Planning for the Future
So what does the future hold for Gomer’s and the various stakeholders in the chain?
Expansion is always a possibility, at least on the Missouri side. The Probsts report that they’re always seeking additional opportunities and identifying future locations where they can serve a new customer base, specifically in the north and east areas of the city. Regardless of whether the business expands or not, the Probsts hope to keep it in the family for a very long time.
“We have no plans to retire anytime soon, but we wonder if eventually our sons will take over the business,” Jack Probst says. “I think they will, to continue it on and keep it in our family. I’ve enjoyed my entire time here, and there’s never been a thought in my mind about selling.”
As for McLeroy, he’s not sure what will happen to his store. His children are still young and McLeroy hasn’t exposed them much to the day-to-day operations of his business.
“My kids could steer it if they wanted to, but they have their own interests as well,” McLeroy says. “I don’t ever want to make them do it.”
Regardless of what the future holds for the families invested in the Gomer’s legacy, with so many talented people driving the business, it’s likely that Gomer’s will continue serving the people of Kansas City for the next 50 years–and then some. BD
Melissa Niksic is a freelance writer and marketing communications strategist from Chicago, IL. Her work has appeared in Chicago’s Daily Herald newspaper, Time Out Chicago, Suburban Life newspapers, and various magazines. She is also the author of several children’s books. Follow her @MelissaNiksic.
