4034 W 3500 S Gus Paulos Chevrolet
Gus Paulos Chevrolet: A Legacy on 3500 South
The site at 4090 West 3500 South has a rich automotive history, tracing back to the legacy of the Paulos family, who have been serving Utah drivers for nearly a century. The land was once home to the original Monroe School, a cornerstone of education for local children, which was torn down in 1972. In 1980, Gus Paulos Chevrolet opened on the site, carrying forward the family’s tradition of honesty, service, and community engagement.
The Paulos family story began with Gus Paulos Sr., who left Greece alone at the age of 13. By early adulthood, he was a foreman at the Utah Copper Company in Magna, overseeing Greek immigrant workers. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to open a bicycle shop, install the first gas pump in town, and, in February 1922, become Magna’s first Chevrolet dealer. Tragically, Gus Sr. was killed in a car accident in 1938, but his legacy endured through his sons, Ernest and Pete Paulos, who carried on the business and expanded its reach.
Ernest and Pete led the dealership through decades of growth, selling hundreds of new and used cars each month while remaining committed to customer service and community values. Ernest, initially a student at Utah State University, took over operations immediately after his father’s death, while Pete joined after college and military service in World War II. Together, they formed a strong partnership, balancing sales, office operations, and strategic growth.
In 1980,Ernest’s son Gus Paulos, a third-generation family member, opened the dealership on 3500 South, continuing the tradition of dependable service and strong community ties. Gus, who passed away in 2006 after a two-year battle with cancer, remained deeply committed to his customers and to preserving the Paulos family legacy.
Though the dealership has since been sold, the memory of Gus Paulos Chevrolet lives on as a symbol of entrepreneurship, dedication, and the enduring influence of a family that helped shape Utah’s automotive landscape. From its beginnings in Magna to its role on 3500 South, the Paulos name remains synonymous with integrity, service, and community commitment.
