'Van Man' gets ok to run used-truck operation in Gurnee

Known as "John the Van Man" at his Highland Park business, he's about to open a branch in Gurnee.

John Priola recently received Gurnee village board approval to run a used-truck operation from 1081 N. Route 41, between Grand Avenue and Delany Road. He'll be on the same thoroughfare as his Highland Park dealership.

Priola, aka "John the Van Man," told village officials his business specializes in light- and medium-duty vans and trucks not typically sold at major car dealerships. He said his customer base is mostly blue-collar workers.

Gurnee Truck Center will be primarily an indoor business, unlike the Highland Park operation. Priola said the Gurnee branch will have limited hours for the work trucks and vans and is expected to attract buyers over the Internet.

Priola said he plans to alter his business' setup so all sales-tax credits would go to Gurnee. He said the Gurnee branch will have a high volume and limited hours.

"I'm excited about being a part of the Gurnee area," said Priola, who has been in the vehicle business for roughly 38 years.

When questioned by village officials at a plan commission hearing last month, Priola said no vehicle servicing will occur in the Gurnee dealership. Plan commission members reminded Priola that loudspeakers, banners, flags and search lights are part of a list of prohibitions for Gurnee vehicles dealerships.