By Tim Rohwer
New ownership has taken over a local sporting goods store – emphasis on “local”.
“I would like to emphasize 'locally owned family business,'” said Marve Bergsten, describing the history of the company. “Money spent in Council Bluffs stays in Council Bluffs.”
Bergsten and his wife, Pat, sold their longtime Midwest Sporting Goods business to Mark Holmgren in October.
It was around that time that the business celebrated its 40th anniversary serving the sporting needs of people who live, well, locally.
In 1974, Bergsten bought a then-closed gas station at 305 E. Broadway and turned it into a business he called Midwest Sporting Goods.
There were many competitors then – and still are. But his emphasis was on local teams, schools and leagues within a 50-mile radius.
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“The Midwest grew in the beginning and we felt it necessary to add 1,800 square feet in 1976,” he said. “Then we added a second level to the original building in 1980.”
This location had it all.
“This is a great location with adequate square footage and parking at the door,” Bergsten said.
Sports have always been in his blood. In college in the 1950s, Bergsten played tennis “when tennis wasn't very popular.”
He later taught the sport and operated a tennis shop at a country club for several years, gaining experience for his later retail venture.
It took many years to build the business and establish a customer base, he said.
“A small store can't survive if it doesn't offer specialty items,” he said. “Plus, we've added that personal touch and like to know our customers by name.”
Over the years, Midwest Sporting Goods has secured accounts with dozens of suppliers to meet specific customer needs.
“After 40 years, every year brings a new line of products,” Bergsten said. “You need foresight and the ability to predict trends”
Along the way, Bergsten's son, Ben, became part of the family business.
“I worked part-time there in high school,” Ben said.
He became a full-time partner in the early 90s.
“There were other employees, but my mom, dad, me and my wife pretty much ran things,” Ben said.
In 2007, Ben ventured out on his own to start the Midwest Trophy and Awards on Ninth Avenue.
His father has a simple recipe for success, according to Ben.
“My dad loves people and he loves talking to people. He likes to make that personal connection,” she said. “A lot of customers would stay longer and talk to him for a while. I think that's what made this business a success.”
Holmgren described Marv and Pat as “good people” and always willing to help him if needed.
“We want to thank Council Bluffs and the surrounding communities for supporting your local full-line sporting goods store and making us No. 1 for many years,” Marve said. “We appreciated the opportunity to give back to the community.
“Again, I want to thank our many friends and customers and be sure to stop by Midwest and meet the new owner, Mark Holmgren.”
