The eagerly awaited grand opening of Bomgaars Supply Inc., a prominent retail chain specializing in farm and ranch supplies, took place on July 19. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Dustin Young, store manager, Chamber of Commerce, City of Warsaw council members, Bomgaars employees, Warsaw Fire District, Leatherneck members, and Warsaw members of the community signifying the start of a promising new era for the company.
Pronounced "baam-gaarz," Bomgaars continues to honor its founder's legacy by providing quality products and services to its customers.
The story of Bomgaars Supply Inc. begins with its founder, William Bomgaars, who embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 18 in Middleburg, Iowa. Starting with a modest general store, William sold essentials like gingham and crackers and even stocked horse-drawn wagons to meet the diverse needs of rural families. His relentless pursuit of growth and innovation led him from running a general store to the establishment of Bomgaars Supply Inc., a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work. William's early ventures ranged from selling violin lessons in Chicago to marketing washing machines in South Dakota, before taking a bold step in 1931, with a mere $125.00 borrowed against his Army insurance.
Despite the daunting challenges posed by the Great Depression, William's resilience ensured that by 1934, he enjoyed the stability of regular meals - a significant achievement given the times. The business quickly outgrew the Bomgaars' family home, prompting a move to its first official downtown location in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1944. Through the years, Bomgaars expanded its product range and footprint, necessitating multiple relocations to accommodate its growth.
The expansion strategy included opening branch stores, with the first launching in Yankton, South Dakota, in 1956. The company's growth trajectory steepened with acquisitions of former Country General stores in 2001, Shoppers Supply stores in 2012, ALCO Stores locations in 2015, and Shopko discount chain locations in 2019. In a landmark expansion, Bomgaars acquired 73 Orscheln Farm & Home stores in October 2022, including the Orscheln distribution center in Moberly, Missouri, as well as the store in Warsaw.
Today, Bomgaars proudly serves the Midwest, High Plains and Rockies, with a strong presence in multiple states, all under the stewardship of the Bomgaars family. The company's headquarters are located in Sioux City, Iowa, with key distribution centers in Sioux City and Gering, Nebraska.
The grand opening on July 19 marks a significant milestone for Bomgaars Supply Inc., blending a rich history with a forward-looking approach to serving the farming and ranching communities. Bomgaars remains committed to upholding its founder's legacy by delivering quality products and exceptional service to its valued customers.
