Our History

Robert "Bob" Hjort

Former President & Owner | 1934-2022

Bob grew up in Foreston, Minnesota, and graduated from Milaca High School in 1952. He continued his education Bethel College and the University of Minnesota, where he earned a business degree.

Bob had a passion for flying. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and spent 5 years on active duty as a naval aviator, flying F3H Demon fighter planes off of aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1962 Bob returned to Milaca and joined his father, Bill, in the finance business in Foreston. Together, in 1965, they incorporated the company as Hjort & Son Finance, Inc., laying the foundation for what would become Town & Country Finance, Inc. Under Bob's leadership, the company adopted its current name and relocated to Milaca 1978 (the new office building finally featured indoor plumbing!).

After 36 years of ownership and operation, Bob transferred the business to his son, Bill Hjort, while remaining actively involved in the business by working part time.

In his part time retirement, Bob enjoyed traveling with Barbara, his wife of 57 years, reading, sports, choral performances with the Duluth DSSO Chorus, and deer hunting with his sons and grandchildren.

William "Bill" Hjort

Founder of Town & Country Finance

Bill was raised on a farm north of Foreston, Minnesota. In the 1950s, in addition to his used farm machinery sales, crop farming, and bull and hog sire service, he started a consumer finance business. In 1965, when the company was renamed from "Hjort & Son Finance, Inc." to "Town & Country Finance, Inc." it became licensed and regulated by the State of Minnesota Department of Commerce. In 1978, Bob relocated the business' world headquarters to Milaca, and in 1997, grandson Bill moved back to Milaca to work at and eventually take over Town & Country Finance.

In the early days of the loan company, the maximum loan size was $300. In addition to using vehicles or farm machinery for collateral, a wide variety of personal property was used, including farm animals, crops, guns, antiques, and even oak fence posts.

Currently, most of our loans are secured by vehicles or real estate, but also by RVs, boats, ATVs, trailers and other miscellaneous items. The business hit a milestone in 1987 when it reached $1,000,000 in outstanding loans! Right now our loan portfolio is over $10,000,000, and our geographic lending area is greatly expanded.