About Gansen Auto & RV Sales
Hello Friends,
My name is Dean Gansen. My wife, Kari and I own and operate Gansen Auto & RV Sales, Inc. I have been a businessman in the Riceville community for over 25 years. Here's a brief overview of how the business began and who we are today.
I started out in a shop adjacent to my home just south of town. Gansen Welding And Machine gave me the opportunity to acquaint myself with the area's farmers while fixing tractors and farm equipment. Just a few years later people referred to me as their friendly Snapper lawn mower and Polaris snowmobile dealer.
My dream was to own a business in the downtown Riceville community. I saw a need and found the perfect location. The old Ford store had been standing empty for several years. I approached the previous owner who was willing to rent with an option to buy and that is how the Gansen Auto & RV legacy began.
The old building could have been
easily described as a bit of an eyesore. It was built in the
1930's and in need of an extensive face lift. I couldn't help feeling proud as I began my venture
with an inventory of a few remaining Snapper lawn mowers and only 3 vehicles.
In 1989 I began my plans to
spruce up the place. Rafters were put over the flat roof and the
entire building was covered in steel. During my renovations I also added a coin operated car
wash and additional office space.
I started conservatively and small. As I searched for inventory, I managed to form a lasting relationship with different companies that lease vehicles to corporations. This became my specialty and I began traveling further to find the quality vehicles that customers expect. Through this process I've also established a relationship with many of the giant new car stores.
These stores wished to keep as
much inventory as new as possible, giving me the opportunity to
buy trade-in's direct. Through all of my resources I have access to thousands of vehicles each
week.
As the price of new vehicles increase each year, the competition in the used industry becomes more demanding. I sold a record of 440 vehicles in 1993 and continue to keep a great selection of quality vehicles in stock at all times. The constant struggle to find quality vehicles helped me with the decision to add recreational vehicles to the line up. This transaction was a natural for me since my family has enjoyed camping as a means to relax and enjoy free time together for many years.
To begin this project my wife and I spent several days in Indiana touring different camper manufacturers before choosing the Forest River line of products. It has been a pleasure providing a product the offers families a means to spend quality time together. I'm also proud of the relationship that I've formed with Forest River. It's a nice experience sharing the same business pride and ideals with a company like mine. Together we are driven not only to pass the test, but also to do our personal best.
My dream, which started over 15 years at my present location could have never been the success that it has become without the help of my loyal employees, the support of my family, the working relationship that my wife and I share, and most importantly my loyal customers. It's still a thrill to hear from the customers that are still using the lawnmowers I sold them way back when. It's a reminder of how I started and how much the business has changed over the years.
Well wishes to all!
Dean Gansen