About Our New & Used Cadillac Dealership Serving Mankato, MN

Welcome to Snell Cadillac: Your Cadillac Destination

Snell Cadillac is proud to be the leading Cadillac dealer in the area, serving drivers from Mankato, Belle Plaine, Owatonna, Saint Peter, and the surrounding area for decades. But what makes us the best choice? What inspires generation after generation of drivers to choose Snell Cadillac? Excellence is always guaranteed when you work with us.

Wherever you call home, our mission is the same: to exceed your expectations. We don't believe in operating by the status quo and haven't since we opened our doors in the 1950s. Since the beginning, we've taken great pride in reinventing the dealership experience and setting new standards of excellence by operating with integrity, compassion, and respect. These values are at the heart of who we are and lay the foundation for our unique culture where everyone is welcome and immediately feels at ease.

Our History: A Passion for Serving Mankato

Snell Motors officially opened its doors in 1978, but our ties to Mankato are even stronger and began in 1951 when Brakke Oldsmobile opened on 611 South Front Street. Despite only having 15 employees, Brakke Oldsmobile immediately differentiated itself for its customer-centric approach and passion for serving Mankato drivers. This approach quickly earned the dealership a loyal following of customers, prompting its expansion and move to North Front Street in 1956. As it turns out, that wasn't the dealership's last move, as Mr. Bakke's passion for serving meant he was always looking for ways to do more for his customers.

The Pursuit of Greatness: Doing More for Our Customers

After Don retired in 1997, his son, Todd, took over the family business and ushered the dealership into the new millennium with the same promise to exceed customer expectations. What followed has been nothing short of extraordinary as Snell Motors has significantly transformed and expanded, adding Snell Tire & Lube on Poplar Street and a 35,000 sq. ft. showroom on Madison Avenue, making it the largest in southern Minnesota. With the dealership stretching over 80,000 sq. ft., Snell Motors continues to redefine the dealership experience.

We've accomplished this feat in every way imaginable, from adding Cadillac to our lineup to making a lasting impact on the community with outreach initiatives like the Fire and Ice Gala, our Haunted Car Wash, Trunk-or-Treat, and Teacher Appreciation events. Our community involvement shows our heart is in Mankato, with our impact honored by accolades like our 2017 Community Heroes Award from the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association. Beyond this impact, we're also committed to expanding our services to benefit our customers, like with the addition of Snell Powersports & Equipment and venues like Snell Auto Wash, a full-service car wash with state-of-the-art equipment, a water reclaim system, and an Express Lane for VIP customers.

The Road to Snell Motors

Expansion remained a theme for the dealership over the next several decades. After Jerry Benzie became a partner in 1961, Benzie-Brakke Oldsmobile added GMC and Buick franchises before moving to North Riverfront Drive. By the 1970s, Don Snell wrapped up his 15th year with General Motors and partnered with Benzie and Brakke, prompting another round of expansion. This time, the dealership added a body shop on North Front Street and a used car lot on First Avenue.

With his extensive experience with General Motors, Don Snell became a keystone for the dealership's success and eventually bought out his partners. He established Snell Motors in 1978, welcoming his sons into the family business by the early 1980s. By then, he knew the importance of offering his customers next-level convenience and established Snell Motors as a comprehensive automotive center by consolidating the different locations into a 25,000 sq. ft. building on South Riverfront Drive. With the consolidation, he added a new car showroom, an expansive inventory, customer parking, a service department, a parts department, and a body shop.

The Heart and Soul of Snell Motors

We wouldn't be anywhere without our customers and our phenomenal team. Don Snell recognized as much, and so did Perry Brakke when he opened Brakke Oldsmobile. Today, everything we do is designed to improve your experience with our dealership and as a Cadillac owner.

Our focus on exceeding customer expectations is at the heart of everything we do and has earned us numerous awards over the years. In 2012, we were honored as GM's top-ranked dealership in Overall Customer Retention and Accessory Sales, and in 2014, Todd Snell was nominated for TIME magazine's Dealer of the Year Award. CFO Melissa Bradley has also shared the spotlight as the 2016 CFO of the Year by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and eventually became a partner and co-owner in the Snell Motors legacy.

Our salespeople, finance experts, and master technicians are integral to who we are and how we operate, representing the living legacy behind the Snell name and our success in fulfilling our mission to exceed your expectations. They're actively reinventing the dealership experience, pursuing the same passion for serving Mankato drivers that inspired Mr. Snell to invest in the dealership decades ago. They're standing on the front lines, building meaningful relationships with our customers, and going the extra mile to make Snell Cadillac the best choice for drivers throughout the region.

Our Mission

To provide our employees, customers and vendors with an honest, caring and quality experience.

To exceed our customers’ expectations through better products, services, and facilities.To provide a positive environment for all employees which encourages continued personal and professional growth. To continue adding value to the Greater Mankato community through corporate and employee giving. We welcome the use of our indoor community center for fundraising and charity events.

