After more than four decades of serving the Higginsville community, Harold Hoflander has announced the sale of his Ford Dealership, marking a new chapter for both his home and work families. The dealership will be open for sales and service through June 30, 2026.

Harold and Kathryn Hoflander, while residing in Boonville, purchased the majority shares of the Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership located at 1807 Main, Higginsville, on July 15, 1982, from Charles and Mary Frasier. Harold and Kathryn purchased the remaining shares from minority stockholder, Herman Simmons, on Aug. 8, 1988.

Harold serves as president and treasurer, and Kathryn serves as vice president and secretary of the board.

• History of the dealership building: The exterior of the building has remained nearly the same as it was in 1969 when Albert Ziems opened Ziems Motor Company at 1807 Main, Higginsville. In 1999, Harold Hoflander remodeled the exterior of the building changing it from brick to stucco.

• History of ownership of the business: Charles and Mary Frasier purchased Ziems Motor Company on Sept. 1, 1975, from the majority stockholder, Albert C. Ziems. Officers of the Ziems Motor Company included Albert Ziems, president; Herman L. Simmons, vice president; and Alice B. Caruthers, secretarytreasurer. Other members of the board included Ernest Fette and Edwin “Jake” Stoecklin. Frasier also purchased all the minority stock holdings of Alice B. Caruthers and five of the 165 shares of stock owned by Herman L. Simmons. Frasier Ford continued to operate the business at 1807 Main, Higginsville, until Harold Hoflander bought it in 1982 and subsequently bought out Simmons in 1988.

• Satellite facility opened in Lexington: In 1985, Hoflander Ford Lincoln Mercury, Inc., opened a satellite facility on Franklin Street in Lexington, MO. In 1987, the business moved to 820 S. Highway 13 (Hwy. 13 and Berkeley Streets) in Lexington into what was the former Orscheln building. Harold and Kathryn Hoflander purchased this facility from Alvena Guillia of Lexington. The satellite facility in Lexington handled new and used car and truck sales, leasing, car rentals, and light mechanical services. The main facility in Higginsville continued to handle full-line sales, rental, leasing, parts and service, and major repair. The Lexington facility was closed on Dec. 31, 2002, when Ford Motor Company closed all satellite sales points in Missouri.

• Ford franchise changes: In 2003, Ford Motor Company bought out the Lincoln and Mercury franchises from most small dealers nationwide, and Hoflander Ford Lincoln Mercury became Hoflander Ford, Inc.

While this transition reflects a changing season, it also opens the door for new opportunities. Discussions are underway regarding future plans for the property, with more details to be shared in the coming months.

Hoflander commented that he will remain active in the community and county, committed to public service.