LITTLE CURRENT–Dan and Sue Collins purchased some land on Manitoulin Island 14 years ago, with a plan to retire here. They sold their successful auto parts store in Huntsville and made the move to Manitoulin. Some people just aren’t meant to retire, and Mr. Collins is one of them. Six weeks ago, the Collins opened Auto Parts North in Little Current.
The Collins operated their store in Huntsville for almost 40 years before it was sold to Maslack Supply. “We took a year or so after that to decide what we were going to do,” said Ms. Collins. “Dan was bored, so we decided to open up a new auto parts store here on Manitoulin. He enjoyed running the store in Huntsville so much.”
When you enter the store you may be greeted by Sarge, the Collins’ golden retriever and you’ll probably see Fred Ballantine behind the counter. Mr. Ballantine is the store’s key employee. He worked for the Collins at their Huntsville store. He was a carpenter prior to that but was injured on the job. Mr. Ballantine relocated to the Island soon after the Collins retired here and was a natural fit when they needed to hire someone for the new store.
The Collins first purchased the building across the road from their current location, with the idea of renovating it into a parts store. They were tearing it apart but decided to set it up as apartments again when their current location, in the former Luc’s Pizza and Eatery at the corner of Highway 6 and Vankoughnet Road, became available.
Renovations are ongoing; the drive-thru window needs to be removed and a new sign is on the way. “We’ll pretty it up a bit,” said Mr. Collins. “It’ll take some time to get ourselves settled.” He’s not worried. “We knew it would take time anyway.”
There will be a grand opening at a later date, likely in the fall. Locals are discovering the new store and they are starting to see some repeat customers, explained Mr. Collins. “We’re starting to build our own clientele.” It’s a good mix of individuals and garages. They have been visiting local garages to introduce themselves and build awareness.
While traditional auto parts are their primary product, Auto Parts North can also supply parts for the RV and travel trailer market as well as ATVs, snowmobiles and boats. “We’re boaters from way back so we do know that industry,” said Ms. Collins. “We’re selling a lot of lawn mower parts,” added Mr. Collins.
Auto Parts North is a member of Modern Sales Group, which is 100 percent Canadian owned. “It’s actually a co-op,” Mr. Collins explained. “So we own a piece of it.” They are affiliated with other buying groups also but Modern Sales is their main supplier. Modern Sales describes itself as a Canadian cooperative with over 300 member locations and more than 70 years of experience. Their focus is on financial responsibility and building long-term relationships with members. They maintain four large warehouses across the country.
“Manitoulin is such a pretty area,” said Ms. Collins. “Last night we watched two bald eagles, a male and a female, along the shoreline.”
The Collins are happy with their move to Manitoulin, even with their retirement plans on hold for the time being.
