Sample redesign by WebologyWORX · Concept for MJ Brown Company, Inc., not the official website
Sample redesign by WebologyWORX · Concept for MJ Brown Company, Inc., not the official website
Ninety years ago a young paint salesman talked a small-town banker into a loan for a pickup truck. Here's what he built.
In 1936, 22-year-old M.J. Brown rolled into Tiffin from Whitesburg, Kentucky as a traveling salesman for the Tropical Paint Company — with little formal education and about $300 to his name.
He persuaded a banker in Green Springs to lend him enough for a pickup truck and roofing materials. While he kept selling paint across a six-county territory, he took on roofing and painting jobs of his own. The M.J. Brown Decorating and Roofing Company was born, operating first from 98 West Market Street in downtown Tiffin.
Painting led the business in the early years. Roofing, maintenance and sheet metal grew from there.
M.J. Brown starts doing roofing and painting jobs while selling paint across six counties.
Carol Stine answers an ad for office help. She and M.J. marry in 1965 — on Valentine's Day — and she works alongside him into the late '80s.
The company moves to 220 Wall Street. The building has been expanded many times since as the work grew.
M.J. Brown Company, Inc. becomes official.
Mark, who grew up going door to door with his father selling barn paint in rural Ohio, comes into the business. Brother Matt follows in 1982.
Crews travel throughout the eastern and southern U.S. providing roofing and maintenance support for Uniroyal's Tire, Chemical and Textile divisions.
45 years of maintenance, roofing and sheet metal work for Whirlpool Corporation, and more than 30 years for American Standard.
Under President Matt Brown and Vice President Mark Brown, the company continues to grow — adding industrial painting, sheet metal and crane services.
“There are people who wait for things to happen, people who wonder what will happen, and people who make things happen. Dad was the third type.”
— Matt Brown, on his father M.J. (1914–2001)
M.J. stayed active in the business until he passed away at 86. He was an Elks Club member, a Life Member of the Green Springs Lions Club, and an avid gardener — plenty of customers found a bag of fruit or vegetables from his orchard waiting for them during the growing season.
Call the shop and you'll talk to people who know your building — not a call center.
With the company since 1982. Customers know Matt for his hands-on knowledge of everything from flat commercial systems to slate.
Joined in 1978 after years riding along with his father. Leads field operations and long-term industrial accounts.
The voice on the other end of the phone — scheduling, estimates and keeping every job on track.
Commercial, industrial, institutional and specialty residential.