By Tony Brown
Founded in 1972 by Charlie Brown, U.P. Tire began as a small, family-run business with big aspirations. Armed with determination and a borrowed pickup truck from his father-in-law, Charlie delivered tires to local customers, ensuring they received prompt and reliable service. The original store, located at the corner of Ashmun and Easterday, quickly became a trusted name in the Sault Ste. Marie community. Over the years, the business grew, eventually relocating to its current location at 1129 East Easterday Avenue, a former gas station and plumbing shop transformed into a modern tire service center. By 1995, the facility expanded again, enabling service for up to four vehicles at a time—a testament to Charlie’s commitment to meeting the needs of the growing Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) community.
Charlie’s values were the foundation of U.P. Tire: trust, reliability and an unwavering dedication to community. He was known for his hands-on involvement and the motto he coined: “...and we never, ever leave anyone stranded.” These words became the ethos of the company, guiding every interaction and decision for over 50 years.
In May 2024, Charlie passed away, leaving behind not only a successful business but also a legacy of service and community involvement. Today, as Charlie’s son, I am honored to lead U.P. Tire into its next chapter. After spending 25 years in Toronto managing global operations in hospitality, food and beverage and facilities management, I returned to Sault Ste. Marie with a sense of duty but also with a sense of opportunity, building onto the legacy that my father left behind. The decision was both personal and professional, driven by the desire to preserve what my father built while addressing the needs of my family, our employees and the community.
Under my leadership, U.P. Tire is evolving to meet modern demands. We’re enhancing our already excellent customer service by prioritizing trust and reliability. Our team is at the heart of this effort, fully engaged and proud to be part of U.P. Tire’s legacy. Plans for growth include expanding our range of services, improving efficiency, introducing automation and leveraging my background in large-scale operations to benefit our local business. We even have a brand new website to better reflect our values and tell the story of U.P. Tire.
What sets U.P. Tire apart remains unchanged: unmatched inventory, fast service and the ability to service anything with a tire. We pride ourselves on being more than a tire shop—we’re a cornerstone of the EUP community. Our commitment to giving back and offering rewarding employment experiences reflects my father’s values and ensures they remain a part of U.P. Tire’s DNA.
As we move forward, Charlie’s legacy of trust, community involvement and exceptional service will always be the foundation of U.P. Tire. Together, we’re building a future that honors the past while creating new opportunities for our team, our customers and our community.
A Garden on Wheels
By Allie Brawley
Beyond his well-known role at U.P. Tire, Charlie Brown was a dedicated supporter of the 4-H Club and the Chippewa County Fair. But one of his most unique contributions to the community was his “mobile garden”—a raised garden bed built on a hay wagon that he could move around his Rudyard property to chase the best sunlight.
Charlie’s mobile garden was more than a clever farming innovation; it was an act of love. In 1984, when his mother, Isabelle, suffered a stroke and could no longer bend down to tend her plants, Charlie found a way to keep her passion alive. As the daughter of an agricultural baron, gardening was in her blood, and Charlie was determined to help her continue the tradition. With his resourceful spirit, he built a mobile garden that allowed her to stay active and connected to the land she loved.
Long after Isabelle’s passing in 1992, Charlie continued the tradition, planting tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, carrots, zucchini, cabbage and cauliflower in his mobile garden. He tended to it faithfully for decades, his tractor moving the wagon with the seasons.
After Charlie’s passing in the spring of 2024, his family honored his legacy with a celebration of life in Rudyard, where they shared one final gift in his memory: 114 tomato sprouts, each a living tribute to the man who grew more than just vegetables—he cultivated community. Many recipients named their plants “Charlie” and shared their progress on social media, a touching reminder that his legacy will continue to flourish, one garden at a time.