Meet the Staff of Boardwalk Auto

Brian Loucks - President

Boardwalk's Founder and President. Brian's roots in entrepreneurship started early. Beginning with a neighborhood paper route, eventually leading into various sales roles in the auto industry, including AutoTrader, and other dealerships in the early 1990's. Deciding he wanted to do a dealership differently, under his own methods and practices - and with the help of his high school sweetheart and Wife, Katie - he opened Boardwalk Auto in 1997 on Highway 52 N in Rochester MN. Realizing that at the time, Rochester needed a dealership that consumers could rely on to find a quality car for an affordable price. So the "Nothin' But Bargains" slogan was born, and embraced. In a time where there was no internet, Boardwalk grew rapidly from word-of-mouth of being a reliable source to find a great buy on a used vehicle. Utilizing similar methods we still use today, by sourcing quality inventory through franchise dealerships and new-car stores, hiring staff that treated clients like family, and standing behind the product. Boardwalk continued to grow with a new building, new parking lot, and more staff. Until 2003, when the neighboring high-end German dealership purchased Boardwalk in 2004 for their expansion project.

In the year that followed: Wanting to downsize the operation and get back to roots, Brian purchased the property in East Rochester that we still reside in today. Continuing on by offering budget-friendly and reliable choices for the Rochester area. His oldest child, Forrest, was finally coming to age - and so allowed him to become a part of Boardwalk around this time. Brian and Forrest work side by side to this day. As the years ticked on, we found that loyal clientele that had purchased from Brian in the beginning, were starting to bring their children out to look for their first car as well. As a parent of 4 children himself, Brian knew that he and Forrest were building a sustainable business model. With Forrest driving social media campaigns and refining internet advertising, and Brian staying true to the roots of sourcing quality and affordable inventory, Boardwalk continued to grow through consistency and reliability in the community. Today, Brian has handed majority of operation duties down to Forrest, but remains the primary inventory acquisition specialist. The days of going to in-person auctions are cemented in Boardwalk's past. Now spending countless hours online, scouring inventory sources for quality vehicles. Still purchasing direct from franchise dealerships, reviewing inspections, coordinating logistics and shipping, and working the books - keeping Boardwalk's clock ticking.

Outside of the car business, Brian spends most of his free time today with his Wife, Katie and their 3 Golden Retrievers on their family farm. Along with chickens, ponies & cattle. Spending time with his kids on the side-by-sides, over tight knit Holidays, or road trips to our family favorite cities and towns. Now a Grandpa to a few grandchildren, he also stays very busy with them. Known simply as, Bumpa. He enjoys Summer drives in his 1970 Chevelle to river towns between the bluffs. You can usually find him hanging out at our local favorite, Newts - enjoying boneless wings (extra crunchy) with a Miller Lite or two. Building a better playlist of his 1980's Hard Rock hits would be tough. Or finding a better bargain on Temu, Amazon or eBay - highly unlikely for you! Brian has had a medley of job titles over the years, but Husband and Daddio have always been the primary.

Forrest Loucks - General Manager

507-250-7531 - boardwalk.forrest@gmail.com

Forrest made his first car sale at Boardwalk Auto at 5 years old, at our original Highway 52 location. After building hundreds of car dealerships with Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars in his youth, Forrest always wanted to follow in his Father's footsteps and run his very own dealership. He became full-time at Boardwalk since the day he got his license. Starting in the shop detailing cars, turning wrenches, changing oil, plowing snow, re-arranging the lot, and learning the ropes of what is involved in the day-to-day operations. Over the years, Forrest has built the Boardwalk brand into the version he saw since he was little. A reputable, well-regarded, self-coined "used-car-factory", providing clean cars at affordable prices backed with personal connection for peace of mind for all of his clients.

With over 3000 vehicles sold, first-hand experience through a recession, cash-for-clunkers, the COVID-19 pandemic, Forrest has seen it all. Constantly evolving throughout his 16 years of sales experience, Forrest prides himself on offering a higher-quality product at a lesser price than competitors, with outstanding customer service as the crown jewel. And while understanding that 100% satisfaction may never be achievable, he will always make sure to do his best to try. Today, he oversees every single aspect of the business, and is your go-to guy when you need an answer. With extensive knowledge of his product, the ins-and-outs of market trends and oddities, and an enthusiast of the automotive industry as a whole - Forrest is not a salesman - he is just a car guy.

Outside of the business, Forrest primarily enjoys spending time on the Mississippi river or one of Minnesotas 10,000 lakes, fishing for whatever is biting. He loves spending time with close friends and family. Where he is known as Uncle Forr to just about everyone. A weather-nerd, Forrest has dedicated a great amount of time to researching and documenting severe storms and tornadoes, hoping to someday chase down an EF5 twister. Forrest enjoys learning new skills, firing up the BBQ, dialing in favorite recipes that make up a great meal for family and friends to enjoy, and offering fair deals. Give him a call anytime with any questions, concerns, or general inquiries about a car. You may learn a thing or two, and he will give that out for free!