Putnam Mazda

About the Business

History

Established in 1987.

The Putnam family name has long been a staple of the auto industry since Joe Putnam first entered the industry in 1953. After Joe was born on a small farm in South Dakota in 1934, he grew up in one of the more troubling economic periods: the Great Depression. His parents were very intent on each of their children growing up to be upstanding members of society. It was in 1953 where Joe, after marrying his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou, moved off to Minneapolis and began his venture into the auto industry. Over five years, Joe gradually became one of the top salesmen for Ford Motors. Only seven years later, success had enabled Joe put the family on the move again, this time headed for California. Joe opened Putnam Buick and began to secure his place in the Northern California auto industry. But the dream didn’t stop with just one dealership. By realizing the changing times and understanding the growth of the imported car business, Joe expanded in 1987 to include a Mazda dealership.