Long-time McMillan Muffler employee Jim Hennessy buys long-established business


New year brings new ownership for McMillan Muffler... Mike McMillan and Jim Hennessy stand in front of McMillan Muffler on First Street NW in Waukon. Hennessy, who has worked for McMillan for more than two decades, purchased the business at the start of the new year.

by Lissa Blake

Although the ownership of McMillan Muffler in Waukon has changed, the faces one will see and the services they provide remain the same at the business’ First Street NW location. That’s because Jim Hennessy, a long-time employee of the auto repair and muffler shop, purchased the business from long-standing owner Mike McMillan at the beginning of this year.

HISTORY
Mike’s father started McMillan Oil Company in 1973, at the corner gas station (now Timmerman’s Barber Shop) next door to the current shop. Mike was just 12 years old when his parents, Roger and Mary Ellen McMillan, bought the station, and he has been working there ever since. “I’ve been here my whole life,” said Mike, of his five-decade career at the same place. In January of 1989, Mike bought the business, and his father, Roger, passed away later that same year. In the early ‘90s, Mike expanded the business to the south, tearing down some old sheds and building the larger structure that currently houses the McMillan Muffler business. “At that time, we expanded into mufflers,” said Mike. “The new shop was nice because we could service more vehicles and had more space.” By 2001, the business discontinued its fuel business and concentrated primarily on mufflers and complete automotive repair. Mike and his wife, Sue, have three children: Matt, of Dubuque, and Chelsea (Wolf), of Goshen, IN. Their oldest daughter, Lindsey, passed away in an automobile accident in 2008.

A GOOD FIT
Jim Hennessy, a 1993 graduate of Waukon High School, worked at the gas station, West Side Garage and Clark Tire, and also drove truck, before going to work for Mike 21 years ago. “We had had some conversations about Jim’s future, and we were able to come together and get it done,” said Mike. “I felt fortunate to sell it to someone who will keep it the same. It’s a good fit.” At the age of 61, Mike said he plans to stay working for Jim until he retires. “I’ll try to help him keep it rolling,” he said.

HENNESSY & SONS
Jim and his wife, Katie, have five children: Morgan, Pat, Dan, Kelsey and Ashley. They also have ownership in Hennessy & Sons Towing, which specializes in the transport of large vehicles. When asked if he has any family members who might help him carry on the McMillan legacy at the shop, Jim said he has a couple boys who have expressed an interest in the future of the business.