One automotive family.
Five states.
Nearly 50 years of growth.
Every company has a beginning. Ours started in 1977 with a Buick dealership in South Bend, Indiana, partners Mike Leep Sr. and Van Gurley, and a belief that treating people the right way would always be good business.
Today, the Gurley Leep Automotive Family has grown into a multi-state company representing many of the automotive industry’s leading brands. While our footprint has expanded, our mission has remained the same; bettering the lives of our guests, our team members, and our communities.
Our history is more than a record of dealerships acquired. It is the story of the people, opportunities, relationships, and defining moments that have shaped who we are today and the future we continue to build together.
EXPLORE OUR STORY1977 — TODAY
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eyebrow: "The Beginning",
title: "One Store. One Dream.",
summary: "Founded in 1977 by Mike Leep Sr. and Van Gurley with a Buick dealership in South Bend, Indiana...",
details: "Founded in 1977 by Mike Leep Sr. and Van Gurley with a Buick dealership in South Bend, Indiana, built on the simple belief: treat people the right way and success will follow. The store is still operational today as Gurley Leep GM Giant.",
image: "https://gurleyleepautofamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mike-Sr.-Van-Gurley-Leep-Buick-Superstars-c.-1980-1989.png",
}, {
year: 1984,
month: 6,
dealershipstat: 1,
brandstat: 2,
memberstat: 40,
eyebrow: "Growth",
title: "Chrysler Plymouth",
summary: "The company expands into a new community.",
details: "University Park Chrysler Plymouth was purchased and added to the family.",
image: "https://gurleyleepautofamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/University_Park_Chrysler-Plymouth.jpg",
}, {
year: 1981,
month: 10,
dealershipstat: 1,
brandstat: 2,
memberstat: 32,
eyebrow: "Growth",
title: "Anotha one",
summary: "The company expands with Richardson Pontiac in Valpo.",
details: "When the Gurley Leep Automotive Family purchased Jerry Richardson Pontiac-GMC in the 1980s, it triggered a series of major changes, including a rename, a relocation, and a eventual shift in ownership. The transition unfolded across several key milestones: The Immediate Rebranding: Following the acquisition, the South Bend-based Gurley Leep group chose not to keep the Richardson name. Instead, they renamed the dealership Peterson Pontiac-GMC, naming it after their appointed general manager, Phil Peterson. The Location Move (1988): At the time of the sale, the original Richardson store operated on East Lincolnway in Valparaiso. In 1988, under Gurley Leep's direction, the dealership was packed up and moved to a larger, highly visible facility at 1551 W. Morthland Drive (U.S. Highway 30) to capitalize on the growing highway commercial corridor. Subsequent Sales & Modern Status: Gurley Leep operated the store for a period, later rebranding it again before eventually selling the Highway 30 location to Paul Sur. Today, that automotive lineage has shifted hands again and operates as part of Currie Motors.",
image: "https://gurleyleepautofamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Peterson_Pontiac_GMC.jpg",
}, {
year: 1991,
month: 2,
dealershipstat: 1,
brandstat: 1,
memberstat: 32,
eyebrow: "Beyond Earth",
title: "Saturn of Michiana",
summary: "We acquired Saturn of Michiana.",
details: "We acquired Saturn of Michiana.",
image: "https://gurleyleepautofamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Saturn_Michiana.jpg",
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year: 2000,
month: 7,
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brandstat: 1,
memberstat: 32,
eyebrow: "Momentum",
title: "Expanding the family",
summary: "A Chevrolet store was purchased in Valpo.",
details: "Team Chevy joins the family.",
image: "https://gurleyleepautofamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Team_Chevy.jpg",
}, {
year: 2017,
month: 3,
memberstat: 1,
eyebrow: "Classic",
title: "Sam joins Gurley Leep",
summary: "We acquire the BEST team member.",
details: "Just, WOW!",
image: "https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/C5603AQH3K-KhED2a8w/profile-displayphoto-shrink_200_200/profile-displayphoto-shrink_200_200/0/1540239719539?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=wWkHvJhR-xvJCYHtyEypR71esKAXR1mxs1rBbKzLaOE",
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year: 2021,
month: 6,
dealershipstat: 1,
brandstat: 1,
memberstat: 1400,
eyebrow: "The Windy City",
title: "First Dealership in Chicago",
summary: "The Auto Family purchased Northbrook Toyota.",
details: "The Auto Family purchased Northbrook Toyota located on the north side of Chicago. A new building was built next to the old one and is operating today as Toyota on Edens.",
image: "https://gurleyleepautofamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Northbrook-Toyota-Old-Building.png",
}, {
year: 2026,
month: 4,
eyebrow: "",
title: "Breaking Ground",
summary: "April 27 groundbreaking celebration of the 70 acre auto campus. ",
details: "April 27 groundbreaking celebration of the 70 acre auto campus. This development will bring together the corporate office along with 11 brands; Audi, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Sprinter, Subaru and Volkswagon. Designed with customers, team members, and community in mind; offering a variety of unique amenities that extend beyond the traditional dealership model. Scheduled to open in 2027 in time for the 50th Anniversary Celebration.",
image: "https://gurleyleepautofamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/6bf511ab-0917-4df2-b6a2-9c0c352ba870.png",
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