“What do you do? It was beyond our control,” Mike said. We have seen so much community support and everyone supporting the small local businesses. The U.P. is a special place and sometimes we take that for granted. We have seen so much of the people supporting our neighbors and our local small business. It’s very encouraging to see. It’s like a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Recent sales since the reopening have been very encouraging, seemingly due to pent up demand for quality vehicles.

Jon’s Auto has been voted The Mining Journal’s Readers Choice Award for the best place to purchase a pre-owned vehicle in Marquette County all of the 14 years since the program was introduced. Primarily because quality and value are what it is all about at the dealership. They work had to make each and every customer who steps onto the lot is happy with the vehicle they purchase. Starting the most popular late model low mileage unit, with a clean Carfax history, an extensive mechanical check over, an in-depth cleaning, and a top-notch warranty, they take the fear out an automobile purchase. It was the tradition with Jon as owner and it continues with Mike and Brian.

A little history … After working for local auto dealers for 16 years, Jon Christianson opened his own business, Jon’s Auto on Washington Street in Marquette, on July 28, 1996.

Jon’s Auto along Washington Street in Marquette is pictured. (Courtesy photo)

Jon hired Brian “Kip” Kipling in 2008 as a salesman and in 2014, and hired Mike Guenette, part time at first, quickly evolving to full time. Realizing he had a solid quality experienced team in place, he decided in 2019 that the time was right sell the business to Mike and Kip. The deal was finalized on Feb. 1, 2020. Less than two months later, the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic forced Jon’s Auto to temporarily shut down. The new owners used the time to do some improvements to their building then when they were permitted, started limited interaction sales. Safety of those customers has been, and will continue, to be a top priority with sanitation protocols remaining a must.

As he settles into retirement, Jon would like to thank everyone that has shopped with him during the past 25 years. He encourages you to give the new guys a chance the next time you’re looking for a new vehicle. He said he has no doubt that they will carry on the reputation that he has earned and the community deserves. He also would like to thank all his employees since day one that have worked for him.

Kip and Mike would like to extend an invitation to anyone who might need a vehicle now or down the road to give them an opportunity to show you why they are voted the #1 place to buy a preowned vehicle year after year! They know the road ahead is going to have ups and downs. They feel they have the best service before, during and after the sale.

You can buy a car anywhere: What really separates us from the large dealers is the personal touch given during the shopping process and the customer service after the sale.

Jon’s Auto is located at 1004 W. Washington St., Marquette. The phone number is 906-225-5566 and the website is www.jonsauto.net.

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