New business services small engines

Two friends who have serviced their own equipment for years are now bringing their small engine repair skills to the Forest Lake public.

Rod Rathburn, of Stillwater, and Mark Werlein, of Roseville, met each other years ago, when both were working in construction. As they became friends, they realized they shared the hobby of tinkering with their own tools and equipment when things weren’t working right.

“(Mark) works on everything, and he’s done that for years upon years,” Rathburn said.

Ultimately, the men had the idea of monetizing their abilities, so they began looking for a suitable location. The duo sensed a need for their services in downtown Forest Lake, and Forest Lake Small Engine was born. The shop opened Oct. 1 at 368 Lake St. South, and business has been good.

“We were looking around for somewhere that actually needed us,” Rathburn said, adding that many customers have told him they previously drove far from town to get their small engines fixed.

What, exactly, does Forest Lake Small Engine repair? Just about everything with a small motor. On a mid-November day, the business’ shop floor and shelves were crowded with snowblowers, lawn mowers, chain saws and more. Rathburn worked on a carburetor for a four-wheeler while Werlein tackled a malfunctioning engine in a little-used motorcycle. The pair said they’ll work on just about any small engine except for boat motors – and even those they hope to start taking before next summer’s aquatics season revs up.

The friends enjoy their work and spending time together, but they’re serious about customer satisfaction. They both said that Forest Lake Small Engine stands behind all of its work and will work with customers to resolve any issues that could arise. Though the business has set hours, the men plan to be flexible in their shop time, working longer hours when demand is high so they can return customer’s equipment as soon as possible. They also offer pick-up and drop-off services for larger equipment that a customer might not be able to transport on his or her own.

With winter encroaching on the area, the business is splitting time repairing and tuning up snow removal equipment and winterizing summertime tools and recreational vehicles. Werlein said that the period in which equipment is not used is the time that most serious mechanical problems can occur.

“There is a difference between maintenance and repair,” he said. “In the long run, it’s cheaper to maintain than to repair.”

In addition to boat engine work next year, the pair also wants to bring on Werlein’s son, Mark Jr., to lend his expertise on four-wheel drives, dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles. They encouraged locals to give a call or stop by with any questions. Werlein said the business’s reputation and accessibility are of the utmost importance.

“We want to be here a long time,” he said.

Forest Lake Small Engine’s fall hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 8 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Learn more by calling 651-464-7901.