Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

From power equipment to grills and spas, outdoor chores or leisure, Dave Nelson of Nelson’s Power House has made it his business to be the local one-stop shop for virtually any outdoor need.
“We saw a need in Merrill for a dedicated outdoor power equipment sales and service center,” Nelson explains of his decision to establish the business in June of 2009, at 123 S. Genesee St.

From the first day his showroom opened, Nelson has targeted sales and service of American-made products, beginning with Bloomington, Minn.-based Toro™ lawn mowers and snow blowers, then soon expanding into a full line of Husqvarna™ products.

Along with Husqvarna’s full line of outdoor power equipment is the innovative “automower.” Nelson happens to be the only automower dealer north of Madison.

“They are pretty amazing machines,” Nelson adds with a smile as he plays a demonstration video in his showroom. “They literally mow lawn on their own. You can leave the house for a couple hours or go on vacation for a week. When you get home, your lawn will be mowed.”

If you find such a creation hard to believe, Nelson will be more than happy to prove it when he showcases the machines with demonstrations at the Lincoln County Fair at the end of the month.

In 2011, Nelson expanded his product line once again by on-boarding with Brillion, Wis.-based Ariens Company and their trusted line of zero-turn mowers and commercial cutting equipment. Gravely is another trusted name in the industry and was purchased by Ariens in 1982.

Since then, Nelson’s has become a factory authorized sales and service center for over 20 models of snowblowers, 29 models of zero-turn mowers, 10 models of rider mowers and 30 models of chainsaws from reputable brands including Virginia Beach, VA-based Stihl™, Pennsylvania-based Mantis™ and Wauwatosa, Wisconsin’s own Briggs and Stratton™ line of small engines.

Being a full-service location is a concept Dave Nelson takes a great deal of pride in.

“When a customer makes a purchase with us, we assure they are set up and ready to get to work from the minute they leave our showroom. We provide all warranty work and give priority to those who have purchased from us.”

Last fall, Nelson saw and took advantage of an opportunity to complement his already strong outdoor power equipment venture, by delving into the realm of outdoor leisure equipment and accessories.
“If we happen to have a dry summer or warm winter, we tend to not see as much sales or service calls for power equipment,” he explains. “I saw an opportunity to diversify by offering a product line of grills and it has proven to be pretty successful for us.”

Primo™ grills was Nelson’s first choice in pursuing his new venture.

Built in Tucker, Georgia, Primo grills are the only American made product line of ceramic grills.

Just as he did with his outdoor power equipment endeavor, Nelson wasted no time in capitalizing on his newfound success in outdoor leisure. From becoming a Jack Daniels™Elite dealer – offering a full line of grills, carts, accessories and seasonings – to taking on Smokin’ Brothers™, Portable Kitchens™ and Arctic Spas ™ products, Nelson’s Powerhouse seemingly knows no boundaries.

Manufactured in Cape Girardeau, Mo., Smokin’ Brothers pellet grills offer a unique option to the outdoor grilling experience.

“Most pellet grills are a mix of cheap wood mixed with quality wood, but Smokin’ Brothers pellets are much different. They offer five types of pellets; cherry, hickory, mesquite, oak and apple. No matter which type you choose, whether it’s cherry or apple, your pellets are 100% pure. They don’t mix with the cheap stuff. By choosing pure, the customer will have a longer burn time and better overall flavor.”
Portable Kitchens grills, manufactured in Little Rock, Ark., offer another unique feature by means of their solid cast aluminum build.

This past March, Nelson’s broadened their horizons yet again by marketing Arctic Spas-brand hot tubs, WMT wind chimes and Backyard Adventures™ swing sets and play sets.

Although Nelson’s business ventures have admittedly proven successful and enjoyable, on the flip-side success had led to rather tight quarters. And on that note, the time has come for Nelson’s to broaden its physical horizons.

Later this year, Dave Nelson hopes to be settling into his new 7,500-square foot facility on State Street, just east of his present 1,800-square foot location.

“We have expanded so much in a short time, which is great!” he adds. “But we have now outgrown our space. I’m really looking forward to moving into the new facility. We will not only have more space, but can also provide a better service to our customers.”

While there is little doubt of Dave Nelson and the Nelson’s Power House staff taking their products, services and customer service very seriously, Nelson takes selling and servicing American made products just as seriously.

“We take a lot of pride in selling quality products made right here in the US and our customers appreciate that. Given a choice, our customers prefer American made products. Another benefit of buying American made is faster shipment and better availability of parts and supplies when we are servicing equipment. That too keeps our customers happy.

“It’s all about the American dream and the American dream is something we believe in.”