Valley Biz Story |
On Friday, September 28, 2013 many friends and Minitonas residents stopped by Robb Motors for coffee, donuts and conversation, and to fill up one last time before the current owner retires.
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For Bill Robb Jr. retirement is bittersweet. While he looks forward to having more time for fishing and hunting, it is difficult to say goodbye to the family business that his father, Bill Robb Sr. started 66 years ago.
According to Bill Jr., his dad was always most comfortable behind the counter, the location chosen to display his picture after his son purchased the family business in 1976.
“I am not sure what he is going to do with all the extra time,” said Shelby Robb, Bill’s wife, “He really enjoyed visiting with everyone who came in to the store – I know he will miss that.”
The following history of the business was submitted by Shelby Robb:
In 1947 William M. Robb, better known as Bill Robb Sr., purchased the garage on the corner of Learners Street and 2nd Ave. in Minitonas. It was purchased from Allen Hilland and became Robb Motors. He owned and operated the business for 29 years selling everything from Case and Oliver farm equipment, Morris cars, Mercury snow machines and outboard motors, as well as Lund boats.
In 1964 the original building was completely destroyed by fire. Bill Sr. was back in business in three days working from a granary which was towed in. He worked out of there until a new modern building was built on the same site.
After 29 years, Bill Sr. sold the business to his son (William E. Robb). Since that summer in 1976. Bill Rob Jr. has continued on with the family business.
Over the years Robb Motors has served Minitonas and area by selling BA, Gulf, Petro Canada, Shell and finally Tempo gasoline. For the past 40+ years Robb Motors changed into a marine dealership selling and servicing Mercury Engines and Lund boats. Robb Motors has been selling Mercury and Lund longer than all other dealers in Manitoba. They have sold boats and motors from Nunavut to Texas.
During the last 64 years Robb Motors has enjoyed serving the people of Minitonas and surrounding area. The motto “We sell the best and service the rest” was used by both Bill Sr. and Bill Jr.
Harry Iwanchuk has been employed by Robb Motors for 45 years. He has been a dedicated employee and will be staying on with the new owner. Rodney Morgan-Smith has bee an employee for the past 8 years, who will also remain with the new owner.
As Bill enters retirement, he and his wife Shelby would like to thank all their loyal customers for their ongoing support. The new owner, Darryl Woodson, will take possession on October 1, 2013. We wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.