News Summary
Festus Auto Sales has opened its second dealership in Milwaukee, attracting over 250 attendees to its grand opening event. The new 18,000 square feet dealership accommodates over 1,000 vehicles and offers a range of options including SUVs, sedans, and trucks. Co-owners Festus and Terranda Akinyinka received accolades from local officials, and the dealership showcases amenities like a cafeteria and VIP lounge. The couple emphasizes their dedication to community and family in their entrepreneurial journey.
Milwaukee – Festus Auto Sales opened its second dealership on July 26, 2025, at 8730 N. 91st St. in Milwaukee. The grand opening event attracted over 250 attendees who enjoyed various festivities, including face painting for children, dancing, and guided tours of the expansive dealership.
The new dealership covers 18,000 square feet and has the capacity to accommodate more than 1,000 vehicles. Festus Auto Sales provides a range of vehicle options, including SUVs, sedans, convertibles, and trucks to cater to diverse customer preferences. The dealership also features several amenities for clients, including a cafeteria, VIP lounge, and coworking space aimed at business clients.
Co-owners Festus and Terranda Akinyinka are proud employers of a diverse team of 14 staff members, fluent in languages such as French, Spanish, Edo, Yoruba, and pidgin. Following the opening ceremony, the Akinyinkas received accolades from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, recognizing their business achievements.
Background of the Akinyinkas
Festus Akinyinka emigrated from Nigeria to the United States in 2014. Initially, he entered the workforce selling puppies and later transitioned to jobs at gas stations while pursuing a nursing degree. In 2015, he met Terranda, and the couple married in 2016. They emphasize their bond and love for each other, distinguishing their entrepreneurial journey from a mere pursuit of financial gain.
Festus’s entry into the auto sales industry was driven by the realization of profitability during a vehicle auction. However, the Akinyinkas faced significant challenges, including a failed first vehicle purchase and the bureaucratic need to obtain a dealer’s license, which is a requirement under Wisconsin law.
After overcoming obstacles, they opened their first dealership located at North 76th Street and West Bradley Road. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Festus lost his job at a blood center, which allowed him to focus more on the dealership, ultimately creating a profitable business. After two successful years, the couple decided to close their first location and reinvest their profits into the establishment of their new dealership.
Celebration of Success
The grand opening celebration included exciting giveaways, such as three cars, and family members traveled from various states to show their support for the Akinyinkas. Their daughter, Grace Akinyinka, was born during the expansion of their business and currently plays an active role at the dealership, symbolizing the personal significance of this venture for the family.
For the Akinyinkas, the dealership represents not just a thriving business but a meaningful celebration of their journey together. They attribute their success to their unwavering faith, despite facing skepticism about their future in the automotive industry.
Future Prospects
With their second dealership now in operation and a solid community reputation, the Akinyinkas aim to continue growing their business while supporting local jobs and providing a welcoming environment for customers. Their dedication to both community and family stands as a testament to their values in business and life.
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- Milwaukee Courier: A Celebration of Where We Come From
- Fox6Now: Oak Creek Car Dealership Racial Slur
- Urban Milwaukee: Why Wisconsin Bans Auto Makers from Operating Dealerships
- Post Crescent: Tesla Appeals Wisconsin’s Rejection of Plan
- WISN: Milwaukee Dealers Push Pre-Tariff Vehicle Prices
- Wikipedia: Automobile Dealership
- Google Search: Auto Dealership Trends
- Google Scholar: Auto Dealership Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Dealership
- Google News: Wisconsin Car Dealerships
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
