From passion to profit

Aspen Smith-Kuehn received his dealer license in May of 2016, but his love for cars started long before that.

"It has always been a hobby for me ever since I was a kid" he says.

Now, that hobby has turned into a full-time business. On August 1, Smith-Kuehn left long-term employment to do what he loves; buy and sell vehicles.

Smith-Kuehn's shop at 524 N. Central Avenue in Ekalaka is clean. It's organized, at least by most people's standards. He apologizes for what he says is a "mess" and roles up an air hose.

The shop fits into the landscape nicely; it's the second of three red buildings in a r...