A well-respected city leader and business man, Otis Avery Browning made his fortunes in crude oil but expanded his business prowess into Toledo’s financial circles and served as the director of Second National Bank and Trust Company, and vice-president of Security Savings Bank and Trust Company. Browning would never fully get involved with local politics, but showed a sincere interest in how the working class was voting. Browning often questioned working men personally about politics and politicians and used their answers to influence his business policies.