News
Business transaction takes place in city
Scott Wagar
04/23/2013
Ron Bergman has sold his business to Farmers Union Oil Comapny of Westhope, Souris and Bottineau which has relocated the store to Farmers Union Lumber on Highway 5.
Kevin Schroeder, general manager of Farmers Union Oil Company of Westhope, Souris and Bottineau, stated that the company decided to purchase Bergman Agency because they were looking for a business that would create more traffic in the lumberyard. After looking for sometime, Schroeder felt that Bergman’s appliances and outdoor equipment would best fit the lumberyard.
With the purchasing of Bergman Agency, Farmers Union Lumber will now be offering appliances, mowers, chainsaws, snowblowers, broom sweepers and similar products.
Schroeder has also hired a serviceman, Justin Karels, who will be on hand to troubleshoot and repair the products being sold by the business.
“We will be doing the warranty work on the majority of lines,” Schroeder said.
Karles has spent the past seven years in Grand Rapids, Minn., as a serviceman for Sears.
Besides purchasing Bergman’s merchandise, Schroeder hired Tory Johnson, who worked for Bergman for one year, and will conduct sales for the appliance and outdoor equipment department of Farmers Union Lumber.
Schroeder is pleased with the purchase of Bergman Agency and is excited to be offering new products within the lumberyard.
“I am really excited and I really like it when I have younger individuals that are excited in the sales and services,” Schroeder said. “I think it is going to be a good deal for Bottineau.”
Schroeder added that the business has a good supply of products on hand, and will also be selling their items that are on the showcase floor, which will allow shoppers to acquire their merchandise right away instead of waiting for items to be shipped in first.
Store hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
BERGMAN
Bergman, who is 68 years old, has made the decision to retire. In retirement, Bergman plans to fish, ride motorcycle and spend time with his family.
Bergman started a Montgomery Ward business in downtown Bottineau in 1975 where Lorenz Jewelry is located today. In 1978, he moved his Montgomery Ward business to his current location on Main Street.
His business changed from a Montgomery Ward to a J.C. Penney catalog store in 1988, which he operated for 10 years until J.C. Penney discontinued their catalog business.
Bergman Agency continued to sell appliances, outdoor equipment and his own personal line of outdoor equipment until he sold his business to Farmers Union Oil Company of Westhope, Souris and Bottineau.
Bergman stated that like any other business he has had his up and down years. However, he has liked his time as a businessman in Bottineau.
He also stated that what he has liked the most about his business are the customers who were patrons in his store.
“I have enjoyed the people,” Bergman said. “And, I want to thank them.”