Madraga family sells Melody Motors to Mark Ripley

“Mark has made himself quite a reputation in Prince Albert along with Malcolm Jenkins,” said Madraga. “Mark himself, through the dealership, has donated well over $5 million to Prince Albert and area, so when we found all this information out, we were extremely interested to have further discussions with him because that’s exactly what we believe in as well is supporting the communities, the surrounding areas.”

Madraga said it was vital to find someone to take the business and philanthropy and expand on that, and he added you will still see the same smiling faces at Melody, just a few more with Ripley and his team as well.

“You’ll get to know them much, much better and the entire community is going to get to know them much, much better as they are going to be a vital part of Melfort.”

Madraga admitted there have been many sleepless nights recently, as they haven’t been able to speak about the sale to anyone until this past week. The situation has sparked many rumours in the city, and Madraga said the situation has been challenging.

“I’m very happy, very proud to tell everybody now and I’m very confident that it’s definitely going into the right hands,” said Madraga.

The one thing you may notice right away after the sale is complete is there will be fewer hockey jerseys. Madraga laughed that he will be taking many of them to his basement. He said the other big change will be a younger owner/general manager that is very vibrant and positive, which he said will be a big breath of fresh air.

Madraga’s plan after the transaction is complete is to spend more time with family in Saskatoon, and his daughter and son-in-law in Indiana as they set up a pediatric chiropractic clinic.

“Spending a little more time with them than what I have in the past, that’s for sure, so it’s definitely family orientated.”

The Madraga family has a long history in the Melfort area, with Ken’s mother and father starting with a Rambler dealership back in 1961, changing to a Mercury dealership and finally a Ford dealership. He said he hopes his parents’ hard work and sacrifice are the legacy left by the family’s time at Melody Motors.

“The days were long (for his parents). A lot of work had to get put in to actually build a dealership to make it what it is today,” Madraga said. “I just would like people to remember those days, those times, those great stories when people were working…that eight-hour day never existed, and that’s what it’s taken to make Melody Motors what it is today.”

Madraga said his brother Kim has spent many hours building the service and parts department, going that extra mile to make sure the dealership was a success. He said his other brother Kevin ran the tow truck for many years, and the hours he spent doing that were immeasurable.

Ken said he takes great pride in the entire staff’s efforts in growing and moving from their dealership on Burrows Ave. E. to the current location on Saskatchewan Dr. S. in 2012.

“Continuing the personalized service, continuing the friendliness,” said Madraga. “The number one thing we want to do is to help our customers, and that’s something I’m very proud to say we’ve continued.”

The dealership will be celebrating its 60th anniversary with Ford next Friday, Sept. 27, starting at 11 am. Food, refreshments, and a lot of reminiscing are expected, and the new owners will also be on hand.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK

by Cam Lee

Madraga family sells Melody Motors to Mark Ripley

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