We would like to thank you for visiting our website and considering us for the purchase of your next new Cadillac or pre-owned vehicle. It is our goal to provide you with an excellent purchase and ownership experience. Let us introduce you to our staff, show you some of our special vehicle offers, and take you through our complete line of new and pre-owned inventory. We can help you find exactly what you are looking for. We know your time is valuable. We are sure you will find our site a fast and convenient way to research and find a vehicle that's right for you. If we can be of any assistance while visiting us online, send us an email and we will promptly reply.

Snell Motors originated in 1951 under the name Brakke Oldsmobile. The dealership was located at 611 South Front Street in Mankato. The only product line carried at that time was Oldsmobile. There were 15 employees.

The dealership relocated to 1215 North Front Street in Mankato. In 1961, Jerry Benzie and Perry Brakke joined together to form Benzie-Brakke Oldsmobile. That same year, Buick and GMC franchises were added. The dealership moved to a larger location on North Riverfront Drive and grew to 20 employees.

After 15 years with General Motors, Don Snell became a partner in Brakke-Benzie. As the dealership continued to grow, two additional buildings were rented – one at 1101 North Front Street to accommodate a body shop and the second at 1103 First Avenue to accommodate the used car inventory. At this time the dealership employed 25 people.

The dealership officially became Brakke-Snell. Don Snell completed his buy-out from Perry Brakke in 1978, making him the sole owner to create what is known today as Snell Motors.

Scott and Todd Snell, sons of Don Snell, joined Don as part owners. To streamline efficiencies the multiple locations housing new car inventory, the body shop and used car inventory were consolidated to one facility at 600 South Riverfront Drive. The new 25,000 sq. ft. building offered additional parking for customers, a new car showroom, new & used parking lot, a service department, parts department and body shop. The move provided space to increase sales and service volume, and generated a need for more employees.

Additional growth continued for Snell Motors in the downtown location and the 228 Poplar Street building site was purchased. This was a stand-alone detail department added across the street, thus freeing three bays for Service in the main location. In 2002, this building became what is now Snell Tire & Lube.

The vacant Menards building, on the corner of Madison Avenue and Highway 22, was purchased and used as a temporary indoor showroom for the Snell Motors. Late in 2002 renovations began on the building. The facility is now the largest indoor showroom in southern Minnesota, boasting 35,000 sq. ft. The entire dealership covers an impressive 80,000 sq. ft. set on a 10-acre lot. There were over 80 employees with continued growth and expansion in site.

Snell Motors hosted its Grand Opening festivities in August 2003 to officially announce and introduce the community to the new home of Snell Motors and a whole new concept in the automobile buying experience.

Pat Steffensmeier joined Todd Snell as part owner of Snell Motors and completed his training at Dealer Academy in July 2005. He began his career with Snell Motors in 1985 as a Master Technician and was promoted to Service Manager in 1988. During the initial years of Service Management, he attended GM Management Training and was later promoted to Vice President/Fixed Operations Director in 1997.

Oldsmobile, the original product line carried by Brakke Oldsmobile in 1951, was discontinued. The Pontiac and Cadillac franchises were acquired, adding to the dealership’s line-up of Buick and GMC.

Snell Motors opened guaranteed credit lot “Mankato Credit Yes,” at 800 North Riverfront Drive in Old Town Mankato. Mankato Credit Yes specialized in pre-owned vehicles and guaranteed credit approval using Credit Acceptance Corp. – a Snell-owned funding source for people with challenged credit. Snell Motors had about 100 employees.

The Mankato Credit Yes closed its doors due to internal changes after a successful run. The vehicles, staff and financing options all remained and were moved up to Snell Motors . The dealership celebrated its 5 year anniversary at the indoor showroom location on the corner of Madison Avenue and Highway 22. With continued years of success and growth in departments, staff and profits, Snell Motors is a top dealer in the Mankato area and surrounding regions. It currently has about 120 employees.

Snell Motors took on another segment of the automotive industry and opened Snell Auto Wash in January 2009. This full-service car wash provides exterior washes through the tunnel and also offers interior details in one of the six detail bays. With state-of-the-art equipment, a water reclaim system that recycles 40% of water used and an Express Lane for VIP customers, Snell Auto Wash proves to be Minnesota’s premier place for vehicle care.

The latest addition to the Snell company line-up was Snell Powersports & Equipment (Snell PSE), a dealer of all season lawn care equipment, powersports products and marine products. In addition to offering new and pre-owned inventory, it also offers full small engine repair services.

Snell Motors receives two GM awards: #1 Overall Customer Retention and #1 Accessory Sales.

Todd Snell was one of 55 select nominees nation-wide for TIME Dealer of the Year. Each year Ally, TIME and the National Automobile Association (NADA) team up to celebrate the many ways auto dealers are doing it right in their industry and giving back to their communities.

Melissa Bradley graduated from the National Auto Dealers Association’s (NADA) Dealer Academy in March 2015. She began her career in 2010 and has since excelled in her role as Chief Financial Officer for Snell Companies.

