April 2012 - Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Surprise Patrol Visits Bray’s Recapping Company
The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Bray’s Recapping Company located 1219 North South
Street Mount Airy on Tuesday the February 28 th . The Chamber Surprise Patrol made up of eighteen (18) Chamber
Ambassadors and staff arrived with balloons, a box of cookies and a basket candy for Dean Bray Jr. and the staff at
Bray’s Recapping. The Surprise Patrol asked to see Dean Bray, Jr. who was making his way back to the office from
across the street. The Chamber Surprise Patrol greeted Mr. Bray as he entered the lobby and told him who they
were and the reason for the visit was to simply say Thank You for being a Chamber Member! After proper introductions
Mr. Bray was asked to give a brief history of Bray’s Recapping Company.
In business for 82 years, Bray’s Recapping operated by Dean Bray began business in the 1930’s on South Main
Street across from the Post Office where Perkins & Associates currently is located. As the business grew the Bray’s
had two locations the second location was also on South Main Street where Wally’s Filling Station is located. In 1951
the Brays’ decided to build one large space where everything could be housed together. The Bray’s built on N. South
Street next to Mount Airy High School; adding additional square footage through the years to the original building.
Now in the third generation, with 24 employees, Bray’s Recapping continues to operate with the original mission….”The
Customer is Number 1”. The business has diversified through the years with an interest in real estate.
Dean Bray Jr. was a Partner of Blue Ridge Enterprises, involved with Ray Goad and the Ray’s Burger King and
Sweet Sue’s, military supplier of tires used in recent middle east deployments, has built and currently leases fourteen
(14) Social Security Administration buildings, one (1) Virginia medical facility, and has worked with Homeland
Security on various projects. These are just a few of the business endeavors that Dean Bray has been a part of
through the years.
Dean Bray, Jr. currently has over 220+ commercial and residential leases under contract. The Bray’s continue to be
involved and supportive of many local efforts, Dean Bray Jr. has been a member of the First Baptist Church for seventy-one
(71) years; he has served on the National Tire Industrial Board that represents over 500 tire dealerships,
for thirty-seven (37) years.
Dean Bray, Jr. has some wonderful stories to tell about the business his father started and what the business is like
today. We could have listened to him all day but they were busy so we hurried along after some photos with the staff.
Thank you Mr. Bray for taking time to spend with us and please let Dean Bray, III know we missed seeing him!
Bray's Recapping Service's philosophy is "The Customer is Number 1." With a professional, helpful staff and the
products that you need to keep your vehicle safe and performing at its peak, Bray’s Recapping Company is proud to
be your local parts and service specialists. Let Bray's show you how they can be of service to you.
Bray’s Recapping Company
1219 North South Street
Mount Airy NC 27030
336-786-6182
www.braystire.com