Small-Town Visionary Builds Automotive Empire

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Gregg Kunes, the founder of Kunes Auto Group, has built one of the fastest-growing dealership networks in the Midwest through hard work, strong values, and a dream that became reality. Starting with a single dealership in Delavan, Wisconsin in the 1990s, Kunes has grown his company to over 40 locations across four states, with an estimated net worth of $35 million as of 2025.

Why it matters

Kunes's story is an inspiring example of how a regular person from a small town can rise to considerable heights through passion, purpose, and a commitment to treating people right. His success highlights the potential for ethical, community-focused businesses to thrive, even in the face of industry consolidation and the rise of large corporate dealerships.

The details

Kunes began by purchasing a dealership in Delavan in the 1990s, taking a bold risk but believing in creating a business that prioritized faith, family, and fairness. Over the years, he expanded across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, often choosing to invest in small towns that needed a boost. His secret was not just good sales, but how he treated people - customers felt valued, employees felt supported, and Kunes built trust across communities.

• Kunes purchased his first dealership in Delavan, Wisconsin in the early 1990s.
• In the 2000s, Kunes expanded his business into more cities across Wisconsin.
• In the 2010s, Kunes entered the Illinois and Iowa markets.
• In 2020, Kunes reached over 30 dealership locations.
• In 2023, Kunes added an RV division and more locations.

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