06/23/2026
The Crookston Ambassador Team met to honor and celebrate a longtime pilar of the community, Crookston Welding & Machine Co., DBA Napa Auto Parts. Not only has Crookston Welding Napa Auto Parts been in the community for several years but so has Randy Ness. Sixty years ago, the healthy business started out as Crookston Welding and Machine Co., owned by Larry Altringer. Twenty years later came the grand opening with addition of Napa Auto Parts and when Randy Ness began his long and successful career. The business stayed in the family and is now owned by Mike and Jenny (Altringer) Nelson and continues to thrive. Mike and Jenny’s sons also contribute to the success; Shawn Nelson is the Sales Manager, and Carter Nelson is the Parts Manager. Together, the family and their supporting staff of thirteen have entered a new era in advancing new avenues in rentals, various parts, and further service areas, all while sustaining their top-notch relationships with their local customers and beyond. The locally owned team fights for quality leading brands first. The Napa Auto Parts name is strong as is the family running it. In addition, they are major contributors to the community.
Shawn jumped right in capturing the attention of not only the ambassadors, but customers walking in. He defined their geographic region as east as far as Bagley, north as far as Warren, and south down to Halstad, but hold no restrictions with a sales route that expands multiple counties. One of the many qualities that sets Crookston Welding Napa Auto Parts apart from others is that it specializes in agriculture. This is considered their demanding season as farmers are in full force and they are their largest customers, clocking in at about 85%. Spray parts are currently flying off the shelves but then will shift into other machinery parts as the crops grow and are harvested. Rentals have expanded to skid steer and bobcat attachments, walk behind rototillers, sod cutters, arial lifts, enclosed trailers, car trailers, box vans, and scissor lifts to name a few. They also continue to be a UPS and Spee-Dee drop-off location which brings in several customers a day.
The motor shop and welding shop services are still offered and will officially move to the new 29,000 square foot space in the fall. The move offers more efficient flow, expansion and allows more space for new auto products and service lines. They partner with Milwaukee Tools, which allows them to offer unique trade in deals. They will have a more formal grand opening celebration in July.
Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Here to celebrate are:
Bobbie Torkelson (H&R Block), Randy Schoenborn (RiverView Health), Taylor Wyum (Crookston Economic Development Authority), Michelle Christopherson (University of Minnesota Crookston), Randy, Carter, Mike, and Shawn Nelson, Tracy Kuchan (LeBlanc Realty), Amy Magsam (Altru Clinic), Lindsey Erdman (Benedictine Living Community Crookston), Kristy Morris Leas (Old National Bank), Perry Larson of Larson Farms and Carrie Bergquist (American Crystal Sugar-EGF) not pictured.
If you would like an ambassador visit or would like to join the Crookston Ambassador Team, call, or text Carrie Bergquist at 218-289-1823.