Although Brad Thompson of Grand Marais, owner of Thompson Performance, is heartbroken at the thought of getting rid of the many “antique” vehicles parked on his property on the outskirts of Grand Marais, he should be heartened by the strong support he has received from family, friends, neighbors— and competitors—as he seeks re-zoning of his property.
Many of Brad’s friends— I am one of them—spoke or wrote letters in favor of the rezoning. We would like to see the rezoning so he can continue to operate his small engine repair business. We want him to be able to fix snowmobiles, tractors, lawn mowers and roto-tillers. We want him to continue to sell dirt bike and ATV gear and accessories—including his helmet exchange offer, which lets parents buy a helmet for their child and bring it back to trade for a larger size as their child grows, a possibly lifesaving program.
Even his business competitors support the rezoning, which was nice to see. Once again our community came together to help a friend in need. Instead of acting in their own self-interest, working to remove a rival, the owners of the other two engine repair businesses in Grand Marais advocated for the rezoning that would keep Brad Thompson in business.
Craig Horak of Tire & Auto Lodge said although he is a direct competitor, he and Brad have a lot of “back and forth” dealings. He said the businesses support each other.
Gene Lashinski and Jason Lashinski of Grand Marais Motors both told the planning commission that Grand Marais needs all of its businesses. As nearby property owners, they voiced support for Brad’s business as well. Jason summed up the feeling of many in the crowded commissioner’s room when he said the sight of Brad’s cluttered yard didn’t bother him out his window.
However, zoning laws set a limit to the number of inoperable vehicles that can be stored on a piece of property. Brad’s “approximately 25” is about 20 too many. Even Brad’s lifelong friend, Tom Bernier, acknowledged that the vehicles that he and Brad had “wrecked, rebuilt, and wrecked again” need to be hauled away.
The planning commission recommended giving Brad until the end of November to get rid of his collection of clunkers. It won’t be an easy task, especially since he has an emotional attachment to so many of the vehicles. Each has a history of its own. It won’t happen overnight. However, Brad agreed to get rid of them so he can stay in business and make a living. He’ll get rid of his cars so he can keep offering his services to the community. As he said, “Thecars gotta go.”
And although it may not feel that way to Brad right now, that will be okay—just as long as his business stays.
The automobile engine will come, and then I will consider my life’s work complete.
Rudolf Diesel
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