Mike Mooney to hand over his keys after almost 19 years

DeKALB – It was a historic day when Mike Mooney opened the doors to his dealership almost 19 years ago.

"I started with Bill Clinton," Mooney said. "It was Jan. 20, 1993 – Inauguration Day."

Since that inauguration, Mooney has grown his business by outlasting or absorbing the five other General Motors dealers that were in the area. But change is coming to the business after Mooney announced Thursday he is selling the dealership.

Mike Mooney Chevrolet GMC Cadillac will be under the ownership of The Rydell Co. starting in January. The dealership's full staff, including Mooney, will remain.

Mooney said he believes it will be a seamless transition because the philosophies, principles and dedication to customer service that The Rydell Co. exhibits is in line with what he believes.

"I'm glad it's come to a conclusion," Mooney said of the nearly 14-month process of selling the dealership. "It's great it was with an operator that is going to build a new building and retain employees."

While the exact location of the new building is not known, the new owners have made finding a location in the retail corridor between Sycamore and DeKalb a priority, according to a news release from the Mooney dealership.

The Rydell Co., which owns 65 dealerships stretching from Los Angeles to DeKalb, will bring in Michael Haigler as the executive manager of dealership operations. Rydell's headquarters is in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Haigler, who will relocated from Laramie, Wyo., where he runs a Rydell dealership, said the DeKalb area is an ideal location for one of the company's dealerships.

"It's a wonderful town," Haigler said of his visits. "I've already met wonderful people, and I'm really excited about being there and being active in the community."

One of the biggest attractions for both parties was a shared dedication to customers. Haigler said he was impressed with staff members when he met with them, and Mooney said he is already excited about The Rydell Co.'s approach to business, including the new duties he will take on.

After years of being the owner, Mooney said he is ready to do some of the work he loves about the dealership business. Mooney will continue in a managerial capacity, focusing on customer retention, human resources and community relations, according to the news release.

"I've been stretched thin," Mooney said, "so I'm looking forward to some of the new opportunities."

Mooney said he is unsure of what he will do with the old building at Fourth and Locust streets in DeKalb after the business relocates. The Rydell Co. purchased the dealership but not the lot. Haigler declined to say how much the company paid for the dealership.

Despite the changes, Mooney said he is confident residents will find it is business as usual at the dealership.

"The business we do two months from now is going to be the same as two weeks ago," he said.

The sale will become official after General Motors finalizes details in January.