In today's disposable world, it's hard to find someone to repair household appliances, which is why so many Northern Neck consumers bring their broken vacuum cleaners and faulty light fixtures to Noah's Ark and Fletcher's Fix it, 21 North Main Street in Kilmarnock. Owner Fletcher Brown, whose family owned Eubank and Son's Hardware, grew up in local business and has been fixing things for most of his life. Two years ago, he went into business for himself.
“My cousin, Raymond Lampkin, was preparing to close Noah's Ark due to illness. I had been working with him for a couple of years and decided to step in and purchase the business,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher quickly expanded the business, adding power tool repair - a skill he had honed at Eubank's - and selling a line of stylish but affordable furniture. Today, customers come from miles around to seek Fletcher's help in making broken things work again.
“In addition to the Kilmarnock area, I get customers from Glocester, Urbana, Saluda, Warsaw and all over Northumberland County,” Fletcher said.
Mostly they bring him vacuum cleaners, since every home usually has a couple of them and they run into problems from time to time. Fletcher says most repairs are minor, costing $15 or less, unless the motor has to be replaced. On an average week he repairs about 30 vacuum cleaners, and sells a complete line of new and used units to people who want to upgrade.
Fletcher also gets some rather unusual items in his shop from time to time.
“I have one regular customer who brings me objects to turn into lamps. I've made lamps out of a four foot bronze statue, a fire extinguisher, a teapot - you name it,” he said.
He also repairs bicycles, a skill he acquired as a youngster but has expanded over the years with ongoing training.
“I work with a master bicycle mechanic in Newport News, and have consulted with him over the years whenever I've needed some advice,” Fletcher said.
The shop carries a good variety of new and nearly new bicycles, as well as furniture, such as dinette sets and futons.
“I try to select the kind of furniture people would like to have in their home, and make it very affordable. Our furniture is ideal for young couples or families,” he said.
Except for the years he spent away at school getting a degree in computer technology, Fletcher has lived most of his life in the Northern Neck and has remained actively involved in the community. He's been a member of the local rescue squad for 18 years, serves on the town council, and is active in the Kilmarnock Chamber of Commerce. Recently, he co-founded a local bicycling group.
“About three months ago we formed Northern Neck Cycling, and we already have 20 members,” Fletcher said.
The group has a Web site, www.northernneckcycling.org, and hopes to soon organize group rides through the Chesapeake region. Membership is free.
Fletcher's family is growing. He and wife Dawn, and two year old Victoria, expect a new arrival any moment, and family remains his inspiration.
“My family makes what I do possible, and I do it for them,” he said.
