Brian Bemis sells Sycamore dealerships to Wisconsin-based Kunes Automotive

DeKALB - Prominent area automotive dealer, Brian Bemis Automotive Group, announced Monday it’s sold its Sycamore-based franchise to a Wisconsin-based group but will maintain it’s DeKalb Toyota operations.

According to a social media post on the Bemis’ Facebook page published Monday, the Bemis family sold Sycamore Hyundai, Sycamore Imports and Sycamore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to Kunes Automotive Group. The Bemis group hand selected Kunes Automotive Group, based in Delavan, Wisconsin with operations throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois, according to the post.

The closing of the sale was Monday, said Chad Bemis in an email. Brian Bemis still owns DeKalb Toyota at 1890 Sycamore Road in DeKalb.

In December 2020, Bemis sold its former Sycamore Ford franchise to Brad Manning Ford, consolidating the Ford locations into one business.

[ Brad Manning Ford announces purchase of Sycamore Ford franchise assets from Bemis family ]

“For over 35 years the Brian Bemis Automotive Group and Brian Bemis Family have had the pleasure of serving the DeKalb County Community and surrounding areas,” the social media post reads. “It’s such an honor that we are now seeing the second, third and fourth generations of guests coming through our doors.”

The Bemis group wrote about its accomplishments the past 35 years, and said Monday marks a new chapter.

“None of those accomplishments have left a more meaningful impact on our family than the fact that our teams were able to infuse more than $5 million dollars into our communities through their relationships with several local charities,” the post states. “The volunteer hours that our teams have spent with you in our community have left us with memories that we will forever cherish.”

Bemis’ announcement states the decision to sell to Kunes was due to the latter’s positive reputation for customer service, and employee and community engagement.

“It was very important to us that the focus on community involvement remain a priority...and you are in good hands!” the announcement reads. “It has truly been the honor of our professional careers to serve this community.”