Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Johnston.
Hi Zach, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Master Brake and Muffler has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years. The business was founded in 1972 by my grandfather in Escondido, California where we’ve proudly served the community ever since.
In 1986, my father took over the business and continued building on the strong foundation my grandfather laid. Growing up, I spent countless hours at the shop learning from my dad and working alongside him. In 2008, I began working full time, and I’ve been committed ever since to carrying on our family’s legacy.
It means a great deal to me to become the third generation to run Master Brake and Muffler. My grandfather worked tirelessly to build this business, and my father has dedicated his life to supporting his family and serving our community through honest, reliable work. I hope to follow in their footsteps and continue providing the same integrity, quality, and care that our customers have trusted for decades.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like working on cars, running a business often means things don’t go as planned — sometimes parts don’t fit, bolts won’t budge, or the problem’s deeper than it looked. But just like in the garage, we’ve always adapted, pivoted, and found a way to make things work. Over the years, we’ve had our share of ups and downs, but we’ve always pulled through.
What’s kept us going is the support of this community. We’re incredibly grateful to our long-time customers — some of whom have been coming here since my grandfather ran the shop. It means the world to see familiar faces, hear stories from the past, and know we’ve earned that kind of trust.
Our roots run deep in Escondido. I believe those strong roots, laid down by my grandfather and nurtured by my dad, are a big part of what’s helped us weather the tougher times. I’m thankful for everything they built, and I’m proud to continue that legacy — one brake job, muffler replacement, and loyal customer at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Master Brake and Muffler, we specialize in brakes, exhaust, suspension, and fleet maintenance — but that’s just the beginning.
We’re known for our expertise in brake systems, working on everything from daily drivers to RVs and vintage hot rods. We also build custom exhaust systems, replace catalytic converters, and handle all types of suspension work. Our pricing is competitive, and our work is honest and reliable.
In addition to our specialty services, we provide full automotive repair and maintenance. That includes:
Check engine light diagnostics
Tune-ups
Alternators & starters
Batteries
Fuel pumps
Radiators
…and much more.
We also service several local business fleets, helping keep their vehicles running smoothly and on the road.
Whether you need a brake job, a custom exhaust, or a full diagnostic, we’re your one-stop shop for automotive care in Escondido.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest in this business is seeing a customer leave our shop feeling relieved, satisfied, and taken care of.
Not everyone loves spending money on car repairs — I get that. But when someone comes in with a problem and we’re able to fix it quickly, affordably, and with quality work, it feels good knowing we helped make their day a little easier. Maybe they need their car to pick up their kids from sports, get to work, or just get through the week — whatever the reason, I’m proud that we can help make that happen.
There’s real fulfillment in doing something helpful, in being the place people can count on when things go wrong. At the end of the day, it’s not just about fixing cars — it’s about helping people move forward.
Pricing:
- $50 off per axle on any brake jobs
- wholesale pricing on catalytic converters
- very competitive pricing on custom exhaust systems
- Quality work on RV’s with fair prices
- Excellent pricing for our fleet programs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.masterbrakeandmuffler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbrakeandmuffler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MasterBrakeAndMuffler
