The Bomgaars Family
Ryan
Dusty & Lacy
MIKE & LARRY
LtCol J.C.
Lauren & Ben
MEET THE
BOMGAARS FAMILY
Bomgaars Supply, Inc.
In the world of retail, some stories stand out as testaments to perseverance, vision and legacy. This story is no exception. Explore the remarkable history and transformation of the Bomgaars’ business.
1895
W.H. Bomgaars was born in Hall, Iowa.
1907
At the age of 12, W.H. worked for his family’s harness shop and small general store. He packed a horse-drawn wagon with goods to sell to local farmers.
1913
By the age of 18, W.H. operated the general store with dreams of greater success.
1915-1917
During World War I, W.H. served in France, returning in 1917. After World War I, he worked as a jobber, traveling to different retailers to take orders for the products they needed to fill their shelves.
1920
W.H. Bomgaars married Tena De Velder.
1922
Harold Bomgaars was born to W.H. and Tena Bomgaars.
You have to take risks to see rewards. That’s where the story of Bomgaars Supply, Inc. begins.
1931
During the Great Depression, W.H. invested in himself and his abilities. He borrowed $125 toward a Model A Ford from his GI bill insurance. As a traveling salesman, W.H. would attend Sunday service, eat lunch and then leave for the week with no cash in his pocket. He’d drive to the end of his territory and work his way home, sale by sale.
“If he didn’t make a sale on Monday, he didn’t eat because he didn’t have any money,” says Roger. “He got to eat when he made his first sale.”
Early 1940s
In the early 1900s, W.H. sold a wide variety of products. Throughout this period of his life, he gained a valuable network of vendors. During World War II, there was a supply and demand issue with automotive parts. W.H. saw a huge opportunity and took advantage of it. His contacts allowed him to source products that were in high demand but hard to find due to the war effort. He sold these products on the road with his home being the central location.
1944
Hard work and dedication paid off in 1944 when W.H. opened his first storefront in downtown Sioux City, Iowa.
1944
Harold joined the U.S. Navy Air Corps after high school and was in flight training through the middle of World War II. As the war started to wind down, his training was stopped. After the war, he joined his father on the road selling automotive supplies and equipment.
1948
Harold Bomgaars married Mary Jane Bates.
1951
The Bomgaars’ business was struggling, so they needed new ideas. At the time, the law required auto parts to be sold at the manufacturer’s suggested price, but the law offered a 20% discount for those with five or more vehicles. The Bomgaars capitalized on this by reviewing local farmers’ tax records to identify those who qualified. They sent these farmers a Fleet Card for discounts, which helped their business thrive and expand into the farm fleet sector.
1956
The goal of growth fueled Harold. Bomgaars expanded to two storefronts in the late 50s. By 1965, they had six stores.
1972
Harold’s son, Roger Bomgaars, entered the business. Over the next few years, Roger used his data processing skills to help develop an in-house, computer-based, automated inventory management system. He hired three professors from the University of South Dakota to help. Though it has been updated over time, they still use this advanced software today.
1975
Harold Bomgaars hired Jane Reitan for the role of accountant and office manager.
“I was raised on a farm south of Sioux City,” says Jane. “When I was a little kid, I used to come to town with my dad and shop at Bomgaars.”
1980
Roger Bomgaars married Jane Reitan.
1982
W.H. passed away, but his legacy lives on.
"Reflecting on the company’s growth, Roger says, “I often wish I could spend an afternoon with him and take him to a store. I think he’d be awed.”
1984
Aaron Bomgaars, the son of Roger and Jane Bomgaars, was born.
1990s
Roger and Jane Bomgaars took over the family business to oversee day-to-day operations.
2001
Harold Bomgaars, the son of W.H. and father of Roger Bomgaars, passed away. Harold instilled in Roger the desire to expand their family’s business. That same year, Bomgaars acquired 15 more stores. Every time a new store opens, Harold’s legacy lives on.
“I know my dad would be very happy and proud,”
says Roger.
2006
Although Aaron Bomgaars has been involved in the business since birth, in 2006, he joined the business in an official capacity. Today, he is the executive vice president.
“Statistics will tell you that most family businesses do not survive the third generation. We’re in the fourth and hoping that the fifth will take over,” says Jane.
2012-2019
Bomgaars Supply Inc. continued to expand by adding more storefronts.
2022
The business entered a new era of growth, acquiring 73 stores. Bomgaars Supply Inc. chips away at converting storefronts one by one.
2024
Bomgaars celebrates 80 years since opening its first store.
Like the two generations before, Roger and Jane will leave a legacy for the future. They’ve passed values and their family’s history on to their son and grandchildren while serving farmers and ranchers across the country.
“We’re about needs,” says Roger. “The bulk of what we do is to have what you need when you need it.”
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