BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — Mort Backus and Sons, Inc., which has been serving St. Lawrence County for more than six decades, has been sold to Bill Rapp of Syracuse.

Co-owner Mike Backus said the reason the family decided to sell the Chevrolet and Buick dealership was simple.

“That’s a mathematical question; 76, 73, 70, 67. Those are the ages of the current owners, who are all hoping to have spare time,” he said.

One major concern for the owners was the continuation of business, not just for the customers but also for their employees, Mike said.

“We think this is a great match for the North Country, as well as our customers,” he said.

Brian Rapp, who is a new co-owner of Mort Backus along with Bruce Rapp, feels it will be a natural fit and smooth transition for all involved.

“When we started to really research the business and consider buying, we realized both Bill Rapp and Mort Backus began in 1954, so both families have 67 years in the business,” he said.

But the similarities don’t end there.

“We have the same philosophy, both at Bill Rapp and at Mort Backus. We strive for happy employees and happy customers. Both sides have done great and we feel this will be an easy transition for everyone,” Rapp said.

Though there will be a new name, with the dealership soon rebranding as Bill Rapp Chevrolet and Buick of Ogdensburg, Rapp says it will be business as usual.

“Mort Backus has great facilities, great people and great customers so it will be business as usual here. Customers can expect to see all of the same faces they’ve come to know over the years, with one or two owners possibly playing a role as we transition,” he said.

In total, all 30 current employees will remain with the dealership, with just the owners stepping away. Rapp said there are even plans in place to eventually add additional staff members in the future.

“Our family will still be around and playing a big role in the dealership. Jordan and Peter (Backus) will be the main faces customers will see on a daily basis,” said Mike Backus.

“They both have great energy and enthusiasm for the business and for their customers, we’re really excited for them to be involved,” Rapp said.

Though there are 30 employees, Jordan said that he has and will continue to wear many hats through the transition.

“We hope to continue what we’re doing. I wear a lot of hats and we’re a tight group, so day in and day out we need everyone pulling in the same direction,” Jordan said.

The closing of the sale was completed on December 6, marking the end of an era, not just for the family but the North Country as a whole.

“We’re excited to spend more time with our families and excited about the continued growth with the next phase of the dealership,” Mike Backus said.

Bill Rapp may be synonymous with Syracuse, having served central New York for 67 years but they are not strangers to the North Country.

“In the summers we spend a lot of time in the Alexandria Bay area, which is only about 35 minutes door to door, so we’re not strangers to the North Country,” Rapp said.

His family has been involved with the area since the 1970’s, Rapp said.

Ultimately, what this means for the region and customers of Mort Backus and Sons is a continuity of customer service and quality services, Mike Backus said.

“This is a four way win; a win for our customers, employees, the buyer and the sellers involved,” he said.

With all staff members continuing on with Bill Rapp, the techs that will continue to service vehicles will have a combined experience of over 500 years, Jordan Backus said.

A grand opening is being planned, though there is no set date due to COVID guidelines and restrictions.

“We hope to have a large-scale event to properly welcome customers, to have food and refreshments available and to introduce ourselves to the community,” Rapp said.

As the Rapp family assumes control, the Backus family have nothing but fond memories of their time serving the community.

“We just want to say thank you to all of our customers for their years of support, all 67 of them. We have enjoyed our time with you all and enjoyed providing our services for you all. We feel we found a worthy successor who will continue to take care of everyone and we’re very happy for that,” Mike Backus said.