Audia Chevrolet in Millbrook bought by Ruge’s Automotive

MILLBROOK— When Samuel and Mary Audia opened a car dealership in Mabbettsville just outside of Millbrook, in 1947, they probably little expected their name would be visible on its sign for the next 69 years. Yet that’s exactly what happened. 

The Audias were kept busy raising their six children, first in an apartment above the salesroom and later in a house. But the dealership was always prominent in their lives, and they proudly continued the business  until July 7, 2016. Many people called it Sam’s place. His sons, Bob and Peter, who worked there, were often referred to as “Sam’s boys.” 

In 2012, the Audias expanded and renovated the dealership.

When the younger Audias decided to retire, it was a big decision — the dealership had been a part of their lives from the time they were born. Bob and Peter returned to the dealership for a visit on Dec. 2. Bob brought two pictures that had hung in the office for many years. One showed his father and mother seated in a car in the showroom. The other was a picture of the dealership’s first building; he pointed to a window on the second floor that was once his bedroom.

The dealership was sold to the Ruge family, which runs a couple of dealerships in Rhinebeck. The Audias felt very strongly that the Ruges had much the same ethics, goals and loyalty their family had. 

Like the Audias, the Ruge family has long been in automobile sales. Originally they had an Oldsmobile dealership that they opened in Rhinebeck in 1935. Kristen Ruge Hutchins and her father, Lewis Ruge, are now looking forward to expanding their name to Millbrook. 

They continue to operate two dealerships in Rhinebeck, both their Subaru dealership and their Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram dealership. 

The Ruges recently closed their Copake  GMC dealership, which they ran for 10 years. Customers from that location may go to Millbrook, where they will have the same parts and services they offered in Copake.

Hutchins worked in other trades — she operated Blondie’s and Dell’s Dairy Creme, both in Rhinebeck. But cars were in her blood, and after 20 years away from the business, she returned

“I feel very at home here,” she said. “The customers are great; the employees are wonderful.” 

The Ruges kept all of the Audia’s employees, except for two who retired. They’ve also added two new people, and now have 30 employees in Millbrook,  with 110 workers total in their three dealerships. 

The Audias said they feel they have left their business in capable hands. 

“We always strived for good service and fairness,” said Bob Audia. “I feel comfortable that we have left our family business in good hands, with people who have a similar background and family values that our Audia dealership always maintained.”

To contact Ruge’s Chevrolet, call 845-677-3406. The dealership is located at 3692 Route 44, Millbrook.