The family-owned dealership served through multiple economic recessions and a pandemic. The Plymouths and DeSotos it originally sold have been eclipsed by SUVs.

What’s next?

“Another 75 years,” said Ed Shimkat, co-owner of the dealership.

“It’s a family store,” he added. “It’s been family-owned for 75 years and it will continue to be a family store. We have a leg in the past and an eye on the future. We’ve survived everything the world has thrown at us for 75 years and we’re still here.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Some of the key leaders of Shimkat Motor Co. pose recently in the dealership’s showroom. They are from left, Chris Wilson, business manager; TJ Pingel, general manager; Ed Shimkat, co-owner; Bill Shimkat, co-owner; and Cameron Nelson, sales manager.

“We’re here, we’re not going anywhere,” said co-owner Bill Shimkat.

The dealership at 3126 Fifth Ave. S. is marking its 75th birthday this year.

It will celebrate with some special events, including giving away 75 battery-powered Jeeps — perfect for kids to ride in.

“We’re giving away 75 Jeep Power Wheels to thank the community,” said TJ Pingel, the dealership’s general manager.

To sign up for a chance to win one of the toy vehicles, visit shimkat.com.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Ed Shimkat, left, and Bill Shimkat pose with one of the classic cars on display in the dealership’s showroom at 3126 Fifth Ave. S. They are the third generation of the Shimkat family to own the dealership.

Pingel said that in an age when giant conglomerates have been buying up car dealerships, Shimkat Motor Co. remains local.

“We’re focused solely on Fort Dodge and the people of Fort Dodge,” he said.

He added that the Shimkat family has a long track record of supporting the community while at the same time building a solid business.

That business was started by brothers Ed A. Shimkat and George Shimkat. It was located in a storefront on 12th Street between Central Avenue and First Avenue South.

In 1948, the dealership moved to Second Avenue South between 12th and 13th streets. It would stay there until 2004, when it moved to its current location in the former Kmart store.

Ed C. Shimkat joined the firm in 1966. Bruce Shimkat joined in 1974.

The current owners, who are the third generation of the family to run the dealership, got started as boys cleaning bathrooms and sweeping the floors. As they grew up, they worked in every aspect of the dealership.

“You appreciate what everybody does and you learn your strengths and weaknesses very quickly,” Ed Shimkat said.

Bill Shimkat said he enjoyed working in the parts department the most. He also spent a lot of time in the service department, where he remembers working on carburetors.

“Nobody knows how to work on carburetors anymore,” he said.

Ed Shimkat said he enjoys the accounting side of the business. He added that during the winter he likes to take a break by going out and plowing snow in the parking lot.

Shimkat Motor Co. started out selling Plymouths and DeSotos. From 1947 to 1949 it also sold REO trucks.

In 1957, it added the Dodge line, followed by Chrysler in 1964.

DeSoto folded in 1960. Plymouth would disappear in about 2000, but Shimkat Motor Co. added the Jeep line at about that time. Today it is one of the company’s best sellers.