Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
As of January 1, JK Auto is open for business at the former Block’s Auto dealership, located at N3160 CTH K. The exchange marks the end to an auto sales and service tenure spanning nearly 40 years for the Block family, and a new chapter for new owner Jeremy Karau.
As Block’s Auto Sales owner Jeff Block explains, due to health concerns, he decided to retire from the auto sales and service business last fall. While Karau may be the new owner, he is far from a stranger to the Block family.
“We’ve known Jeremy for several years,” Jeff explains. “He has volunteered to help around the shop in his free time, working on cars we had in for work and so on, but he never asked for anything in return. He’s always done a great job and he’s always been honest about his work. That meant a lot to us, it really is hard to find good, honest people these days.”
While helping out around the shop one day, Karau expressed an interest in taking ownership of the business.
“When we decided to retire, we heard from at least a dozen different people about buying the business. But after 36 years, we didn’t want to hand it over to just anybody. My wife Gwen and I talked it over and we decided Jeremy was a good fit. We had known him for a while. We knew him to be honest, and most of all , he knows what he’s doing and works hard at what we does.”
As of November Jeff had sold the last of his dealership inventory, paving the way for Karau to take over in 2019.
“It’s great to have a chance to do something I’ve always wanted to do,” Jeremy adds.
A former diesel technician for over 20 years, auto service and repair has been a passion for Karau since his teen years.
“Working on cars is something I’ve always enjoyed. My dad owned a shop in town when I was younger, so it’s always been in the back of my mind to have a shop of my own some day.”
In addition to welding and small engine repair, Karau also offers a full range of auto service and repair; from oil changes and brake work to engine and transmission repair. JK Auto also offers roadside service and vehicle hauling within the city limits.
For more information, Jeremy can be reached at (715) 218-8280 during business hours of 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Sunday service is available by appointment only.