‘Everything’s going to stay status quo’: New owner of Hess Auto Agency has no plans for change

QUINCY — The new owner of Hess Auto Agency says he has no plans to change what’s going on at the car dealership at 1124 N. 24^th.

Cloyd Barden Properties LLC, owned by Cloyd Barden of Quincy, bought the property from Boland Properties LLC of Hannibal, Mo., on July 15 for $650,000, according to property tax forms filed in the Adams County Recorder’s office. Barden said the business was sold for an undisclosed amount.

“Everything’s going to stay status quo,” Barden said. “It’s going to remain Hess Auto Agency. I’m not changing anything. I’ve had a long-standing relationship with Kirk (Hess) and Bobby Boland. An opportunity arose that allowed me to come this way and purchase the store.”

Barden started working as the general manager for Hess Auto Agency in April 2021 after previously working for Lou Fusz Toyota in the St. Louis area. He said Kirk Hess is staying with the company for “a few more years,” and Barden said his son also has joined the staff. He also bought a home in Quincy and “wants to be a part of the community.”

“Kirk and his dad (Gary) built a heck of a business here, and they’ve got a great reputation,” Barden said. “So when the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t pass it up. I wasn’t looking to buy a place, but I’ve been with him for a long time, so it just made a lot of sense.”

Gary and Kirk Hess started Hess Auto Agency in 1985. Boland Properties LLC bought the property from Michael V. Goodson and Mary M. Goodson on Jan. 1, 2013.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly listed the business being sold for $650,000.