Caledonia Argus

Ford dealership now has Pladsen name

Posted: 3/2/04

Caledoniaís Ford dealership has new owners.

Steve and Mark Pladsen, who own RW Pladsen in Waukon, Iowa, became the new owners of Caledonia Ford on March 1 after purchasing the business from Jerry and Barb Peterson and Randy and Deb Myhre, who ran the business for 12 years. They will operate the business as Pladsen Ford. Another brother, Todd, is the new service manager and will be relocating to the city.

The Pladsen name is a familiar one to many people in the Caledonia area. Before Roger Pladsen, Mark, Steve and Toddís father, began RW Pladsen in Waukon, he sold De Laval milk line equipment in the area. When he opened his car dealership in 1978, he counted many Caledonia-area people as customers. Steve and Mark enjoy meeting their dadís former customers, and note that Caledonia and Waukon have many similarities. Both are small towns with a strong agricultural base, and the Pladsens have ag backgrounds as well. They grew up on a farm and Steve now raises red angus beef. Another Pladsen brother, Matt, is a dairy farmer.

Mark and Steve emphasize that they have a low-key approach to selling vehicles, and use up-front pricing; the price on the window represents the best possible price for that new or used vehicle. Itís a ìno hassleî approach that makes the car-buying experience hassle-free for consumers.

ìWeíre very excited about this opportunity,î said Steve Pladsen.

ìFord is very committed to Caledonia and wanted a dealership here,î added Mark. They noted that the Petersons were wonderful to deal with and were also concerned that the dealership continue.

Steve and Mark will alternate days in Caledonia, so one of them will be at the dealership every day. They understand that customers like seeing an owner when they visit a business.

ìHopefully, people will know weíre here to stay,î said Mark.

Most of the former employees of Caledonia Ford will be staying on under the new owners. In addition, they will be bringing in a bookkeeper and an additional salesperson for a total of 14 employees at the Caledonia location.The Pladsens hope to combine some of the functions of the two dealerships for increased efficiency. Having two dealerships will also give the consumers greater choices, they noted.

The Pladsens are eager to be a part of the Caledonia community and plan to have an employee recognition/open house in the near future.

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