Staff Writer

 John Pulsifer, known to many across the state simply as “Jolly John,” has sold the Route 1 dealership in Saco that made him a familiar face for generations.

The Jolly John Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership, owned and operated by Pulsifer for nearly 19 years, will change hands Sept. 1 when Bill Waldron takes over. Waldron is owner of Portland Volvo and Portland Saab.

Pulsifer said the decision to sell the dealership, “just came at the right time.”

Waldron couldn’t be reached for comment, but said in a press release that he was motivated to expand his operations because of new products planned by Chrysler.

 Pulsifer, who has been involved in the car business since 1958, said he, “always knew he would be a good car dealer,” but never expected his trademark slogans and sayings to catch on the way they did. From “If you want to pay more, that’s your business, if you want to pay less, that’s our business,” to “I’m not Jolly unless your happy,” the salesman’s pitches became instantly recognizable to viewers and listeners across the state.

 “In the’80s, it really blew up  and just kind of mushroomed out at that point,” he said.

As for his signature nickname, Pulsifer said he was working a desk job he could “do in his sleep” when he received a transfer call from another dealer, and out of the blue uttered, “Hi-ho this is Jolly John!” The rest is history.

Whether Pulsifer decides to pursue other business ventures is uncertain, however he remains optimistic about the future.

 “Who knows what the next chapter will be? When one door closes, sometimes another one opens.”

Staff Writer Dan Aceto can be reached at 282-4337, ext 237.