SPONSORED CONTENT BY SIEMANS IN BRIDGMAN
What began as a small Ford dealership near the railroad tracks in downtown Bridgman 50 years ago has grown into one of the region’s most enduring family-run auto businesses. For the Siemans family, who mark the dealership’s 50th anniversary this year, success has come through hard work, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to relationships — with both customers and employees.
Moody on the Market recently sat with Eric Siemans and asked him to reflect on the business, its evolution, and what has kept Siemans in Bridgman a successful and strong business for five decades and counting.
Started by Eric’s parents, Ed and Joan Siemans first purchased the dealership in 1975. At the time, it was a modest operation with just eight employees. “We had to rent space across the railroad tracks to park trucks because we were out of room,” Siemans recalled. “It was small, but it worked — and we built relationships that still last today.”
By 1980, the family had constructed a new building on Red Arrow Highway, only to face record-high interest rates and a struggling economy. “Twenty percent interest rates,” Siemans said. “That’s a tough way to start. But Berrien County embraced us, and we embraced it right back.”
Eric recalled that his father was always present at the dealership, first to arrive, always happy to be there, and frequently chatting with people on the showroom floor. It was that sincere, personal connection and an ongoing urgency for continuous improvement that is Ed’s indelible mark on his family who still operates the business today.
“If you’re not improving, you’re going backwards,” Eric said.
Over the years, the dealership expanded beyond Ford, adding Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mazda, and Ram franchises. It now sells a range of vehicles from family cars to commercial fleets, including dump trucks, snowplows, and specialized equipment. What started as a small-town operation now serves customers across Michigan and beyond, with many families returning generation after generation.
Continuous improvement has also meant embracing and adapting to advancements in technology. Siemans described the shift from hand-typed purchase agreements to digital processing, which has streamlined operations and allowed same-day vehicle deliveries. He noted, however, that advances in automotive technology, including electric vehicles, present both opportunities and challenges.
“Some of the (electric vehicle) requirements are a huge investment, from charging stations to specialized service tools, and it’s still uncertain whether we’ll recoup all of it,” he said. “But the technology is incredible, and it’s part of how we stay competitive.”
While technology and the car-buying process have changed dramatically — from showroom brochures to online sales — Siemans said the heart of the business remains the same.
“People still want relationships,” he said. “You can do your research online, but at some point, you need to see it, touch it, feel it. That part of the experience will never go away.”
The dealership’s culture, rooted in family values, has also remained a cornerstone. Siemans works alongside his brothers, Jack and Craig, and his son, Marty. “We don’t have much turnover,” he said. “Our employees have been with us for decades. We’re like family here, and I think that’s why people stay.”
Through five decades, Siemans in Bridgman has weathered recessions, industry shifts, and a pandemic — all while keeping its focus local.
“We sell beyond Berrien County,” Siemans said, “but when it comes to giving back, we keep it local. That’s what makes this community — and this business — special.”
Looking ahead, Siemans sees continued growth in both the dealership and the surrounding county. He appreciates that working with family—both his brothers and his son—provides a unique perspective on running a business that has thrived through recessions, technological change, and market shifts.
“I want people to know that we respect hard work, and our doors are always open to our customers and our community,” Siemans said. “For a family-run business, having family here nearly 100 percent of the time is something we’re proud of. We’ve been blessed to grow with Berrien County, and we look forward to the next 50 years.”