ingle issue.
The idea for the magazine was born out of a conversation between my grandfather, Edward S. Babcox and veteran Raybestos salesman Virgil Tout. The year was 1930, and my grandfather was attending the annual Motor Equipment Association trade show in Cleveland, OH. He was already the successful publisher of The India Rubber Tire Review (still in publication today as Tire Review), and at the show he saw an opportunity to service another growing segment of the automotive aftermarket.
It was at the trade show that Edward approached Tout with an idea. In a 1971 letter, Virgil recounted the chance encounter at the Cleveland Hotel during his company’s sales meeting in December, 1930: “Mr. Babcox approached a few of the young Raybestos boys and asked if a magazine for the brake repair shops would help the aftermarket. The answer was ‘yes’ from everybody in the room. That, in my mind, was the birth of BRAKE SERVICE (BRAKE & FRONT END’s old name).”
Much has changed since my grandfather and Virgil discussed the founding of BRAKE & FRONT END back in 1930. But, I am sure they would also agree that so much has remained the same, like the delivery of BRAKE & FRONT END to repair shops nationwide.
It is aftermarket professionals like you that drive us to continue providing the most relevant information to help you do your job well. You are the reason we continue to deliver BRAKE & FRONT END every month.
Thank you for your continued readership.
