Schmidt Family Retires From Car Business

For the first time 1954, there is no Schmidt selling vehicles or repairing or servicing them in Sullivan. 

Danny and Sandy Schmidt announced in March that they would be closing the doors of Schmidt Auto Center.

In an open letter, Danny, Sandy, Alison and Charley thanked the community for their decades of support.

“We would like to thank all of our loyal customers, family and friends for your support and business over the years. It has been an honor to serve you. We would also like to thank our employees for years of dedication and commitment. Without you, it would have been impossible to accommodate such a great customer base.

Thank you from the Schmidt family!”

Schmidt Auto Center opened up along the South Service Road in 2009. It was the fallout from the sale of Modern Garage Pontiac/GMC to West Brothers. 

West Brothers would later sell the dealership to Laura Automotive Group years later.

The closure of Schmidt Auto brings an end to one of the longest running family businesses in Sullivan.

The late Eddie Gene Schmidt, father of Danny Schmidt, and his brother Harold Schmidt, purchased Modern Garage in 1954.

In 1982, Eddie Gene, and his wife Verna Schmidt, purchased brother Harold Schmidt’s portion of the business and remained owners until 1994.

In 1994, Danny Schmidt and wife Sandy purchased the dealership from Danny’s parents and operated Modern Garage Pontiac/GMC until 2009 when they sold the business.

Not fully ready to retire, the Schmidt family rolled on with a used car facility and service center that included Danny and Sandy’s two of three children, Alison and Charley remaining for the new venture on the South Service Road.

The business quickly grew from the former Century 21 office and led to an expansion project next door, which up until the closing, served as the Schmidt Auto Center.