Performance Brokerage Services, North America’s highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Wuerflein Honda in Albert Lea, Minnesota from John Markquart & Ryan Wuerflein to Aaron Marthaler of Marthaler Automotive Group.
Wuerflein Honda was acquired by the Markquart group from David Christensen in 2022. Following the sale, John Markquart, Principal at Markquart, partnered with General Manager Ryan Wuerflein to operate the dealership.
The Markquart group started in the small town of Jackson, Minnesota. Founder Ed Markquart began selling cars out of a gas station, and within a year, was offering GMC and Oldsmobile brands. Ed’s son Lee joined the business in 1955 and gradually assumed leadership over the company. In 1970, Lee made his first major acquisition- a Pontiac Oldsmobile Cadillac dealership in Eau Claire, Minnesota. The company rapidly expanded under Lee’s savvy leadership. Lee’s sons, John and David, as well as his grandson Charlee, have joined the business as well. Today, the group operates 10 dealerships in the automotive and RV industries and employs over 300 people.
Ryan Wuerflein and John Markquart will continue to co-own and operate their second location, Wuerflein Chevrolet Buick GMC in northern Albert Lea, Minnesota. Following the sale, John Markquart commented, “It was a pleasure working with Paul Kechnie of Performance Brokerage Services. As in the past, I found Paul responsive and professional. He helped us make this a smooth transaction from start to finish. We wish Aaron all the best and are confident that Wuerflein Honda will continue to thrive under the leadership of Marthaler Automotive Group.”
Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 300 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. In 2022, the company consummated 92 transactions, marking a record-breaking year. This transaction was exclusively facilitated by Performance Brokerage Services Texas & Midwest Offices, managed by Paul Kechnie, Senior Partner. Kechnie commented, “It was a privilege to help John and Ryan find the right buyer for Wuerflein Honda. I’ve worked with Aaron Marthaler several times, and the professionalism and experience his auto group brings to the table will undoubtedly make Wuerflein Honda even more successful. John and Ryan were a pleasure to assist, and I look forward to helping Aaron grow his auto group in the future.”
Aaron Marthaler started his career in the auto industry as a lube technician in Glenwood, Minnesota changing oil in cars. He quickly moved on to selling vehicles and bought into his first dealership soon after. With the acquisition of Wuerflein Honda, Marthaler Automotive Group currently owns and operates 9 dealerships in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
In 2022, Aaron Marthaler acquired Fred Muller Buick GMC and Fred Mueller Mazda in Schofield, Wisconsin with the assistance of Paul Kechnie. Following the sale of Wuerflein Honda, Marthaler remarked, “I have now worked with Paul Kechnie on a number of transactions. He is very professional and dedicated to the process. Paul has also become a good friend!”
The dealership will remain at its current location at 2114 East Main Street in Albert Lea, Minnesota and will be renamed Marthaler Honda of Albert Lea.
