Tim Lamb's Bob Wolfbauer Handles Acquisition of Garrett, IN Ford Dealership for Jim Stykemain

Jim Stykemain, third from right, has purchased the Yoder Ford dealership in Garrett. He is shown with son Brady, daughter Jordan, wife Wendy, Ethel Yoder, Erica Jamison, and daughters Sophia and Erika. The sale was finalized Friday. (Photo Sue Carpenter)

Ford Dealership Has New Owner

December 19, 2023

SUE CARPENTER KPC Media

After more than 65 years, Yoder Ford in downtown Garrett is now Jim Stykemain Ford.

Ernie Yoder opened the dealership in Garrett in 1956. His son, Bill, joined the dealership in 1970 and continued until his death last January at the age of 74. His wife, Ethel, and daughter Erica Jamison continued the operation until last Friday when the deal was finalized.

The new owner has similar beginnings.

In 1956, Stykemain’s grandfather, Herman “Shorty” Derrow first opened a GMC dealership in Defiance, Ohio, followed by his parents, Tom and Judy Stykemain. Jim Stykemain owns Chevrolet dealerships in Paulding, Ohio and Sturgis, Michigan, as well as a Buick-GMC dealership and a Volvo truck sales dealership with his brother, Joe, in Defiance.

Ethel Yoder said there was a lot of interest in the dealership after her husband passed away. The decision to sell was bittersweet, but knew they did not have the skill set needed to grow the operation.

“It was hard to let it go,” she said.

“Today is a hard day. It’s like saying goodbye to dad again,” Jamison said, remarking Friday would be her last time to come to work at Yoder Ford.

The Yoders wanted to sell to a family-owned dealership, one that would become a part of the community and strong supporters of the city. The Stykemains filled all those wishes.

Jim Stykemain said he heard the Garrett dealership might be for sale about a year ago and the sale has been in the works for several months.

“I definitely understand it was hard,” he said of the Yoder’s decision to sell the dealership.

“What is wonderful about the Yoders is that they have a great reputation, and I can already tell they have great customers. Obviously, we want to keep those 100% and I will get to know them. I want to really carry on the Yoder tradition — just under a different name,” Stykemain said.

“I love it — I wanted to diversify,” he said of owning his first Ford dealership, “and I love the small town.

“We are looking to grow and add more employees as we go,” Stykemain added, with a goal to increase inventory and selection in the future. All current sales, service and support staff are staying on.

“I am really looking forward to this opportunity here, and I want to support the community, because I know how important that is.”

Stykemain praised the beautiful facility and the recently upgraded service department, offering “the latest and greatest technology, as modern as you will find in northeast Indiana.”

The current showroom at 201 E. Quincy St. was built 10 years ago following a roof collapse at the original site across street following a seven-inch snowfall. The dealership worked from a mobile office for nearly two years until the new building was completed.

Through the years, the dealership has been recognized by Ford Motor Company, earning 26 awards, including the Chairman’s Award in 1993 — the year Ernie Yoder passed away — and seven President’s Awards. The latest was in 2022. This prestigious honor recognizes dealers achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

“The main thing here is, I want to get it where it’s a family-run store,” Stykemain added.

Plans are to move his family closer to the area soon with Garrett in the center of the Ohio and Michigan locations, according to Stykemain.

“This was both of their lives. This was dad’s hobby, this was his life. He loved cars; this place was his heart and soul,” Jamison said of her parents. “This was dad’s dream.”

“He respected the customers, whether a senior or first-time buyer. He wanted to treat people right,” Ethel said of her late husband.

Bill Yoder continued to work from his hospital bed until his last week of life.

“He is going to make it grow as dad wanted, make it flourish,” Jamison said of Stykemain.

“We were happy to sell to him. It was why we chose Jim and his family. We felt very comfortable they would fit into the community,” Ethel added. “Jim stood out.”