Melissa Bradley named CFO of the Year by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in the category of Medium Private Company CFO. This annual award honors outstanding financial leaders in the greater Twin Cities area, based on their contributions to their company and community.

In July, Snell Tire & Lube relocated to the hilltop location, providing customers with more accessibility and full-service options within the Snell Service Department.

Snell Motors was honored with the Community Heroes Award through the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA). This award is in recognition for our strong commitment, service and impact within our community.

Snell Motors ranked #4 Buick dealer in the state
Snell Motors ranked #7 GMC dealer in the state

CFO, Melissa Bradley, recognized as a Young Women of Distinction through the YWCA of Mankato. This award is given to women in the community who demonstrate the organization’s mission of: dedication to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

In the fall, Snell Motors sold the Powersports Division to the minority partner in the dealership, which rented the space from Snell. The first annual teacher appreciation event was held, and in October, Snell Motors hosted the first-ever indoor Trunk or Treat.

In August, the final roundabout went in. In the fall, the Powersports dealership was relocated to a bigger space, which enabled future dealership expansion. Snell Motors was named the top CPO Dealer in Minnesota. In December, Snell Motors held the last Fire and Ice Gala, raising over $600,000 for Greater Mankato United Way over the past five years. The first haunted car wash was held at Snell Auto Wash, and over 3,500 people were invited into the dealership for safe and fun indoor trick or treating.

Snell Companies now has over 120 employees and continues to grow. We are thankful for all of those people who helped create Snell and make it into the great company it is today! We look forward to the many more years of growth and are so happy to have you part of it!

Snell Motors was no stranger to the adversity and unique challenges the global COVID-19 pandemic presented.

Although we had to close many of our departments for several weeks, we kept the safety of our employees and customers a top priority. We pivoted our business model to offer at-home pick-up and delivery for both sales and service customers.

Our community has always been important to us, and not being able to host our annual events that support our teachers, children, the homeless and many others in our community in need was a difficult part of 2020. We once again pivoted, and instead of hosting large events, we found different ways to give back to the community and support those in need. We did so by delivering food for the BackPack Food Program and delivering a little bit of joy to local health care workers. We held our second annual Haunted Car Wash which benefited Feeding our Community Partners and raised more than the previous year. This 3-weekend event put on by the Snell Auto Wash staff was a huge success and allowed many families to have a fun Halloween experience from the safety of their own vehicles.

To close out the year, General Manager, Melissa Bradley became a partner and co-owner in Snell Motors. The mission of Snell Motors has always been to give an honest, caring, and quality experience, and Melissa looks forward to carrying on that legacy for many years to come.

2021 Brought back the opportunity for the in-person events we love hosting for our community. Our Teacher Appreciation event returned, along with our third annual Haunted Car Wash and Trunk-or-Treat events. The Haunted Car Wash and Trunk-or-Treat brought in record-breaking attendance. We were so excited to invite people back into the dealership.

With Hockey Day Minnesota coming to Mankato in early 2022, Snell Motors was one of the sponsors for this iconic event which celebrates the sport of hockey in the State of Hockey. Owner/General Manager, Melissa Bradley, served on the Hockey Day Local Organizing Committee, managing Risk Management + Contracts. Many employees volunteered at the 8-day event! Snell Motors and Snell Auto Wash sponsored two youth teams and we were so excited to see 6 employees’ children play during the week on the Hockey Day Minnesota ice! Snell was proud to be part of Hockey Day Minnesota which brought over 22,000 people to Blakeslee Stadium over the course of the event.

In October, Snell Motors partnered with The Car Mom to become a Car Mom Preferred Dealership. Elaina Doeden also became certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician, able to help ensure our customers’ car seats are installed properly.

Snell Motors began the EV process this year, getting ready to sell, service and charge electric vehicles.

After many years of hard work and training, Snell Collision and Glass became a member of the GM Collision Repair Network. GM recognizes our facility as meeting its highest standards of technical training, equipment quality, and customer service excellence. As a member of the GM Collision Repair Network, we’re committed to promoting the safe, proper repair of GM vehicles with GM-approved repair procedures and GM Original Equipment Parts.

For the 9th year in a row, Snell Collision and Glass has achieved the highest standard of training and is once again I-CAR Gold Class certified.

In 2022 Snell Motors became fully EV Certified. This includes having trained technicians and sales professionals, completed installation of four charging stations, one of them being a DC Fast Charger that allows an electric vehicle to fully charge in less than an hour.

In early fall, we delivered our first Electric Vehicle – The Edition 1 GMC Hummer EV.

Snell Motors is proud to call Mankato our home. As a locally owned dealership, community involvement is at the core of our business model. We are happy to support organizations that share our vision and make Mankato a great place to live and work! In 2022 we donated over $55,000 to local non-profits, including:

We are lucky to have a 70-car indoor showroom to call home. In 2022 we continued hosting our events, including Teacher Appreciation, Trunk or Treat, and the Haunted Car Wash. Each of these events is a unique way for Snell Motors and our staff to give back to the community. We look forward to continuing these traditions well into the future.