The Burnett White Tire and Auto Company was born in 1946. Mr. Burnett had a few partners over the years until selling the business to David Tilghman in 1979, and that’s where Dawn Tilghman comes into the picture.
Dawn came to work for her dad – David – upon graduating from school in 1989 and 10 years later she bought the business from him.
“I learned the business from the ground up,” said Dawn. “As a young girl I knew about tie rod ends, ball joints and front end alignments. In the early years we were primarily a tire company but we’ve grown and expanded our line of services. Besides automobile and truck tires we also service the agricultural and construction industry. If tire work is needed on a combine, a farm tractor or perhaps a rubber tired backhoe we send out a crew that is able to make repairs in the field – on the job site.”
A major change in the business occurred when a front end alignment machine was purchased. “By virtue of the machine,” said Dawn, “we then needed a mechanic to make the necessary repairs. That eventually led us into the automotive repair business, which now keeps us very busy. We currently have a very strong staff of 14 employees. I refer to my position within the company as the door greeter, my staff does the work and they treat every vehicle as if it were Mom’s car. Should a customer complaint arise I do everything I can to make it right.”
As an added service to her customers Dawn provides a shuttle service for those customers who need a ride to work or home while their vehicle is being serviced.
They also maintain a WI-FI capability within their waiting room. Another valuable service is that whenever tires are bought at Burnett White the company will rotate the tires for free whenever the customer brings their vehicle in for service.
Burnett White will continue to be a family business for years to come. Dawn’s son Jed joined the company in 1998 and is in charge of the front end of the store.
