Family-owned and operated, Mr. Muffler and Brakes has been doing business in Lake Orion for 11 years, and owner Dirk Hawn says there’s nothing he values more than his customers.
“I owe the success of my business to my customers, and the referrals they give their friends and neighbors,” he says. “Happy customers are my best advertising. I want to thank all my loyal customers for their continued business.”
Hawn purchased Mr. Muffler and Brakes almost seven years ago from the previous owner, who struggled to keep the business operating. He says the skills he learned over this 14 years managing the Mr. Muffler in Rochester helped him turn the Lake Orion shop around.
“I have a great relationship with my customers, we’re like family,” Hawn says. “We greet each other with hugs and handshakes.”
Hawn’s wife Sandra left her job to help out with the couple’s growing business.
“Behind every man there’s a strong woman, and she keeps me on my toes,” Hawn says.
Mr. Muffler and Brakes (located on South Lapeer Road, south of Clarkston Road) specializes in automotive and light truck brake service, and also offer service for exhaust systems, shock and struts, steering and suspension and custom pipe bending.
Hawn says that the shop will be expanding their services to meet their customers’ demands, including oil change, batteries, starters, alternators and maintenance tune-ups.
“We have a 99.9 percent customer satisfaction rating, and we strive to keep everybody happy and coming back,” he says. “Our motto is: ‘If you’re happy with our service tell others, and if you’re not, tell us.'”
Hawn has spent his life working in muffler and brake shops. He started working at Tuffy Muffler after high school, while attending classes at Oakland Community College.
Hawn earned his degree from OCC, and later returned to teach a class there in automotive braking systems.
Mr. Muffler and Brakes is Auto Service Excellence Certified, and stands behind their service.
“When a customer brings their vehicle to us, they can trust that they will be shown exactly what the problem is,” Hawn says. “We take them right out in the shop and show them.”
Mr. Muffler and Brakes also keeps on top of the latest in automotive technology, and recently started using a new brake pad that Hawn says are “fantastic.”
“They virtually eliminate all brake noise,” he says.
Hawn likes to give back to his community, and helps support the Lake Orion High School Senior All Night Party, the Lake Orion and Oxford football programs, and the Lake Orion Boys Baseball League.
Hawn also helps co-op students at LOHS by having them work in the shop at Mr. Muffler and Brakes.
“They community helps me by keeping me in business, so I give back to them,” he says.
Mr. Muffler and Brakes (with a yellow and red sign) is located next to Nick’s Pizza and Keg, and Arby’s, across from Dunham’s and Ace Hardware) at 1266 S. Lapeer Road.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The phone number is (248) 693-7767.