Fred Haar Company Enters New Era
(Excerpts from a story by Jeremy Waltner that appeared in the Freeman Courier: Nov. 17, 2004)
As much as things have changed at Fred Haar Company, a family-owned business three years shy of being as old as the city of Freeman itself, much has stayed remarkably the same.
That was obvious last weekend, when the 122-year-old business held an open house to celebrate the latest improvement to its highway implement dealership; a major, 8,400 sq.-ft. expansion to the east/northeast.
The open house featured the expanded and remodeled customer service area – a bright and spacious improvement that serves as the most visible aspect of what owner Jim Haar says is the most expensive project the business has ever seen – as well as the chance to see other areas at Fred Haar Company that have been updated as growth dictated.
But the open house, held Saturday, Nov. 13, was also marked by a personal touch and genuine “how are you doing?” attitude that founder Fred Haar used to define himself and his business when it opened in Freeman on a yet-to-be developed Main Street in 1882.
The open house also revealed the forward-thinking approach that has helped Fred Haar Company survive for a period that spans three centuries.
Today Jim Haar, fourth-generation owner, uses both of those approaches – they are, in fact, philosophies – as he finds new ways to make the business successful.
“We’re always looking for areas to expand,” says Jim Haar, who hopes to soon expand his product line into hardware items. “My dad always said, 'you have to change with the times.’
"I’m already looking ahead,” he continues. “I have a plan for 10 years down the road.”
While there is a newfound focus on developing a marketing strategy for merchandising, farm equipment sales and service remain at the core of the business.
Haar’s forward-thinking approach to business without straying from what the company was founded upon is consistent with that of his great-grandfather, Fred, his grandfather, Theo, and his father, Al, all of whom carried the torch of entrepreneurship and customer service.
The return of Jim’s son, Al, to the business several years ago and the active role he is playing today marks the fifth generation of significant involvement at Fred Haar Company.