A brief history of Paulson’s

In 1906 two brothers just in from Norway, Tom and Bert Paulson, opened their first store on 11 Th. and K street in Tacoma Washington. They started business selling and repairing jewelry and bicycles. In 1911 they started selling Thor motorcycles. Bert and Tom split the business, Bert made the transition into appliances, televisions (when they came out) and furniture, while Tom went into the car business. Cliff and Art Paulson (Bert’s sons) joined the team when they were old enough, Cliff eventually took over the appliance TV business and Art took over the jewelry business. Through the years Paulson’s has sold many different kinds of merchandise including appliances, furniture, carpeting, electronics, hot tubs, cars, satellite systems, and of course motorcycles.

Paulson’s stopped selling motorcycles during WW II because many of the remaining motorcycle factories started making products to fight with in the war. Tom retired in the 70’s and lived for another 16 years tending to his farm and Bee’s. Art retired in the 70’s and lived in Tacoma into the 90’s until he passed away.

Bert retired in the 40’s passing on the company to his son Cliff. Cliff Paulson took the reigns and grew the company into a powerhouse, becoming one of the largest Magnavox dealers in the country.

Cliff and his wife Selma had 5 sons. Jerry, Mel, Steve, Bob and Ken. Through the years the boys started working in the family business, expanding the company as they grew up. In the late 60’s the 2 older boys, Jerry and Mel thought it would be great to sell motorcycles again like their Uncle Tom did. Cliff didn’t think this would be such a great idea, but the boys finally talked him into it. In the next few years Paulson’s started selling many brands including Suzuki, Norton, Bultaco, Hodaka, BSA, Zundap, American Eagle, CZ, DKW, Rickman, Montessa and Kawasaki.

Racing became an important part of Paulson’s. Mel Paulson was a top Trials rider in the country and his son Todd was a top local Pro Motocross Racer. Both Todd and Chris Paulson began racing Jet Ski’s in the sports infancy in the late 70’s. Both were top racers winning many championships in the local arena. Chris went on to promote Jet Ski Racing in the 90’s and was recognized nationally for the quality and professionalism of his race series.

At one point in the early 80’s Paulson’s was operating 5 stores in the Puget Sound Area with each boy in charge of a store. In the 80’s and 90’s with ever increasing competition from giant appliance & TV Megastores, Paulson’s decided to close 3 of the stores and stop selling Tv’s and appliances in their Lacey store and concentrate exclusively on the Motorcycle, Jet Ski, Snowmobile and ATV business.

With the reputation for Reliable Products, Outstanding Service and a Square Honest Deal Paulson’s has grown into one of the largest Powersports dealers in the state and one of the top Suzuki dealers in the country winning the Suzuki TPC (Top Performers in the Country) Award every year since 1990.

Today Paulson’s is operated by Bob Paulson (grandson of Bert) and Greg, Chris & Mark Paulson, with Jason working summers (great grandsons) and Diane Paulson (great-great grand-daughter ). Paulson’s is currently a dealer for Suzuki, Polaris, Arctic-Cat, Bombardier/Can-Am/Ski-Doo, Kymco, and Husaberg.

At Paulson’s we know now more than ever that you have several options for dealers when you considered your purchase. We strive to always give you the best price backed up with excellent service. Paulson’s was here for your parents and grandparents, and we will be here for your children, grandchildren and probably your great grandchildren.