After 15 years owning and operating a towing business in Worthington, Mark Nelson has switched gears a little bit.
He's still the owner of the towing company, although his son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Diana, have taken over the day-to-day operations, but these days, it's his new venture into the rental business that has Nelson and his wife, Lori, on their toes.
The Nelsons purchased Tri-State Rental Center, 1474 N. Humiston Ave., in Worthington in late January from Hal Davenport, and have plans to continue growing the business.
The business still rents out a large assortment of items -- everything from power tools and lawn and garden equipment to work platform lifts and party supplies such as tents, tables and chairs. Carpet shampooers, floor sanders, generators, sump pumps, fans, PA systems and even roasters and coffee pots can be rented by the hour, day, week or even month. Items can be reserved by calling the business at 372-7669.
"Most of our business is contractor (supply) rentals and for homeowners," said Mark. "All (people) have to do is call and ask if we have it or not."
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"We have a large building filled with inventory and a clean, friendly environment," added Lori.
In addition to rental, the business also features a large supply of retail items, including Milwaukee and Bosch power tools, contractor tools, fasteners and carpet cleaners.
"We've just now taken on eXmark commercial lawn equipment," said Mark, who also services what he sells. "I'm going to expand however I can."
"Whatever we find a need for," added Lori.
The Nelsons retained all three employees at Tri-State Rental Center when they took over the business on Jan. 28.
"The main thing is we're here -- we're not going to change a good thing," Mark said. "We're just going to add and keep growing."
While the Nelsons are still settling in, Mark said he's learning new things every day about the business and is excited about the potential.
"There was lots of tools I always wanted, and now I have them," he said with a grin.
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Mark Nelson is a native of Slayton. He worked for a John Deere dealership in Slayton while in high school, working his way up to service manager. During the farm crisis of the 1980s, he was laid off and eventually found a job with the towing company in Worthington. He worked there for eight years before buying the business and renaming it Mark's Towing.
Many of the rental items available at Tri-State Rental are listed on the business' Web site, www.tristaterentalcenter.com .
The business is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
