At McCormick Automotive and McCormick Tires and Lube, our approach to automotive service is rooted in a simple concept: treat every car like it belongs to your own mom. This mindset came from years of hard work, experience, and a belief that honesty, mentorship, and integrity still matter in the automotive industry.
For co-owner Corry Brown, his path toward leading two highly respected automotive shops started long before he became a business partner. His journey started in junior high, fixing his dad’s failed repair attempts, taking paint and body classes, and discovering early on that cars are more than just an interest or a hobby; they were his path forward!
Hard Work, Mentorship, and a Love of Cars
An Early Passion for the Automotive Industry
Corry’s story is one of working his way from the ground up. He started wrenching at a young age, knowing early on that his passion and skill set were in the automotive industry. Whether it was racing, fixing cars, or earning every system under the hood, he knew this was a world where hard work could build a future.
This passion for cars led him to WyoTech in Laramie in the 90’s, where he attended on a scholarship and continued to build the foundation of his career. From there, he worked through oil change shops, gas stations, and independent repair facilities, learning the trade inside and out, one step at a time.
The Benefit of Great Mentors
Like many successful technicians and shop leaders in the automotive industry, Corry credits much of his growth to the people who took him under their wing over the years. He spoke openly about how important his mentors were throughout his life and career, especially during the difficult times.
Corry’s experience has shaped how he leads today. He knows what it means for someone to believe in your potential, give you a shot, and help you grow. That is now part of the culture at McCormick’s shops.
From Automotive Technician to Partner
After years of hands-on experience, including about a decade of learning high-level diagnostics and emissions work, Corry joined John McCormick’s shop in 2010, and about six and a half years ago, he stepped into a partnership role.
Today, Corry helps lead two distinct but connected automotive businesses in Fort Collins: McCormick Automotive, a full-service AAA-approved repair shop known for its expertise in diagnostics and major repair work, and McCormick Quality Tires and Lube, which focuses on fast service tires, alignments, brakes, and maintenance.
Two Shops, One Philosophy
While the two McCormick locations serve slightly different purposes, they are connected by a common set of values. McCormick Automotive handles deeper diagnostic work and large repairs, while McCormick Tires and Lube keeps commuters on the road with efficient, high-quality maintenance and tire service. Together, they create a model that supports customers at every stage of vehicle care while also creating a pathway for technicians to grow.
For Corry, that growth matters. Entry-level automotive technicians can begin at the tire and lube store, learn the fundamentals, build confidence, earn certifications, and work their way toward more advanced opportunities in the automotive repair shop. This structure is designed to help team members build their careers.
Building a Path for the Next Generation
One of the most powerful parts of Corry’s story is how he has turned his own experience into an opportunity for others. At McCormick, training is not left to chance. The shops use a structured apprenticeship and pay system that helps newer technicians gain tools, experience, and mentorship while rewarding seasoned technicians for helping them succeed.
That includes:
- A clear ladder for growth from entry-level to experienced producer
- Tool support for young technicians getting started
- Monthly one-on-one meetings focused not just on production, but on personal goals
- Incentives for experienced team members to train and support the next generation
This approach reflects a bigger belief: a job is not just about hours and paychecks. It is a means to help people reach their goals, whether that means buying tools, taking a trip, building a race car, or creating a better future for their families.
Why Accountability Matters in the Automotive Industry
Alongside mentorship, Corry also emphasized the value of accountability. In his opinion, attitude and punctuality are the hardest things to teach and two of the most important traits for long-term success.
Skills can be developed, systems can be taught. But showing up on time and maintaining a positive attitude that keeps you coachable and caring about the work is what turns a job into a full-on career.
That belief shows up in how McCormick hires, trains, and develops its team. The goal is not just to find people who can do the work today, but people who want to grow into something more tomorrow.
Honesty in Automotive Repair
When asked about what being an “honest shop” means, Corry’s answer was from the heart.
He spoke about what it felt like when his daughter moved away and needed vehicle help in another city. That experience gave him a deeper understanding of what so many customers feel when they hand over their keys. They are trusting someone with their safety, their finances, and a vehicle they depend on.
That’s why the guiding principle at McCormick is to look at every vehicle as if it belongs to your own mother (or daughter, or grandparent).
McCormick always asks the right questions:
- Is this repair urgent, or can it wait a little while?
- Is this recommendation truly in the customer’s best interest?
- Are we helping this person make an informed decision?
At McCormick, integrity is not about selling the biggest repair. It’s about doing what is right, making a fair profit, and letting trust build the business the right way.
Proudly Serving Fort Collins’ Drivers
Today, McCormick Automotive is known for treating every car with care and backing repairs with a 5-year, 60,000-mile warranty. This is one of the strongest warranties in the industry. McCormick Tires and Lube offers the fast, reliable service Fort Collins drivers need to stay safe and on the roads.
Behind both shops is a team committed to doing things the right way. Investing in people, serving customers honestly, and building a reputation based on trust.
McCormick is More Than a Repair Shop
McCormick is more than a place to get your car fixed. It’s a place built on experience, mentorship, accountability, and heart. For Fort Collins drivers, that means having a local team that values honest recommendations and quality work. For the next generation of technicians, it means having a place where hard work still matters and growth is possible.
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