Since he was a child, Clint Helmuth, 45, Kalona, had a dream of owning a new car dealership. Helmuth accomplished that goal last month when he purchased the Wagler Ford dealership in Sigourney and renamed it Helmuth Ford.

Helmuth learned the car sales and service business by working with his father, John Helmuth, who started and operated Kalona Auto Used Cars and Trucks in Kalona for over 50 years.  When he was of high school age, Clint began getting trained in the sale of cars and going to used car auctions in Kansas City and Des Moines to find quality used vehicles for the area market. He would also work in getting the cars and trucks serviced and detailed to get them ready to sell.

Clint enjoyed working with people in getting the vehicles they needed. In 2009, he purchased 50% ownership and in 2016 he bought the other half of the used vehicle dealership.

Clint moved the Kalona Auto used car lot from the corner of 5th and Highway 22 to the former home of Kalonial Townhouse Restaurant at the corner of A Avenue and Highway 1 in 2009.

Clint purchased a used car lot in Wilton in 2016 from Blain Teters and he continues to operate the lot.

“The past couple of years have been difficult times trying to find quality used cars for re-sale,” Clint related.

“Mike Wagler and I have been friends for a number of years,” Clint said. “When he decided to sell, Mike gave me the opportunity to purchase his dealership.”

The Wagler family has operated the Ford dealership in Sigourney for 62 years.

Seeing a strong future for new and used cars and trucks, Clint welcomed the opportunity to own the Ford franchise.

One of the first things that Clint has done is to add an electric car charging station and get his service staff trained in servicing electric vehicles.

While he is getting his new dealership ready for selling and servicing electric vehicles, Clint said he still sees gas operated vehicles to be around for many years to come.

“I plan on having a larger selection of new and used SUV’s, Crossovers and Pickups, new and used,  in stock ,”  he noted.  “I have 70 new vehicles on order already and over 40 of them are sold. There is still a strong demand for new cars despite the higher prices.”

Having a new car dealership will also make it easier to obtain quality, reliable used cars and trucks for his used car lots, Clint noted.

Clint said the purchase of the Sigourney business will not effect the operation of Kalona Auto other than he will be splitting his time between the two offices. 

Gary Bontrager will continue as Kalona Auto Sales manager assisted in sales by Mike Gingerich.  Clint’s father will continue as service manager and Julie Bontrager as office manager.

The staff at the Sigourney office will stay in place with the exception of former owner Mike Wagler. Clint said he has also hired a sales manager and salesman.

Clint said one reason he changed the name to Helmuth Ford was  an eye to the future with hopes some of his children may be involved in the family business.

Clint and Amy have three children. Tyler, 18, will be graduating from Mid-Prairie High School in May. He has plans to join his father in the car dealership when he graduates from college.  Mason, 15, is a freshman at Hillcrest Academy.  Avery, 14, is in eighth grade at Mid-Prairie Middle School.  All their children are involved in sports.