A nearly eight-decade family legacy has concluded after the Eagan family of Wisconsin RV World sold its dealership to Kunes Auto & RV.
Navy pilot Jack Eagan founded the Madison, Wisconsin, dealership in 1945 with Bill and Romie Schneider. The trio’s goal was to provide affordable housing in the area. The company began selling RVs in 1957 and sold its first Winnebago motorhome in 1966.
In 1984, Eagan’s son, Michael, and his son-in-law, Dick Hoffman, bought the company. In 1968, the business relocated to its current location on the corner of Interstate 90/94 and Highway 51. Michael Eagan’s daughter, Christine Eagan, joined the business in 1991 and became president in 2001.
Christine Eagan said she sought guidance to find a buyer who understood her dealership’s values. She said she was directed to Jesse Stopnitzky, Performance Brokerage Services co-owner and director of the RV Division, to help connect with the best buyer.
She said, “It is not easy to close a chapter on 80 years of history, but with Jesse and Performance Brokerage Services, we felt confident that we were making the right choice for the future of our business, our employees and our customers.”
Stopnitzky and Performance partner Jon Couwenberg were the sell-side advisors for the transaction. Stopnitzky said it was a privilege to support the Eagan family in their decision.
“For nearly 80 years, the Eagan family serviced their Madison community with great pride,” he said. “Their deep-rooted family values are immeasurable and are a true testament to their success over so many years. It was an honor to have been entrusted by the Eagan family with facilitating the transition to Kunes Auto & RV.”
Upon transition, the dealership will remain at its current location at 5920 Haase Road in DeForest, Wisconsin.
Kunes operates 40 auto and RV dealerships across the Midwest, employing 1,800 people. The company donates 10% of its annual profits to local charities.
Kunes RV Division Chief Operating Officer Ron Baker said, “We are honored to continue the legacy that Wisconsin RV World has built over eight decades of family ownership. Their commitment to customer service and family values perfectly aligns with our own mission and the initiatives we have launched to enhance the RV ownership experience.”
