A family legacy continues
Knudtsen
POST FALLS — In a development highlighting the strength and resilience of family-owned businesses, Knudtsen Chevrolet, under the leadership of Eve Knudtsen, CEO, announced the acquisition of Foothills Mazda Lincoln, previously owned by Rick Rielly and Ray Kish.
This alliance not only marks a new chapter in the 85-year history of Knudtsen Chevrolet and the 43-year history of Foothills Mazda Lincoln, but also celebrates the continuation of the rich legacy of both families in the automotive industry. The transaction was slated to close Feb. 15.
Rick Rielly and Ray Kish have been at the forefront of Foothills Mazda Lincoln, headquartered in Spokane, steering the dealership to success with a blend of traditional values and a forward-looking approach to business.
“Finding a successor who shares our business philosophy and our commitment to family values and community involvement was paramount. In Knudtsen Chevrolet and the Knudtsen family, we have found partners who not only understand the legacy of Foothills Mazda/Foothills Lincoln but are also perfectly positioned to guide it into the future with the same level of care and dedication that has been our hallmark,” Kish said in a news release.
Under Rielly and Kish’s leadership, Foothills Mazda/Foothills Lincoln has become a beloved institution in the community, known for its commitment to excellence, integrity and personalized customer service.
Knudtsen Chevrolet, based in Post Falls and an enduring legacy of the Knudtsen family, has paralleled this commitment to community and excellence. Since Clifford Knudtsen opened the dealership in 1939, it has seen substantial growth and evolution, adapting to the changing dynamics of the automotive industry while maintaining its core values.
Today, under the guidance of Eve Knudtsen and her daughter, Lauren Benedict, the dealership upholds its tradition of excellence. Knudtsen Chevrolet is engaged in the community, contributing significantly to local organizations and initiatives.
“We are honored to welcome Foothills Mazda/Foothills Lincoln and the legacy of the Kish and Rielly families into our fold,” Knudtsen said. “This acquisition is a testament to our families' shared values and visions — a commitment to community, customer service and the belief that the relationships we build are at the heart of every successful business. We look forward to continuing and building upon the Kish and Rielly family legacy at Foothills Mazda Lincoln.”
This union celebrates the unique bond between two family-owned businesses in an era when such entities are increasingly rare. It underscores mutual respect for the heritage and values that have defined their success, ensuring the legacy of the Kish and Rielly families will continue to thrive under the stewardship of the Knudtsen family.
The acquisition promises to enhance the services and offerings at Foothills Mazda Lincoln, benefiting customers with an even richer automotive purchasing and servicing experience backed by both families' combined expertise and passion.
“As Knudtsen Chevrolet and Foothills Mazda / Foothills Lincoln move forward, this partnership stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for family-owned businesses everywhere,” said Rick Rielly. “It demonstrates that with shared values, respect, and a commitment to community, legacies can flourish across generations.”
Information: Eve Knudtsen, 208-664-8107
