The Crookston Ambassador Team met to honor and celebrate a longtime pillar of the community, Crookston Welding & Machine Co., doing business as Napa Auto Parts. Not only has Crookston Welding Napa Auto Parts been in the community for several years, but Randy Ness has as well. 60 years ago, the healthy business started out as Crookston Welding and Machine Co., owned by Larry Altringer. 20 years later came the grand opening with the addition of Napa Auto Parts, and when Randy Ness began his long and successful career. The business stayed in the family and is now owned by Mike and Jenny (Altringer) Nelson, and continues to thrive. Mike and Jenny’s sons also contribute to the success; Shawn Nelson is the Sales Manager, and Carter Nelson is the Parts Manager. Together, the family and their supporting staff of thirteen have entered a new era in advancing new avenues in rentals, various parts, and further service areas, all while sustaining their top-notch relationships with their local customers and beyond. The locally owned team fights for quality, leading brands first. The Napa Auto Parts name is strong, as is the family running it. In addition, they are major contributors to the community.
Shawn jumped right in, capturing the attention of not only the ambassadors but also the customers walking in. He defined their geographic region as east as far as Bagley, north as far as Warren, and south as far as Halstad, but places no restrictions on a sales route that extends across multiple counties. One of the many qualities that sets Crookston Welding Napa Auto Parts apart from others is its specialization in agriculture. This is considered their demanding season, as farmers are in full force and are their largest customers, accounting for about 85%. Spray parts are currently flying off the shelves, but will then shift to other machinery parts as crops grow and are harvested. Rentals have expanded to include skid-steer and Bobcat attachments, walk-behind rototillers, sod cutters, aerial lifts, enclosed trailers, car trailers, box vans, and scissor lifts, to name a few. They also continue to be a UPS and Spee-Dee drop-off location, which brings in several customers a day.
The motor shop and welding shop services are still offered and will officially move to the new 29,000-square-foot space in the fall. The move offers more efficient flow, expansion, and allows more space for new auto products and service lines. They partner with Milwaukee Tools, which allows them to offer unique trade-in deals. They will have a more formal grand opening celebration in July.
Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
If you would like an ambassador visit or would like to join the Crookston Ambassador Team, call or text Carrie Bergquist at 218-289-1823.
(Crookston Economic Development Authority), Michelle Christopherson (University of
Minnesota Crookston), Randy, Carter, Mike, and Shawn Nelson, Tracy Kuchan (LeBlanc
Realty), Amy Magsam (Altru Clinic), Lindsey Erdman (Benedictine Living Community
Crookston), Kristy Morris Leas (Old National Bank), and Perry Larson of Larson Farms.
Carrie Bergquist (American Crystal Sugar-EGF) is not pictured.
