1975. The Browning Automotive Group of today consists of 14 franchises in 7 locations, employing over 700 professionals. Peter Browning is the vice president of the Browning Automotive Group. We recently had a chance to talk with Peter about his career and the industry. The following are excerpts from our conversation. Why did you decide to follow in your grandfather and father’s footsteps and join the family business? I was 12 years old when I had my first job at the dealership. My father didn’t want me sitting around all weekend, and he said, “You’re coming to work with me, and we’re going to put you to work.” I spent four summers at the location in Cerritos, stocking and ordering parts. Eventually, I was helping with used cars: preparing them for auctions and their acquisitions. I got my feet wet early on in the business. Peter Browning 16
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