Paulson’s Motorsports has been selling a slew of power sports equipment to Thurston County thrill-seekers for nearly four decades – from motorcycles to watercraft, ATVs to RUVs. Paulson’s showroom is chock full of quality new and used motor sports products and accessories.
But Paulson’s history goes all the way back to 1906, when two Norwegian brothers, Tom and Bert Paulson, moved to Tacoma and opened a business selling and repairing jewelry and bicycles. In 1911, they began selling motorcycles.
Over the years and with the help of three generations of Paulsons, the family business has expanded, divided into different stores, and continued to succeed. The Lacey store, owned and operated by Bob Paulson (grandson of Bert), opened in 1974.
“We started off selling appliances, televisions, audio equipment, and motorcycles,” says Bob. The shop has exclusively sold motorcycles and power sports products for more than 20 year.
“It’s fun, because people enjoy using the products we sell,” says Bob.
General manager Kari Larson has been with Paulson’s for a decade. “I was told that there was a position available and I came in and talked to Bob and he hired me on the spot,” she says.
Kari started in the office doing paperwork and now, she says with a laugh, she does everything. “I help out in parts, I do all the financing, and also do all the back-end, inventory, and month-end reports.”
The store employs 10, with a parts department, service department, sales staff, and office staff. There are also assembly technicians and lot attendants.
Michael Scornaienchi has been with the store since 2007. Serving as the Sales Manager, Scornaienchi is also an avid motocross racer. “It’s wonderful to work for a family-run business and to be able to sell what I’m passionate about,” says Scornaienchi.
Scornaienchi knows this business. He raced watercraft professionally for 18 years. “Once a racer, always a racer,” he says with a laugh when recounting how the void of racing turned him to motocross. He was picked up by Team Green in 2010 and now serves as the team manager for the junior racing team.
The parking lot is lined with gleaming new and used units, while inside are new Kawasaki products.
“We are a Kawasaki- and Kymco-only dealership,” says Kari. “We downsized due to the economy and that has worked our really well for us.” Paulson’s is a full-service shop and works on most brands, but for warranty jobs, they deal exclusively with Kawasaki and Kymco.
“We sell motorcycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, watercraft, and Kawasaki’s side-by-sides, which are the Teryx’s and Mules,” says Kari. “We also sell lots of used motorcycles and ATVs.”
Paulson’s customers range from young guys who want the newest dirt bike or street bike to older couples whose families have all grown and they want to purchase a side-by-side to venture out together. “The kids have left and now they want to have a little fun,” Kari says.
Families often come in looking to buy watercraft or ATVs that everyone can enjoy. “A lot of families like the watercraft so they can go out and play in the water together, or ATVing so they can go as a family,” says Kari.
Bob has always ridden motorcycles, though he admits he was more of a snowmobile and watercraft enthusiast.
Even after all these years, Bob continues to enjoy the family business. “It’s interesting everyday. It’s not just a 9 to 5 business. It always has its challenges and rewards.”
Kari and Bob both stress the importance of customer satisfaction at Paulson’s. “We always stand behind everything we sell,” says Bob. “You don’t just buy it and run off and we never talk to you again. We try to make sure everyone enjoys what they buy.”
“We’re family-owned and very friendly,” Kari says, agreeing. “We’re very honest and when we tell you a specific price, you’re going to get that deal.”
She says everyone who works at Paulson’s loves their job, which is reflected in the experience customers have while shopping there.
And everyone at Paulson’s knows that customers – now more than ever – have lots of options when choosing a power sports equipment dealership. They strive to give customers the best price and excellent service.
“We make it fun to buy toys – so you can go have fun,” Kari says with a laugh.
Paulson’s Motorsports
4402 6th Avenue SE
Lacey WA 98503
360.456.8444
888.901.1999
