Tonnika Haynes, owner of Brown’s Automotive in Chapel Hill, North Carolina—a family business founded by her father, William Brown, in 1980—joins us for a conversation recorded live at the ASTA Conference in Raleigh, NC. Together, we explore the powerful and defining mentorship that shaped both her leadership and her legacy.

Tonnika shares that she never worked for her “dad,” she worked for William Brown, the business leader. That separation became clear when, early in her ownership, she faced her first major crisis: losing a key employee.

When she called her father for guidance, it wasn’t “Dad” who picked up; it was William Brown. His advice was blunt but transformative. Instead of sympathy, he challenged her: “What would you do if they got hit by a bus?  You can’t sit in it, move forward.”

It was a defining moment that taught her the importance of separating emotion from action. As William often reminded her:

This heartfelt episode highlights the power of tough love, mentorship, and maintaining emotional discipline in business. Tonnika's story is a testament to how strong roots and even stronger lessons can prepare the next generation to lead with both heart and backbone.

Tonnika Haynes, Browns Automotive, Chapel Hill, NC

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