Then and Now
Blust Motor Service Inc. was started in 1918 by Alois (Ollie) Sr. and Alice Blust. Ollie was the mechanic and Alice was the bookkeeper. Ollie sold and repaired vehicles in Northside before moving the business to its current location on the corner of Colerain and Compton in 1936.
Alice and Ollie had 3 children. Ollie Jr, Melburn and Eileen. All three children were involved in the business and taught the importance of good customer service and supporting the community. Ollie Jr. or “Sonny” was fully involved in the business by the time he was 14 years old. Eileen worked until she married and moved away. Melburn finished school and served in the military before returning to the family business.
In 1963 Blust Motor Service Inc. was busy finding different opportunities for sales and service. They became an International Dealer, selling and servicing International Scouts, pickup trucks, and medium duty commercial trucks. They were also a Cub Cadet dealer and an authorized Divco Truck dealership. They sold and serviced Divco milk delivery truck line until the home delivery of milk went away.
Ollie Jr. and Mel worked on all these lines but eventually focused on separate areas of the business. Ollie started a body shop and towing business. Mel focused on the International dealership sales and service. In 1972 the company needed more space, so they built a new building which they still operate out of today. Another expansion was made in 1985 when a larger body shop was built on McGill Lane.
Today, Blust Motor Service Inc. is still family owned and operated by the grandchildren of Alice and Ollie Sr. Third generation owners of Blust Motor Service are Barb Blust, Brad Blust and Kathy Stidham. Blust Motor Service Inc. specializes in medium duty truck and bus repairs, sells genuine International parts and offers a line-up of new and used International trucks. Blust Sales & Service is operated by Gary Blust Sr and Gary Blust Jr. and have added tow truck sales to their business.
“We are proud to keep the same friendly, quality customer service standards that our grandparents instilled over 100 years ago. We truly believe that without you and your trust, we would not be here today. Thank you for supporting our small business. We appreciate it very much!”
- The Blust Family
