OCTOBER 2021

COVER STORY- The Power Shop Grows Through The Pandemic –

FORDS PRAIRIE, Washington – Family owned and operated, The Power Shop is a long-established business that continues to adapt to the new “normal” of operating a business under pandemic conditions as the store brand is promoted as a key member of the community and a business that provides premium lawn and garden equipment solutions.

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The Power Shop

FORDS PRAIRIE, Washington – Family owned and operated, The Power Shop is a long-established business that continues to adapt to the new “normal” of operating a business under pandemic conditions as the store brand is promoted as a key member of the community and a business that provides premium lawn and garden equipment solutions.

Located on the north end of the adjacent towns of Chehalis and Centralia along the fast-growing I-5 corridor less than 30 minutes south of the greater Olympia area, The Power Shop has a good mix of residential lot and rural landowner business requiring a wide range of premium equipment.

The business dates back 65 years to its founding. Cedric and Diane Pruitt are the latest owners, since 2005. After years in the construction business and running a gas station in Edmond, Washington, the Pruitts were looking for a change and a new business opportunity.

Article by Dan Shell, Senior Editor, Power Equipment Trade

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