About Us

Our History

The Rydell company was founded by Leonard Rydell (1913-2000), who started the car business in the 1940s in Montgomery, Minnesota. Leonard had many strongly held business and personal philosophies that served him well. These philosophies, known as “Leonardism’s”, help guide our group through our daily business and personal decisions.

In 1976, Leonard sold the business to his son, Wes. Under Wes’ direction, Rydell converted to the one price, no hassle, no haggle pricing policy that is followed today. Okoboji Motor Company sells and services new Chevrolet, Toyota, and Buick models, in addition to a wide variety of used cars.

In 1980, Leonard and Wes helped one of their managers purchase a dealership in Mandan, North Dakota. Their goal was to help that manager eventually own the dealership outright. The plan worked and Leonard and Wes have repeated the process with many other managers since then. The Rydell Group has now grown to over 83 dealerships in 17 states and continues to grow to this day. Today’s brands in the Rydell group across the states include Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, KIA, Toyota, Volkswagen, Chrysler, Mitsubishi, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram.

What We Believe

At Okoboji Motor Company, we believe in our Vision Statement: “To be so effective that we are able to be helpful to others”. It is our goal to be an industry leader in providing unmatched quality at our dealerships.

The Value of Honesty and Integrity

All decisions are to be made with integrity. Leadership is setting a good example and expecting as much from yourself as from others.

The Value of Individual Responsibility and Accountability

We are responsible to satisfy the needs of our customers for all our products and services. Individual accountability for our own performance and for the quality of our products will show our customers we really care.

The Value of Unconditional Dedication to Excellence

There is no place for mediocrity and half-hearted efforts. We accept personal responsibility for overcoming obstacles and being the very best. We actively choose to excel in every aspect of our personal and professional lives.

The Value of Cooperation and Communication

Close mutual support of one another is a fundamental tenet. We value open communication and encourage new ideas, realizing that teamwork produces a better employee work environment and enthusiastic customers and suppliers.

The Value of Our People

We have nothing of greater value than our people at our dealerships. We respect the uniqueness of every individual and believe that such an attitude will build a team of confident, creative members possessing a high degree of initiative, self-respect, and self-discipline.

The Value of Ongoing Improvement

We don’t accept the status quo. Our goal is constant improvement and ongoing education. We believe in providing opportunities for personal, professional, and organizational growth within our company.

The Value of Being Good Community Citizens

We give willingly to and are actively involved in the support of our communities because they provide us our success.

What do we strive to do every day?

1. Exceed our customers’ and employees’ expectations and maintain their loyalty for a lifetime.

2. Provide an atmosphere that encourages employee and teamwork, integrity, and excellence.

3. Improve sales, service, and operational standards to ensure long-term market leadership and profitability.

Do you have a vehicle to trade-in around Okoboji? We want your trade.

Many dealers look at trade-ins as a hassle, but not at Okoboji Motor Company. We are able to pay top dollar for your trade because we have an outlet to sell it. We have expert trade evaluators on staff that will walk you through the evaluation process, show you how we come up with the value, and ensure that you get all the money you deserve. We will actually write you a check for that amount, even if you don’t buy from us!

Car Dealerships That Are a Part of the Okoboji, IA Community

Today, Okoboji Motor Company continue the proud tradition of providing a friendly car-buying atmosphere. That comes from our amazing team here at Okoboji Motor Company. The people are what make this a great place to buy a new car or have your vehicle serviced. In fact, it’s not uncommon for OMC to help their managers work their way up to owning a dealership. This shows our commitment to the people we serve and the people who are a part of the Rydell family.

Okoboji Motor Company is ingrained in the community as well. From our local donations, to the Polar Plunge sponsorship for the Arnolds Park Fire & Rescue, to scholarships for exemplary students in the area, OMC

has always given back to the community. That’s not something that’s going to change.

We would love to meet you! Please stop in or contact us today and let us know how we can earn your business.