ALIDA - Partners Grant Barber and Jenny Riersgard own and operate the NAPA Auto Parts Dealership in Alida.
For seven years, Barber was a journeyman mechanic who worked for the previous owners, Gordie and Jackie Doan. They purchased the business from the Doans in 1997.
NAPA Auto Parts was founded in 1925 and is a retailer’s co-operative that distributes automotive replacement parts, accessories and service items from dealerships all over North America.
Barber and Riersgard live on a section of land located 10 kilometres southeast of Alida. He has been a mechanic all of his life and thoroughly relishes the challenge of repairing all sorts of vehicles and also sells gas, diesel, and propane. He also does regular SGI safety work and repairs nearly anything mechanical including air conditioning systems. Holly Anthony and Megan Swallow are their employees. Swallow is taking her fourth year of apprenticing to become a journeyman mechanic in Moose Jaw.
Small town repair shops all over North America are steadily closing their doors but Barber and Riersgard have no thoughts of retiring. Said Barber, “Most people have a hobby, my only hobby is my work. I love meeting our customers and repairing their vehicles.”
Added Riersgard, “Even during this two year pandemic, business has been very steady and we continue to serve a large area of southeastern Saskatchewan. Many towns no longer have repair shops and the one we own here in Alida is very much needed.”
A 25-year anniversary celebration is planned for July.
