Auto business stays rooted in Albert Lea 50 years later

Dave Syverson Auto Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Albert Lea. 

“It means a lot for a business to be in business for 50 years,” said manager Travis Stortroen. “I mean, for something to stay in business that long, you gotta be great at taking care of customers and changing with the market, basically.”

Stortroen said the store’s No. 1 priority continues to be its customers.

“And I think that’s a big reason why we are still here,” Stortroen said.

Dave Syverson Auto Center is involved with Wind Down Wednesday, Albert Lea Family Y and Relay for Life of Freeborn County. The dealership gave two vehicles to families in need in the last year and contributed to benefits.

An Albert Lea resident, Stortroen said he entered the auto industry because he wants to help people and hopes the store continues to be successful.

“The more successful you are, the more you can contribute to the community and help out,” he said.

Sales manager Darryl Swenson has worked at the business for nearly half of its existence in Albert Lea.

“It’s just a good, family organization,” he said. “There’s several employees that have been here for 30-plus years, and that’s not real common anymore, so it’s just a healthy, family-friendly environment and a good place to do business.”

Swenson’s father worked with Dave Syverson in the 1960s in Minneapolis and said the store has a substantial work force.

“It’s been a pleasure working here,” he said.

“It’s been fun.”