Jan Busse Ford celebrates 133 years in business

Highmore, S.D. — Pioneer Garage was founded 133 years ago in 1883. The business, now known as Pioneer Garage dba Jan Busse Ford, began as a blacksmith shop owned by Lorna and Willman Yeandle, Jan’s grandmother and step grandfather. Jan’s parents Clarence and Lyla eventually took over the business and added Minneapolis Moline Machinery and Studebaker vehicles. In 1952 The Ford Agency was acquired from the Ray Brothers and in 1972 Jan and LaVaughn Busse purchase the business from Jan’s parents.

The business community has changed significantly over the years. At one time, Highmore had three cream and egg stations, a clothing store, a shoe store, a variety store and three implement businesses plus, two car dealerships. The town was a thriving business community with 1,250 residents. There are now 800 citizens plus 500 in rural Hyde County. The business has also changed significantly over the years. Jan added Hand County Implement in Miller, S.D., and Pioneer of Pierre in Pierre, S.D., employing 85 at its peak. Jan remembers hitting his first milestone of 1 million in sales in 1975, and in 2007 he reached 73 million in sales.

Pioneer Garage dba Jan Busse Ford, has survived by treating customers with respect, being honest and treating them fair with competitive pricing. Jan Busse Ford has the philosophy that every customer is important and that not one can be displeased. Jan Busse Ford strives to establish relationships for life.

Jan Busse is still active in the dealership and has been joined by his daughter Danika and his son-in-law Jesse Johnson. They currently have 13 employees.

Jan Busse Ford is celebrating 133 years of serving central South Dakota with a massive vehicle sale July 28 through July 30. Over 5 million dollars in inventory will be on sale. Jan Busse Ford will not be undersold on any new Ford during this sale.

In honor of the 133rd anniversary, the Jan Busse Ford team will be providing a free lunch on Thursday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For each test drive taken over the three-day celebration, drivers will receive a free t-shirt. On Friday, July 29, a free mini car inspection will be done by the expert staff at Jan Busse Ford with a test drive and, on Saturday, a free car wash will be given with test drives. During the sale, visitors have an opportunity to register to win door prizes including a Yeti cooler, a Wild Water West Family Getaway, and more.

For more information about Jan Busse Ford, visit www.pioneergarage.com.