MONROE, MICH. – To many in Monroe and beyond, the Mahalak name is synonymous with car dealerships, service and getting a good deal on a Dodge Ram, Jeep, Chrysler, or used vehicle.
But anyone who knows Ralph Mahalak Jr. will say he is much more than a business owner; he is an entrepreneur who is dedicated to his community, and his generosity toward community organizations knows no bounds.
“He never says no,” said Mike Gaynier, who has known Mr. Mahalak for 36 years. “If you come to [me] with a problem or a proposal, no matter how complicated it is, I never say no. Ralph is the same way.”
The man many know as the “Low Payment King” is marking 60 years in the business this month with a grand celebration at the Monroe dealership at 15160 S. Monroe St. where Mr. Mahalak took over operations in 1987.
The celebration is the epitome of a life dedicated to the auto industry and the communities they serve.
“To say we’re proud would be an understatement,” Mr. Mahalak said. “We’re celebrating anniversaries all year long.”
The beginnings of Monroe Dodge Superstore took root when the late Ralph Mahalak Sr. opened the dealership in 1966, opening a 10-car lot on W. Front St. that eventually grew into a thriving six-dealership enterprise. The senior Mahalak died at the age of 77 in 2017.
“He was a helluva man and a great car guy,” Mr. Mahalak Jr., the oldest of five, told The Monroe News in 2017. “Everybody loved my dad. Tons of people got their first real job from my dad.”
Mr. Mahalak, well-known for his friendly demeanor, constant smile and kindness, continued that legacy with his dedication to the communities that are home to the Mahalak dealerships. He and his siblings run successful stores in Monroe as well as Defiance and Shelby in Ohio and three others in Central Florida: Posner Park, Winter Haven and Lake Wales.
His fairness and kindness equates to a loyal and vast array of customers, many of whom are among generations of car lovers who go nowhere else for their vehicle purchases or service.
“Ralph’s been a business adviser for many years for me and my own business,” Brian Reicker, owner of Tim Horton’s in Monroe and a 26-year customer, told the Toledo Blade. “Ralph’s been a really good friend for a long time. He’s very helpful. He sells products that I’m happy with.”
Like most business owners, especially in the auto industry, Mr. Mahalak and his family have endured economic downturns and instability. When Chrysler filed for bankruptcy during tough times, Mr. Mahalak was proud that he never laid anyone off or paid anyone less.
Many of those employees reciprocated that loyalty, especially during the financial crisis in 2009.
“They pulled together just like a real team, and it was just really one of the proudest moments of my career,” Mr. Mahalak said. “There [are] a lot of proud moments in the 60-year career of the store.”
His entrepreneurship reaches many organizations, including raising funds for cancer research through the superstore’s annual 18 Aces to Conquer Cancer golf outing. His financial support also includes the Heart of the Badge scholarship, which helps students become first responders, and the Allies in Monroe program at Monroe schools.
The dealership will host a 60th anniversary celebration for clients and vendors at the Monroe location from 4:26 p.m. to 7:26 p.m., in honor of the anniversary date, on Tuesday, May 26. The celebration will feature a DJ, food, a photo booth, and other activities.
