ONB Automotive History

ONB Automotive, which is located in Everett, Washington, is situated approx. thirty miles north of Seattle. This business came into existence in December of 1999 as a two man shop. As the sole owner and with thirty one years experience working for local Ford dealers along with the recent attainment of a fiftieth birthday, I was ripe for a change (mid-life crisis??). That first month had gross sales of $15,370.94 and this last year, 2005, was just over $1,000,000.00. Not wanting to fail on a large scale, I initially secured a one year lease with an option for five but paid the first year in full at a reduced rate. The first shop was just barely one thousand square feet. Within nine months we moved on a weekend, without closing down, into our current 5,000 square foot shop. The biggest obstacle in my mind was stepping out in faith to obligate myself, and my family into a real financial challenge. The first three years, I was not able to take a salary, but made sure we never missed a payroll or any of our commitments (thanks be to my wife!!)