“Change is the only constant in life.” These were the words of Matt Showalter in 2019 when announcing that after 83 years in the automotive industry, the Showalter family had a buyer and Showalter Ford was becoming Heritage Ford. Showalter Ford was the oldest same-family Ford Franchise in the State of Utah, a company that started in the 1930s by C.W. Showalter. It went through growth and change over the decades with the baton passing generation to generation from C.W. to Don Showalter in 1939 and finally to Gary Showalter in the 1990s, though Gary had been in the business full time since the 1970s. Likewise, Gary’s sons Mark and Matt grew up in the business and held various leadership positions with Showalter Motor Company. While it has been 4 years since the change of ownership, change has come once again for the family as the Showalter buildings on 100 East between Main Street and 100 South are nearing the end of the demolition process. The Showalter Motor building housed the company for decades up until their move to 333 West Main Street in 1997. Speaking with Evans Family Media this week, Gary Showalter shared that the demolition of the Showalter Motor building in downtown Vernal marks the end of an era and one he won’t forget. Gary himself has not gone to see the building as it has come down and he’s not sure if or when he might. In the meantime, however, he remains grateful for the 83 years his family was able to serve the community, noting that their longevity was thanks to a wonderful customer base and that they always tried to do right by people no matter what. Plans are still being developed for the soon to be empty lots on 100 East. Vernal City is developing the area as part of a downtown revitalization project and updates will be shared as plans are announced.
