By Shannon Lukens.

 

Russell’s Auto Salon has new owners, after 33 years. Phil Spahr and Terry Paulsen have sold the business.

“Well, after 33 years and me turning 72, I’m ready to retire and give it up.”

“It’s been an honor to be with Phil. We’ve been through thick and thin, let me tell you. We’ve had our ups and down but we’ve always managed. I mean 33 years is a long time to be in partnership in a business. Most marriages don’t last that long.”

 

Courtesy photo from Phil Spahr.

The new owners are Ron Wentzel and Leo Starbuck, both born and raised in Steamboat Springs.

 

Both Phil and Terry are staying in Steamboat Springs, so say hello if you see them around town. You can’t forget their tag line heard many times on our Steamboat Radio stations and Sailor Sports broadcasts, about how Russell’s comes “highly wreck-ommended.”

 

“Oh yeah, where we always meet by accident, and I’m Phil and I’m Terry. Hey, thank you Steamboat. Thank you very much. You’ve been awesome.”

 

The deal closed this morning, Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.