A Brief History of Paulson's
In 1906 Annen Paulsen of Flottorp Norway gathered up his available cash and sent his 2 sons Tom and Bert Paulson to America in the hopes of a better life, Tom and Bert made the journey by ship to Ellis Island. While being processed the
clerk at Ellis Island misspelled their last name as Paulson instead of Paulsen. The Brothers, knowing very little English didn't say anything and the spelling stuck. The brothers settled in Tacoma WA and opened a bicycle and motorized
bicycle repair shop and quickly became Washington's first Thor Motorcycle dealer. Bert and Tom eventually split the business, Bert took the Jewelry side 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 History
Bob Paulson (Cliff's Son-Grandson of Bert)
Mark Paulson (Great Grandson of Bert)
Chris Paulson (Great Grandson of Bert)
Greg Paulson (Great Grandson of Bert)
Paulson's stopped selling motorcycles for a time during and shortly after WW I 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 bees. Art retired in the 70's and lived in Tacoma into the 90's until he passed away.
Bert retired in the 50'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 Chris Paulson (5th. Generation). Paulson's is currently a dealer for Kawasaki, All BRP products (Sea-Doo, Can-Am® & Spyder), CFMoto and KYMCO.
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.
