Brother Peacemaker
Brother Peacemaker not only fixes vehicles in his tiny body shop on Main Street in Carrboro, he ministers to anyone needing a little touch-up of their own. He lives and works his faith, operating a business that’s as good for your soul as it is for your car. Born in Chatham County, Brother moved to Carrboro in the 1970s to join a group of mechanics operating a full-service garage. He soon discovered he wasn’t a great mechanic and switched over to bodywork. He learned techniques from veteran experts and realized he had a talent for the craft, and he saw a beauty in it that he hadn’t found in auto mechanics. In 1984, Brother became a sole proprietor, opening the Gates of Beauty Body Shop at 405 East Main Street. From the beginning, he has focused keenly on treating people as he wants to be treated. He remembers an early job that took longer than planned and wasn’t very well done. He made it right and told the owner there was no charge. The customer insisted on compensating Brother for the work, saying, “You did what you said you’d do. If you treat everyone of your customers as you
treated me, you’ll never be without business.” He did so well, he ended up buying the building.
Brother understands that cars are more than just conveyances for most people—that they are a part of us like our shoes and clothes. This philosophy has fostered a loyal clientele and brisk referral business. He also shows love and compassion to everyone who crosses his path, whether a customer or a passerby. “My shop is my pulpit,” he says. “I share the word of God with people who want to hear it or who
need to be ministered to, and relate it to situations I care about.” When he’s not working at the shop, Brother serves as chaplain for the Chatham County Agricultural & Industrial Fair Association. He is featured in Richard Ellington and Dave Otto’s book, Carrboro: Images of America, and the ArtsCenter’s Hidden Voices project. Brother is also a key participant in the annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade, constructing floats for local organizations.
For his deep devotion to customers over three decades in business, we are proud to induct Brother Peacemaker into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.
treated me, you’ll never be without business.” He did so well, he ended up buying the building.
Brother understands that cars are more than just conveyances for most people—that they are a part of us like our shoes and clothes. This philosophy has fostered a loyal clientele and brisk referral business. He also shows love and compassion to everyone who crosses his path, whether a customer or a passerby. “My shop is my pulpit,” he says. “I share the word of God with people who want to hear it or who
need to be ministered to, and relate it to situations I care about.” When he’s not working at the shop, Brother serves as chaplain for the Chatham County Agricultural & Industrial Fair Association. He is featured in Richard Ellington and Dave Otto’s book, Carrboro: Images of America, and the ArtsCenter’s Hidden Voices project. Brother is also a key participant in the annual Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade, constructing floats for local organizations.
For his deep devotion to customers over three decades in business, we are proud to induct Brother Peacemaker into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.