Brief History
Brown Brothers was founded in March of 1933 by W. L.
Brown who received his N.C. State Master Plumbing and Heating License. At this time he
started working out of a backyard shop. He was soon joined by his brother,
Charles V. Brown. Norman J. Whitaker purchased the company in January, 1977 and
operated the company for 21 years. Norman has been active in numerous plumbing and
civic organizations. He has served as President of North Carolina Association of
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Association, served on the PHCC licensing board from 1966 until
present and is very active in the Durham Engineers Club, Mt. Sylvan Ruritan Club, Durham
Civitan Club, Durham Wildlife Club, and the Holt Athletic Association which he has served
as President and coached basketball and baseball for 25 years. In
December of 1985, Norman became Chairman of the Board and Rick A. Whitaker became
President. In July 1986, a new 10,000 square foot building next door to the old
building was occupied.
On October 1, 1998 after 31 years activity in the plumbing
trade, Norman sold the business to his children and Morris Stanford. This brought to
conclusion a major goal of his, successfully passing on the business to the next
generation, establishing a mainstay in the industry for years to come. |