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The Tonkin Family of Dealerships began in 1960, with a $100,000 loan to Ron Tonkin from First National Bank in Portland, Oregon. This was used to purchase the first dealership – Ron Tonkin Chevrolet – that still calls the city home today. By 1965, success led Mr. Tonkin to purchase a fine-acre plot on what was then the edge of Portland proper, on what is now 122nd Street.
A year later, Tonkin Gran Turismo was founded, and in less than a decade became the most successful Ferrari dealership in the United States. Success here and in the original Chevrolet store led to swift expansion, including another Chevrolet store, Saabb, Alfa-Romeos and Maseratis.
Ron Tonkin became one of the best-known leaders in the automotive industry, earning numerous awards and commendations. His auto group continued to grow with his success, eventually encompassing Acura, Alfa-Romeo, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ducati, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Ram, and Toyota.
Meanwhile, in Spokane, Washington, George and Theresa Gee opened their first dealership in 1982. Their son, Ryan Gee, became CEO in 2003 and guided Gee Automotive Companies through rapid growth. Today, Gee operates 41 dealerships across the western United States, including the Tonkin stores in Oregon.
In late 2016, the Tonkin Family of Dealerships was acquired by Gee Automotive. More than a business transaction, it was the union of two family-owned companies built on shared values: service, community, and trust.
The past near-decade has seen Gee Automotive continue the Tonkin tradition of serving Portland's families, providing them with new and used vehicles to help them work, play and travel. Our headquarters are now Milwaukie, Oregon, and we cannot wait to help our neighbors get where they are going in the years to come.
