A familiar car dealer in the Ozarks has stamped its footprint in the Springfield market with the announcement this week the Pinegar family has purchased Don Wessel Honda and will run the dealership in the 3300 block of south Campbell.
Here’s a statement from General Manager Tad Pinegar:
Today is a monumental day for the Pinegar Family. We have been trying to get in the city of Springfield for over 20 years and today that became a reality. The Pinegar Family looked for two key characteristics when purchasing a dealership. The dealership had to have a great brand as well as a great reputation; Don Wessel Honda has that and more. Don Wessel Honda has always been our first choice because they are synonymous with an outstanding reputation and excellent brand. Our family recognizes the reputation that Don Wessel has built and we plan to continue that tradition.
We would first like to thank Jon Wessel. He has been great from the very beginning of this process and has been honest and very transparent. From the moment John and his wife Debbie invited Tad Pinegar and his wife, Amy, to their home for dinner, a wonderful connection was made. Jon’s father, Don, and our founder, Ed Pinegar, were true pioneers in the automotive industry in Springfield and surrounding areas over the last 40 years. We strive to continue that tradition and reputation they worked so hard to build. Jon and General Manager, Monique Carriger, have built an excellent team at Don Wessel Honda and we have extended an offer to all employees and believe 100 percent will be at Pinegar Honda. Tad Pinegar will be dealer principal at Pinegar Honda; “I’ve been so excited about acquiring the dealership and after spending the last few weeks getting to know the staff, I am even more excited about what a great dealership Pinegar Honda will become”, Pinegar said.
The Pinegar family would like to thank the American Honda Corporation, especially Assistant Zone Manager, Melissa Piper. She has guided Tad through the entire process and we look forward to working with her in the future. Our partners at Ally Financial have been with us from day one of this entire process. Tad has worked closely with Don Brogdon, Van Barger, Dennis Jeffcott and Scott Niday at Ally and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. This Ally team truly defines the word partnership. The accounting services provided by BKD, specifically by Jamie McDonald and Matt Cash have been exceptional as always. The guidance and expertise that Todd Johnson of Ellis, Ellis, Hammons and Johnson provided during this entire process has been invaluable.
“My late husband Ed, always had great admiration for Don Wessel”, said Carol Pinegar. I too, had the pleasure of serving on a bank board of directors with Don. He was a kind and generous man”.
The Pinegar family have been in the automotive business for 42 years. Already owning dealerships in both Republic and Branson; adding the Springfield location will give customers more opportunity to experience the “Pinegar Advantage”. This gives not only our current customers, but new customers the opportunity for services wherever is most convenient for them. The Pinegar family is excited to be growing and looks forward to additional opportunities for growth. Pinegar said, “We look forward to the opportunity to let our family take care of yours.”