The owner of a family-run car sales company that was established more than 50 years ago in Portadown has taken time to reflect on his years in business and the rich family history ahead of his retirement.
Former owner turned retiree, Michael Briggs of Drumnasoo Car Sales – on the main Armagh Road – was only too glad to delve into the origins of the business when we caught up with him this week.
In his office, which sits to the side of an open forecourt at the front of his current home, Michael alongside his wife, June – who also helped with the administrative end of the business – laid out an impressive collection of photos, newspaper clippings, ads and letters… each one detailing the constant progression of their company.
Proudly reminiscing, Michael took Armagh I back to the early days to how the business first started as his father, Norman’s “hobby”.
Said Michael: “Dad started it in 1971, that’s when the place [their current premises] was bought. He had been selling cars from our former home in Corcrain even before that. It was always a kind of hobby with my dad.
“He has his own job in the hospital as an engineer and a fitter. So when he bought here, there was no yard or anything it was just a bit of grass and he was parking a couple of up on that grass.
“He always wanted to have his own place. I can remember him having cars from I was about five or six-years-of-age so I grew up around cars. It’s basically in the blood as they say! I helped my dad as well. I washed cars and did a bit of servicing and probably from a young age even sold a few cars.”
In 1989, Norman retired aged 65 and Michael dutifully stepped in to take up the reigns. Like his father, Michael had also worked as an Engineer with some 14 years under his belt with Orby Engineering. At that time he was also working for the community as a local Councillor.
Norman Briggs and Michael together when Drumnasoo Car Sales was first established
But, as he said “it was in the blood”. Michael resigned from both roles and formally established Drumnasoo Car Sales, with Norman providing a little input by suggesting the business name.
Added Michael: “I took over the business but dad still helped out a little bit, right up until he was 88 years old. It was really through my dad that I got my experience and I miss his guidance and encouragement so much.”
Sadly, Norman passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.
Around the time that he had taken up the premises on Armagh Road, Norman had refurbished and improved upon the former “cottage” and called that his home until 1989. When Michael took the business, he and June were living a short distance away in Derryhale. It wasn’t long before they all soon realised that a “house swap” might be in order.
“He [Norman] was getting people rapping the door and enquiring cars when it was me they needed. So we basically switched houses 26 years ago!” continued Michael.
Michael and June lived in the former bungalow with their children for several years while building a new two-storey property a little further to the rear of the site. The bungalow was subsequently demolished and the space it once occupied allowed for increased yard space… and therefore, more stock!
Business boomed and from time-to-time their son, Jonny enjoyed helping out, just as his own father had done, many years before him.
A drawing of the former cottage which Norman refurbished and moved into
As most independent business owners will know, it’s not always plain sailing. For Michael, he was a one man operation. And if that one man is out of action, business is too.
Reflecting on one of his most trying times, he explained: “In 2014, I was in the house and there was heavy winds that day and I heard a bang. Part of the roof had blown off the office.
“I don’t have a memory of this but I’m assuming I got up onto the roof to try and see what had happened. My dad was on one side and I was on the other and I fell.
“I fractured my skull, five ribs and broke my collar bone. It was a very bad period because I ended up in the Royal Victoria Hospital with a clot. The clot thankfully cleared but that led to me losing my sense of smell and taste for three years.
“I was a little bit down because I didn’t enjoy food anymore and spoke to my consultant, I’ll always remember the words when I asked if it would return, he said, ‘No, unfortunately there is going to be permanency with this’.
“I believe it was through prayer actually that all of that came back. But it was a tough time. I didn’t have anyone to run the business so I was out of work for a time. I probably went back too quick. It affected the memory too and I was dealing with finance and customers and things… but I had to get back.”
Another difficult period came during Covid – when he not only suffered the loss of his father – but also had a business to run during lockdown.
And while, it was an emotionally and mentally challenging time, Michael still found a way to support those around him.
He said: “There was one particular time during Covid that we felt we could do something for someone. We got a call from an individual to say he knew of a nurse and her car had broken down and she needed to get to her job so we stepped in and provided a car to her free of charge at that time.”
Reflecting on this particular story, he reached for an album and produced a series of letters, emails and cards. Among them was a handwritten thank-you letter from this particular nurse. It was clear the gesture meant the world to her, and, in keeping that letter, her appreciation clearly meant the world to Michael.
The forecourt, house and office as developed by Michael and June
When asked what he was most proud of over the years, he replied: “As well as selling cars, it was when you were an encouragement to people. I value the little cards and emails I got from customers really to thank me, especially when they were going through hard times and that meant more to me than the money.
“The fact that I could continue through all those years, even when I had the accident and then having the health I had to continue. The friendships that were made over those years, those were very special.”
Over the course of his 36-year career in the car sales industry, Michael made many connections in both customers and suppliers. With one of his suppliers in England he enjoyed a working partnership for the entirety of that time.
He continued: “I’m also so proud to have taken it from where it was and then seeing where it got to – which was, in my estimation, a good success.
“Having the house and business in the same place also allowed us to enjoy special moments with the grandchildren – of which we have seven – and watch them grow. It was a real privilege to run the business from home.”
As he now heads into his retirement, with an already bare forecourt, Michael is excited to put his time to good use. More than anything, he says he “enjoys people” and hopes to continue socialising and working with others either in a part-time capacity or voluntary.
He remains heavily involved with his Church community and will continue to support in any way he can. Together, he and June will enjoy a few more walks and maybe even squeeze a little travel in when they aren’t in the throes of helping out with their beloved grandchildren.
