Tim and Donna Swenson started their retail business adventure in May of 1979 when they bought out an older gentleman's small engine business. They sold Jacobsen lawn mowers, Homelite, and Husqvarna chainsaws, pumps, and generators. New lines of lawn mowers and chainsaws were added as the business grew. They called their business Marshall Small Engine.
In 1980, the Polaris snowmobile franchise was added. In 1985, they became a Yamaha dealer. Yamaha snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycles were seen on their showroom floor. Polaris ATVs came soon after.
As their business developed and grew, it was apparent that they really had two businesses within one. So they decided to sell their small engine business and concentrate on the motorsports business. In 1986, they sold Marshall Small Engine and started Action Sports.
The marine division was added in 1988 when they acquired Yamaha outboard products. What good is an outboard without a boat? In 1990, Alumacraft boats came to be a great aluminum boat line for Action Sports. To expand our marine products we brought on Polaris personal watercraft, PortaDocks and PortaLifts, ShoreLand'r trailers, and in 1998 they were happy to add Larson boats, a fine line of fiberglass boats. Palm Beach pontoons took their place in their growing marine business in 2000.
The Ski-Doo line of snowmobiles were introduced to Action Sports in 1994. In 1999, Honda motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs rounded out their fun motorsports products. With all the varied products, Action Sports has had an abundance of clothing and accessories for their various product lines.
A new store was built near the intersection of Highway 59 and 23 in the fall of 1997 to house all the motorsport and marine products. The efficient service department and the indoor showroom space to display their beautiful inventory was a dream come true for Tim and Donna.
Then after 30 years in business, Tim and Donna Swenson decided it was time to retire and sell the business to their son Jim Swenson and his wife Teah. So on Oct. 1st, 2009 Jim and Teah bought the business from Tim and Donna.
The Swensons are very pleased with the superior lines of motorsports and marine products they handle. They feel they sell some of the finest in the recreational industry. From the first day they opened their doors back in 1979, their philosophy of doing business has not changed. They believe each customer must be treated as a friend—courteously, honestly, and with the utmost respect.
