When Machale and Cross Mallicoat were young, every day was "bring your child to work day" at MNM Auto Sales. The brother and sister remember riding in vehicles and playing with office tape while their parents, Brian and Tish, ran the used car sales business in Jefferson City.
Over a decade later, Machale and Cross are following in their parents' footsteps.
After their parents closed MNM Auto Sales in 2018, the young Mallicoats reopened the family business in January under a new name, MNM The Next Generation.
Brian and Tish closed MNM Auto Sales at 2617 Missouri Blvd. in October 2018 when they retired. Shortly after, Machale, 22, and Cross, 19, realized they wanted to continue the family legacy.
"My dad has blessed so many people through this business, and I couldn't imagine another man's footsteps I would want to follow in more than my dad's," Cross said.
Machale added: "They're proud to see us follow in their footsteps and succeed in everything they taught us."
Cross and Machale said they are excited to work with their family, adding their parents are nearby if they need help or guidance.
Standing in the business lobby Feb. 6, Brian and Tish watched their children handle business duties. They said they are proud Machale and Cross decided to take over the business.
"It's really neat to see that they want to do what I did," Brian said. "I don't want to call it having pride because I'm very careful and try not to have that, but it makes me proud that they want to do what I did, and they'll be successful."
Machale and Cross said they will continue the business as normal but may branch off down the road, adding hybrid vehicles to their inventory. Cross is currently studying hybrids and electric cars while attending State Technical College of Missouri in Linn.
Before reopening, the Mallicoats repainted the building's interior and exterior, replaced the signage, repaired the parking lot, and added a new lift in the downstairs shop.
Brian and Tish opened MNM Auto Sales near Schulte's Fresh Foods in 2000. They later relocated the business to its current location on Missouri Boulevard.
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