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Now that we're in the midst of the summer heat, winter activities are the last thing on most of our minds. But to those who operate and care for ski and utility areas in the winter months, now is most likely a good time to take care of plans for next season, particularly if new equipment is needed.
Fortunately companies like Peterson Equipment think about winter all year long. The Logan-based company provides all kinds of winter equipment throughout the intermountain region. They offer Pisten Bully snowcats for ski areas as well as smaller vehicles, which are perfect for utility companies required to check the condition of power poles or utility lines in inclement weather. The company also works with private customers, such as cabin owners who depend the equipment to reach their remote cabin in the wintertime.
Company owner and president Bill Grewe tells me father-son duo Bud and Don Peterson founded the company in 1962. Peterson Equipment was the original dealer of Thiokol, DMC and LMC products until 1998 when LMC went out of business. At that time, Peterson Equipment became a Kasbohrer distributor for five western states: Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota. Bill started working for the Petersons in 1977 but took a leave of absence from 1985 until 1994 when he returned as the general manager. In 2004, Bill and his wife, Patty, purchased the company from Don Peterson.
In addition to Pisten Bully snowcat sales, Peterson Equipment provides extensive service and sales for all snowcat machines. The company has nine employees including Bill's son, who is the general manager. Over the years, Bill says the company has done its best to adapt to the needs of its customers such as customizing vehicles upon request.
Bill developed a seven-year growth pattern for the company that includes applications for tracked vehicle access to backcountry areas during the winter months, which he anticipates will continue to increase. Peterson Equipment is a niche company completely dictated by Mother Nature, but Bill feels the company's future is bright.
For Zions Bank, I'm Rob Brough. I'm speaking on business.
