By Tracy Buffinton/Fremont Tribune

Bob Missel doesn't mind if you call him an old school, small-town businessman.

Attention to customer service, willingness to change with the times and being involved in the community are characteristics that have helped his business, Sampter's has continued to be a fixture in downtown Fremont since 1926.

Missel recently was honored at Retailer of the Year from the Nebraska Retail Federation.

"It's quite an honor to be selected among your peers," Missel said. "It gives you satisfaction that you're doing something right."

And he's quick to point out the keys to Sampter's success.

"I thank my customers," Missel said. "Without their support ... we wouldn't be here.

"I've been blessed with excellent people (to work with)," he added.

Missel, whose grandfather Gerald Sampter founded the store, did not know he had been nominated for the award. That nomination came from Kevin Wilkins, executive director of the Greater Fremont Development Council.

"We were pleased to honor Bob," Wilkins said. "Bob is not only a consummate professional independent retailer, he also embodies that in his community leadership."

Missel currently is the chairman of the Dodge County Board of Supervisors and serves on the Downtown Improvement District board. He also has been on the MainStreet of Fremont board.

"He's willing to reach out to all his fellow merchants and has faith in his community," Wilkins added. "Bob is an old school, small-town businessman."

Part of that old school philosophy is taking care of customers.

"I do believe the customer is what we're here for," Missel said. "It's about giving them the services and the products they demand."

Sampter's is part of a nationwide buying group, which allows the store to be on par with department stores in pricing, he said.

And the store has changed throughout the years. Sampter's sells items over the Internet through its Web site, www.sampters.com, and has added a line of women's sportswear.

"It's growth has exceeded any men's line in the story for the time being," Missel said. "It has brought many people in."

Missel's customers aren't just from Fremont, either. Many come from within a 50-mile radius of the city, he said, and he's even gone to St. Louis and Kansas City to work with some of his larger customers.

Missel is not the first Fremont resident to win an award from the Nebraska Retail Federation.

In 1991, Allan Hale, who was then manager of the Hinky Dinky store, won the honor. That year, Missel was a runner-up.

Mary, Ray and Paul Sendgraff of Allied Appliance won a customer service award in 2004 from the group.

"Having multiple recipients in Fremont shows the strength of commitment of our entrepreneurs in our community," Wilkins said.

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