Mike Ruppert has never been at a loss for words. Or an off-the-cuff comeback that if you didn’t know him would likely catch you off guard.

And even though he has officially sold his business to Staples Oil Co., Inc. out of Windom, his big smile, scratchy laugh and all those comebacks aren’t going anywhere.

Ruppert, who bought the longtime Currie business from his uncle, Donald Cummisky, in 1975, will continue as a bulk driver and will also open the store in the mornings.

“I’m always doing something — good or bad,” Ruppert jokes. “Guys come in for the news, the latest and greatest. It’s really not the end, it’s more of a beginning, because I get to go with Staples and they are a regional giant. It’s a lot of fun. This is just like having a new business. I’ve always worked, but now I have a real job.”

See more in this week’s paper!