By Lisa Carolin
(Chelsea Update is running a series on businesses in Chelsea beginning with those that belong to the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce. This week’s focus is the Parts Peddler Auto Supply. )
Parts Peddler Auto Supply sells auto, truck, tractor, snowmobile and RV parts as well as making hydraulic hoses.
“We pride ourselves on being able to help our customers find what they need when they need it,” said Mark Lesser, who owns the store with his wife, Cindy. “Changing your windshield wipers, reading codes that have come up on your vehicle, or just changing a fuse-we are able to help our customers and are happy to do it.”
Parts Peddler Auto Supply sells parts to dealerships in the areas as well as to retail customers and independent garages. The business opened in 1960, and the Lessers purchased it from Jeff and Karen Layher in 2011.
It’s located at 1414 S. Main Street.
“Being in a small city is nice because you know a good portion of the customers that come in on a regular basis and you feel like they are members of your family,” said Mark Lesser, who worked at the store after college in the early to mid-1980s and also worked as the parts manager at Lloyd Bridges Traveland for more than 14 years.
“It’s not unusual to come in on any given day and find some of the city’s retirees, farmers, or Chelsea residents hanging out at the counter, just catching up on what’s happening in and around town,” he said.
Both Lessers were born and raised in Chelsea and are Chelsea High School graduates.
“Supporting local businesses has always been important to us, even before we purchased the business,” said Mark Lesser. “Supporting those that you are neighbors with is very important to insure everyone’s success and to ensure the city can continue to flourish and be a destination for others to visit.”
