Gloucester native John Brown was recently hired as service manager at Auto Max of Gloucester, bringing with him decades of experience in the industry.

Brown, a 1993 graduate of Gloucester High School, went on to the Nashville Auto-Diesel College in Tennessee, where he graduated at the top of his class. While in Tennessee at school, Brown said he worked for several automotive shops.

After returning to Gloucester, Brown served as an automotive technician with Ken Houtz Chevrolet-Buick for the past 18 years.

He said he has received many various certifications in the automotive industry and said he especially enjoys working on diesel engines, transmission and electronics.

Brown is a Master ASE automotive technician, an ASE heavy duty truck technician and an ASE body collision repair technician.

He said he saw the opportunity and decided he wanted to do it. “I know a lot about the business and I know how it functions,” Brown said.

The Auto Max service center is a full service shop, Brown said, and its three technicians and two professional detailers can conduct a wide variety of services including tires, shocks, routine maintenance, wash/wax/vacuums and many others. “I’ve got a good group of techs out there,” he added. “If you’re looking for good work at a reasonable price, this is a good place to come.”

Customers also have a comfortable waiting area to sit in while their car is in the shop with televisions, plush furniture and coffee.

Brown said he has a lot of contacts in the community and said, “We take care of our customers.” He also said the company services everything it sells.

“Appointments are great,” Brown said. “But walk-ins are always welcome.”

“This is a new journey for me,” Brown added. “I hope all my customers and family come see me and I’m happy to see new customers walk through the door.”

Brown replaces Ed Seidl, who had been service manager for Auto Max for six years. Seidl retired Nov. 30.