Our Story
A Family Legacy Since 1895
In 1895, Annen Paulsen of Flottorp, Norway, sent his two sons, Tom and Bert, to America in search of a better life. When they arrived at Ellis Island, a clerk misspelled their last name as Paulson, and it stuck.
The brothers settled in Tacoma, Washington, and in 1906, they opened a bicycle and motorized bicycle repair shop that soon became Washington’s first Thor Motorcycle dealership. From those early days, Paulson’s built a reputation for craftsmanship, integrity, and community spirit.
Growing with the Times
Over the years, Tom and Bert expanded into new industries. Bert transitioned the business from jewelry and bicycles into appliances, televisions, and furniture, while Tom entered the automotive world.
Bert’s sons, Cliff and Art, later joined the company, with Cliff managing the appliance and TV business and Art overseeing jewelry.
Under Cliff’s leadership, Paulson’s became one of the nation’s top Magnavox dealers, known for fair prices and trusted service across generations.
Back to Our Roots
In the late 1960s, Cliff’s sons Jerry and Mel rekindled the family’s motorcycle passion. Paulson’s began selling brands like Suzuki, Norton, BSA, Bultaco, Kawasaki, and more, cementing its place in the powersports world.
Racing soon became part of the Paulson DNA. Mel Paulson was a national-level trials rider, while his son Todd became a top local motocross racer. Around the same time, Chris Paulson made his mark in the early days of Jet Ski racing and later earned national recognition for promoting and organizing professional Jet Ski events.
Expanding and Refocusing
By the 1980s, Paulson’s operated five stores across the Puget Sound area, each managed by one of Cliff’s sons. As large appliance and electronics retailers began to dominate the market, the family refocused on their passion for motorcycles and powersports.
The Lacey location became Paulson’s headquarters, specializing exclusively in motorcycles, Jet Skis, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Over the years, Paulson’s has earned many top sales awards from the various brands it represents, recognition that reflects the company’s enduring commitment to customer satisfaction and excellence in service.
Paulson’s Today
Today, Paulson’s is owned by Chris and Candie Paulson, representing the fifth generation of family leadership. Their son-in-law, Mark Will, serves as General Manager, and their daughters, Brooke Will and Jade Paulson, are also actively involved in the dealership, making it a true family business that continues to honor the Paulson legacy.
Paulson’s is currently an authorized dealer for Kawasaki, Can-Am®, Sea-Doo, CFMoto, Kayo, and KYMCO, offering customers the latest in powersports innovation backed by honest service, experience, and family pride.
Our Promise
At Paulson’s, we know you have choices. That is why we are dedicated to offering the best price, outstanding service, and a square, honest deal; values that have defined us for more than a century.
We were here for your parents and grandparents, and we will be here for your children, grandchildren, and generations to come.