Staff writer
The signs have been changed and a few new faces are in the offices and shop, but otherwise it’s the same dealership.
Midway Motors of McPherson acquired Irv Schroeder County Motors of Hillsboro Aug. 18, and plans to expand.
Danny Flynn, the general manager of the Hillsboro dealership, may be a newcomer to Hillsboro but he’s no stranger.
“My Dad and I bought cars from Irv,” Flynn said. “I always liked the Hillsboro community so I jumped at the opportunity to come here.”
The former Reno County deputy was raised in Reno County near Partridge and graduated from Haven High School. Flynn sold his first car when he was 13 and has been involved in the car business ever since.
The home office of Midway Motors is at McPherson where that dealership offers more than GM vehicles. The Midway Motors at Hillsboro will only offer GM vehicles, Flynn said, and will continue a service department previously offered by the Schroeder family.
“The main difference is the salesmen have access to 300 used and 100 new vehicles at all times,” Flynn said, referring to the company’s inventory at both locations.
Another service added at Hillsboro are loaner vehicles to customers when they purchase new vehicles.
Midway Motors of McPherson began nearly 30 years ago when Glenn Hoover purchased the GM dealership from Ken Goering. Hoover’s sons became active in the business and then Goering’s grandson became a partner.
Flynn is used to family-owned businesses and knows the tradition the Schroeder family established in Hillsboro.
Even though the Schroeders no longer have ownership of the business they are available to customers.
Irv Schroeder continues to come into the shop from time to time, just to check things out and visit.
“We will maintain what Irv Schroeder and the Schroeder family has done. We listen to Irv’s comments and suggestions because we want to continue his success,” Flynn said.
Improvements have been made to the store and shop on Date Street, with new carpeting, furniture, computers, and paint.
Eldon Kaiser of Lehigh is the service and parts manager, having worked for Midway Motors for a number of years.
Flynn said he was impressed with the quality of employees Midway Motors acquired when the business was purchased. Technician Kurt Funk had been with Irv Schroeder for 31 years with salespeople also having many years of service. A few more salespeople have been added, Flynn said, making 17 full-time and part-time employees at the Hillsboro business.
So, how has it been since Midway Motors purchased the business?
“August was a tremendous month for us,” Flynn said. “I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of traffic.”
And what about a new building by U.S.-56? When will that happen?
“We don’t have an exact date for starting that construction,” Flynn said, but assured it would take place.
Right now, Flynn’s family is spread out with son Jordan, 17, finishing his senior year of high school at Hutchinson and Flynn living in Hillsboro.
“The family goes back and forth but we’re looking forward to moving here, permanently, after Jordan’s graduation,” Flynn said.
He and wife, Brenda, have been married 25 years and also have a daughter, Heather, 23.