Hanson Subaru and Hanson Kia in Olympia, WA, were recently sold by Vince and Kim Hanson to Gee Automotive Companies, according to Performance Brokerage Services.
The dealerships will be renamed Olympia Subaru and Olympia Kia, and will remain at their current locations in the Olympia Auto Mall, off Highway 101.
Steve Hanson, father of Vince and Kim Hanson, founded the dealerships in downtown Olympia more than 50 years ago, initially offering Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi. In 1986, he relocated to the Olympia Auto Mall, establishing a thriving family-owned business.
Vince Hanson, who has worked in every dealership role from lot attendant to service manager, took over the business. His commitment extends to community service with tremendous support for local organizations such as St. Martin's Gala, Senior Services for South Sound, Hands on Children Museum, Wolf Haven, and Boys and Girls Club.
“After 50 years in the auto industry, my sister and I decided the time was right to sell our stores,” Vince Hanson said, adding it was important to find a buyer and broker who both shared the same family values.
Gee Automotive Companies was established in 1983 when George and Theresa Gee acquired their first dealership in Spokane, WA, which eventually became the largest Pontiac dealership in Washington. In 2003, their son, Ryan Gee, took on the role of president and CEO. By 2010, Ryan Gee had appointed Jeff Jackson as president, while Gee continued as CEO and dealer principal. Under their leadership, Gee Automotive Companies has expanded to include 35 dealership locations across Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Arizona.
Gee Automotive Companies is ranked 46th on the 2024 Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups list based on 2023 new vehicle retail sales units.
