Two years ago Al and Jodi Peterson purchased
the Bumper to Bumper store in Two Harbors. Originally
from Ramsey, MN, a small farming community north of the
Twin Cities, Peterson worked at a company store in Moose
Lake. ”I was working 14-16 hours days and thought
it was time to own my own business,” Peterson recalls.
“Jodi and I looked at six Bumper to Bumper stores
around the area. The store in Two Harbors was the last
one we looked at. We knew this was it. We liked the store
and thought Two Harbors looked like a nice town for our
two daughters to grow up in.”
Bumper to Bumper located at 501 7th Street had been a
corporation owned business since 1996 when Keith Costley
sold the business. The Petersons’ bought the auto
parts store in March 2002. Bumper to Bumper specializes
in auto parts and accessories for all makes and models
of cars, as well as snowmobile and boats. “We sell
parts to area service stations as well at to individuals,”
remarked Peterson. “This winter’s snow really
gave my business a boost. We sold more snowmobile belts
this past January than we did all of last year,”
smiled Peterson. “In the summer we sell lots of
boat parts to tourist,” he continued. “Tourism
really helps my business! The more people we have in town
the better my business.”
Chamber Directory, When a community invests in itself
in infrastructure such as schools it sends a message to
businesses that this is a place that is investing in it’s
future. That’s a real draw for new businesses. The
Chamber gives businesses a voice and a platform for community
issues. Peterson feels business diversity in important
in the growth of the community. Competition is always
good for business.
Peterson has plans to expand his business in the near
future. “Right now our store is at full capacity
for the inventory and I’m exploring ways to grow
my space.” remarked Peterson. Bumper to Bumper currently
employs five people. “The store is open Monday to
Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday from 8:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m."
