Sisters keep auto-related businesses running smoothly

Ron and Rosemary Borchardt’s daughters have earned respect for their knowledge in a traditionally male-dominated business.

The couple’s five daughters grew up hanging out at their family-owned Ron’s Tire and Brake.

“Everyone one of them basically has worked in the business,” said Ron. “Three stuck it out.”

Today, two of the daughters, Bonnie Groves and Barrie Borchardt, work at the tire and brake business on state Route 67 on the west side of town. Barrie’s twin, Brooke Borchardt, manages Danny’s Truck and Auto, a business in downtown Ramona that Ron bought about 20 years ago.

The twins were 5 years old when the Borchardts opened the tire and brake business in 1977.

“They used to play in the front office on the floor, a couple of rug rats,” said Ron, adding that he and his wife would give the girls old junk mail “and they would write on them and play like they were office people then.”

Rosemary managed the office in those days and Bonnie, the oldest, eventually began helping her mother behind the desk.

“Started out, you know, low man on the totem pole,” Bonnie said.

When customers asked her dad questions, she listened to his answers.

“After a while when you hear it enough times, it just sticks,” she said.

Bonnie now primarily handles outside sales while Barrie oversees the office. Both take online training and testing required by the individual brands and have earned certifications.

“I think one thing is we have girls out there and they’re knowledgeable,” said Rosemary. “Sometimes, you know, people don’t like dealing with women, but women like dealing with women because they don’t feel so stupid,” she said, laughing. “I think everyone’s pretty much accepted the girls as managers and tire salespeople.”

Ron goes into the business every day.

“I can find other things to do,” Rosemary said, chuckling. “Well Barrie’s kind of taken over my job, so there’s no sense in me sitting here and keeping the girls from working by talking to them.”

While Ron’s Tire and Brake is mainly “what we call under-car service,” said Ron, Danny’s handles maintenance and vehicle repair.

Brooke said she was ready for a job change when the manager of Danny’s Truck and Auto decided to retire in 2003.

“It just worked out for me to come and help,” she said. “I kind of manage the store for my dad.”

The three sisters said they like working in the family business. Barrie noted the flexible schedule her parents allow so she can spend time with her special needs daughter.

“Seems like family is more understanding,” said Barrie.

The three, as well as their sisters Beth, who lives in Escondido, and Brandy, who lives in Arizona, are all Ramona High School graduates.

Brook said the family tries to get together as often as possible.

“We try to put work outside and talk about what everybody is doing in their own lives and with their kids,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun when we get together.”