Iconic SE Minnesota Business Owner Announces His Retirement

When I first moved to Rochester, people told me ‘it’s a big small town’ and I didn’t believe it until I had lived here for a few years.

Yes, we’re the third-largest city in Minnesota, and it’s bustling, especially during the week with people coming to town for the Mayo Clinic, but somehow, once you’ve been here long enough, you start to run into people you know almost everywhere you go.

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I’d say this goes for Rochester and also the surrounding area, so when an iconic area business owner decides it’s time to retire, it’s big news.

You may have heard his ads on our radio stations. You may have even seen him when he appeared on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. None other than Steve Johnson of Zumbrota Ford has decided it’s time to retire after 53 years in the car business and 26 of them owning Zumbrota Ford.

Steve Johnson of Zumbrota Ford Appears on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

In case you missed that time Steve was on national TV, there was a contest that John Oliver did for his show Last Week Tonight, where he tasked any car dealership to send him hilarious TV ads. From there, John and his team picked their favorite to do an ad that the team had written.

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Well, they ended up loving Steve Johnson and his team, so they were selected to do this ad! But here’s the catch: they weren’t allowed to know what the script was or anything in advance.

Steve and his team agreed, and we got this gem of a commercial out of it.

Isn't that hilarious?

Zumbrota Ford's Goofy Radio and TV Ads

Over the years, Zumbrota Ford has also always had ear-catching and funny radio ads. When I moved here I quickly learned of “Steve Johnson, Your Dealer For the People!”

But next month we won't hear those commercials anymore.

Steve Johnson of Zumbrota Ford is Retiring

The Johnson family listed the dealership for sale, and it was purchased by Mosaic Auto Group. “‘It is a natural fit for them and a bright future for all of you',” Steve said in a press release.

Steve will be retiring in May and I would imagine the transition to Mosaic ownership has already begun. I'll be curious to hear what Mosaic decides to do with Zumbrota Ford radio ads! I wonder if they'll keep the goofy idea or go another direction. Only time will tell.