In 1927, Alfred Runde opened the East Dubuque Garage in downtown East Dubuque. Fast forward 94 years and his great-grandson, Harrison Runde, is taking a seat at the table in the family business, which has since expanded to include four car dealerships. Harrison, who graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Business Management, is starting his career as a salesperson and assistant to his father, Greg Runde. While attending school, Harrison dabbled in the dealership’s washrack, IT, service and parts departments. “What made me want to get into sales was it was something I’ve never really done before, and I think I could be a good fit,” he said. Harrison is enthusiastic about joining the team at Runde Chevrolet. “My dad has taught me a lot about the business and I plan [...]

Humble Origins Runde Auto Group's long storied history dates back to the year 1927, which is why many current Runde advertisements read "Runde Auto Group since 1927".   The origins of the Runde Auto Group are quite humble and can be traced back to the day Alfred Runde founded the East Dubuque Garage in earnest close to a century ago.  Alfred C. Runde (1897-1972) was born into the household of August Runde (1866-1941) and Louisa Manemann Runde (1874-1952).  He was the second oldest of 10 children.  His nine siblings in order from oldest to youngest were Lucy, Robert, Mabel, Earl, Emily, Louis, Carl, Mildred, and Oliver.    The Runde kids grew up in the Township of Hazel Green in Grant County and Alfred’s father and mother farmed for a living in nearby Sinsinawa, WI for nearly 45 years.  Alfred married Irene Cecelia Cullen at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque in 1927.  The East Dubuque Garage That same year, he also founded the East Dubuque Garage (which would later become Run [...]