Richard’s owners to retire
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FAIRMONT-- After 42 years in business, Betty and Richard Wiederhoeft of Richard's Auto Repair and Towing in Fairmont are retiring. There will be new ownership by the first week of October.
The two are Martin County natives, both having grown up in Truman. They married in 1978 and started the business in 1984.
As for why they opted to start it, Betty said, "He (Richard) was working at Poppe's and Brian (Poppe) wanted to turn it into a convenience store so it was either he was out a job or do his own. So, that's what he did."
It started out at that location, 1317 N. State Street, under the name Richard's--always Richard's-- but by 1985 moved to 918 1/2 N. State Street. That second location only existed for a short time, though.
"That got burned. There was a fire there on Dec. 13, 1985," Betty said. "We had left an hour before. They called us and we thought it was a joke but they said, 'no, you need to get here, it's fully engulfed.'"
According to an article in the Sentinel from Dec. 16, 1985, it says the fire, which also damaged two other businesses at the location, Crystal Image and Napa Auto Parts, totaled $350,000 in damages.
It also reads "With temperatures well below zero and wind chills of 50 below, conditions were at their worst for fighting a fire, Musser (fire chief) said. A nearby fire hydrant was buried in snow, forcing the crews to bring in water from 1.5 blocks away."
Just about a year in business, the Wiederhoefts needed to start again. Luckily, another local business offered a chance to do just that.
"We went to DeBoer Motors (Currently Welcome Motor Co.). There was no place to go but Donny DeBoer offered us a spot until we could find a building," Betty said. "He said, 'this is what we're going to do.' He just picked us up and said, 'you can come work in my garage until you get a building bought.'"
In 1986, they bought out Zenk's Repair, which was at 200 Park St. and they operated the business there until 2001. Then, they moved into their current location at 410 E. Blue Earth Ave.
"This building used to be Graham Tire," Betty said of their current location. "We left Zenk's and moved up here and the Salvation Army bought our old building and bulldozed it down so now it's just a parking lot."
Looking back at some of the things that happened to bring them to where they were, Betty said, "it was just one hurdle after another. Maybe that's what made us stronger."
Location changes weren't the only changes Richard's has gone through as they've also grown their staff over the years.
"We started with one employee, Ronnie Slater. Then we went to three employees when we went to Park Street. Then up here we went to eight," Betty said.
The many services they offer though, auto repair, oil changes, tire sales and service have largely remained the same throughout the years with a few changes.
"Vehicles change, there are more computers. You need more equipment," Betty said.
They've also seen a change in the demand for towing. When they first started out, there were many towing businesses in Fairmont.
"There were about 11. Every gas station had one back then," Richard said.
"But they all weeded out because no one wanted to get up at 3 in the morning," Betty added.
The work they've had has been steady and Betty said the people they have worked for and with have been wonderful.
"We have five vendors that have been with us for 42 years. Our oil guy, our tire guy," Betty said.
In addition to having long-standing employees, they've also had loyal customers, many who have been going to them for decades.
When asked what Richard's has been known for, without missing a beat, Betty said, "honesty." She added, "my dad would always say, 'don't do unto others that you don't want done unto yourself.'"
Despite a good run, in the last six years or so, the Wiederhoefts began thinking about their retirement plans. They have a buyer who will keep the business as an auto repair shop and towing service.
"Nothing, nothing will change," Betty stressed. "All the employees are staying."
As for what Betty and Richard will do in their retirement, Betty said, "Anyone who knows me knows I have a lot of flowers. Rich is going to mow."