We are very proud to be a family owned business since 1944.  Our story is one of hard work, loyalty, honesty and success.

You can trust your automotive repair work to us.

Click Here to read an article from 1994 celebrating Laughton's 50th anniversary

Click Here to see a painting of Laughton's Garage, before the construction of the current building

Click Here to see a picture of George R. Laughton, Founder of Laughton's Garage

May 18, 1994

Family business thriving after 50 years of service

By Rick McCormac

Laughton's Garage, Highway 101, Beaufort, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the automotive repair business this year.

George R. Laughton started the business in 1944 and since that time his son Milton Laughton Sr. and Milton Laughton, Jr. have gone to work in the business.

Milton Sr., who started at the garage full-time in 1953 bought the business from his father in 1975.

Mr. Laughton said the same things that made the business a success for his father are now being carried on by succeeding generations.

"His policy was not to try and get rich, he just wanted to make a living and support his family," Mr. Laughton said.  "My father sent children, three boys and three girls to college, from this business.  He was real proud of that."

When George Laughton sold the business to Milton Sr. in 1975, he continued to help.  "He worked when he wanted to and messed around in the garden when he wanted to,"  Milton Sr. explained.  "Dad continued to work here until a year before his death in 1984."

Milton Sr.  said it won't be too much longer until he turns the reigns over to Milton Jr. with a similar arrangement.

"I'll continue to work for him, but it will be more or less when I want to,"  Mr. Laughton said, "I'm just glad he decided to come back and work, it's really taken a load off me."

Milton Sr., said his son, who has a degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in business administration, originally decided to enter a major retailer's management training program upon graduation.  After beginning the program in Carteret County, he was informed he would be transferred to Virginia..

He came to his mother and said he wanted to come to work for me,"  Mr. Laughton said.  "He said he liked to hunt and fish too much to ever leave Carteret County."

Another son, Hanes died in the 1970's of cancer, while the youngest son, Mark, is a pilot in the the Navy.

Milton Sr. said Milton Jr.'s decision was very much welcome.  He pointed out that the two work well together.  Milton Sr. is adept at fixing a number of older model cars and farm equipment, while the younger Laughton is able to handle the computerized work that many of today's models require.

"It's been a blessing to me,"  Milton Sr. said.  "He's been here since 1976 and I would have been gone long ago if it weren't for him."

Fitting Tribute

Milton St. says that the business has expanded three times and enjoyed the success that it has for 50 years is a tribute to his father, George.

"Dad was born in 1900 and left the farm at the age of 14 because there wasn't any work there for him,"  Mr. Laughton said.  "He walked or road his bike into Morehead City every day."

George Laughton began working as a mechanic and worked for Tom Mills' Chevrolet dealership before going out on his own in 1944.

When the business started, Mr. Laughton's wife, Mamie, worked as the secretary and bookkeeper.

"he had such a good reputation as a mechanic that when he left, a lot of his customers came with him," Milton Sr. said.  "To let you know how he was, the Saturday they were putting up the building, he overhauled an engine on a part of the floor for a man from Bettie so he could get his cabbage to Baltimore."

Mr. Laughton said it was nothing for his father to take a two-day trip via boat to Ocracoke to repair a car.

Milton Sr. said the family influence has remained over the years.  Today, Milton Jr.'s wife, Mary is secretary-treasurer.

Milton Sr. and Milton Jr., do all of the work along with long-time employee Sterling Taylor.

Milton Sr. said he was uncertain as to whether a fourth generation of Laughtons will enter the business.

"Milton's son, Adam, helps out from time to time, but he doesn't like to get his hands greasy."  Milton Sr. said.  "I kid him because every time he finished one job he goes and washes his hands before he starts another one.  I tell him he's going to break me on paper towels."

Whether Adam goes into the business or not, Mr. Laughton said things will probably always be the same as far as the family's business philosophy.

"We provide quality service at a good price,"  Mr. Laughton said.

"We're constantly among the lowest in the county in terms of flat-rate prices and we always have plenty of business.  Not too many businesses can say they have been operating for 50 years."

George R. Laughton - Founder of Laughton's Garage

Milton Laughton, Jr. and Milton Laughton, Sr. standing in front of a picture of George R. Laughton

Laughton's Garage - Beaufort, NC - Since 1944 - Near Morehead City and Havelock - Auto Mechanic - Car Repairs - Repair Shop - Engine and Transmission Work - Automotive Mechanic