Employing over 1,200 Darrow Difference Makers in 24 Facilities Across the State of Wisconsin
The Russ Darrow Group has been serving our communities for over five decades as one of Wisconsin’s premiere automotive retailers.
Learn more below about our history as a business in the area.
HOW WE
GOT HERE
1965
The Darrow Difference Begins
Russ Darrow became the youngest Chrysler-Plymouth dealer in the country when he opened his first dealership in West Bend, WI.
1975
10 Years
The Russ Darrow Group celebrates 10 years in business!
1997
Aquisitions Made
Acquired Phil Tolkan Pontiac in Milwaukee, WI. Started Car Now Acceptance (CNAC) finance company. Opened first Byrider sales facility in Milwaukee, WI.
2001-2007
Our Fearless Leader is Recognized
Russ Darrow Madison wins “Madison’s Outstanding Business of the Year” award.
Purchased new corporate office in Menomonee Falls, WI. Opened Mazda dealership in Greenfield, WI. Opened a Kia dealership in Waukesha, Chrysler-Jeep dealership in Milwaukee, Kia dealership in Wauwatosa and a Mitsubishi dealership in Waukesha, WI. Russ Darrow Madison wins “Madison’s Outstanding Business of the Year” award.
2015
Hall of Fame
Russ Darrow inducted into the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame.
2017
New Nissan
Built our new Nissan dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin to better service the community where we strarted!
2020
Fresh New Look
After 55 years in business, the Marketing Department felt it was time to update Russ Darrow Group’s branding to be more digital-friendly. The logo was chosen to show that the Russ Darrow Group will do whatever it takes to help our customers get on the road safely.
2024
Our Oldest Store Becomes Our Newest
In 1965, Russ opened his first store, a Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM store in West Bend, Wisconsin. In 2024, we built a brand new building as a dedication to his legacy in the community and the brand!
1967-1972
Adding On
Opened three more Chrysler-Plymouth dealerships in Appleton, Waukesha and Madison WI. Established Russ Darrow Corporate and Russ Darrow Leasing in West Bend, WI.
1987-1996
Our Family Grows
Acquired Honda dealership in Mequon, WI and Pontiac dealership in Cedarburg, WI. Employee number rises to 355! Opened Toyota dealership in West Bend, WI – Washington County’s first import dealership. Darrow also acquired a Jeep/Eagle dealership and moved it to the West Bend Chrysler location. Acquired second Jeep/Eagle dealership, moving it to the Cedarburg Pontiac location. Acquired North Shore Dodge in Milwaukee and renames it Russ Darrow Dodge.
1998-2000
Here We Grow Again
Opened four more Byrider sales facilities in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton and Waukesha, WI. Opened Kia dealership in Madison, WI. Russ Darrow Group had annual sales of $645 million Ranked 7th in the state’s “Top 100 Companies” Named Wisconsin’s largest automobile dealer for the 11th year by Arthur Andersen & Co. Ranks 20th in the country among Mega Dealers by Ward’s Dealer Business Magazine. Included in Forbes magazine’s annual list as number 284 of the “Top 500” largest privately held companies in the country.
2013-2014
Adding On
Built new Nissan dealership in Milwaukee, WI and added a Mazda dealership in Madison, WI. Byrider sales facility in Green Bay, WI is opened. Opened Mazda dealership in Milwaukee, WI.
2017
New Destination
Our facilities at Metro Auto Mall were started with our groundbreaking in 2017.
2019
Moving on Up
Moved the Metro Honda and CDJR dealerships to join Metro Auto Mall. Byrider Fond du Lac and Oshkosh facilities are opened.
2020
More at Mazda
Russ Darrow Madison Mazda moves to larger, state-of-the-art facility with easy access right off the Beltline Highway in Madison. 10+ service bays added and team grown to accommodate the new space.
Now
A Legacy that Keeps Growing
Since 1965, Russ Darrow has grown his business with the same personal values and guiding principles that he used while growing his family in West Bend, Wisconsin. Could you be a part of this family?
