Area repair shop to mark 30 years of service

— Angie Steffen

Laurel Advocate

LAUREL — A business doesn’t last long without community support.

TJ’s Repair in Laurel has appreciated three decades’ worth of incredible customers who have turned into friends over the years.

Todd “TJ” Nelson and his wife, Roxy, are the owner/operators of the auto and ag repair business, located four miles north and 2 1/2 miles east of Laurel. 

Todd and Roxy grew up in the area - Todd in Concord and Roxy in Laurel with both graduating from Laurel-Concord School. 

Todd attended Northeast Community College, graduating in 1982 from the diesel mechanic program. Roxy graduated as a physical education teacher from Wayne State College in 1985.

The couple tied the knot in 1983 and have four children: Eric, Philip, Travis and Mandy.

Roxy helps in keeping the books for the business while Todd gets his hands dirty.

Before starting the business, Nelson worked at Hansen Repair. 

“When I got out of high school, my dad was a mechanic and I thought I would try this for awhile,’’ Nelson said.

That “awhile” turned into 30 good years with people patronizing the business due to Todd’s honesty and hard work, he said. In his spare time, Todd farms.

The business’ amazing community support was on full display when a tornado struck in 2014.

There were about 50 to 60 people there the first day and continued to help out for days afterward.

“One of our neighbors, Lathan Detlefsen, owner of Detlefsen Construction, helped us out by letting us use his shop to keep our business running,’’ Nelson said. “Laurel is a great farming community. We have appreciated the community support for 30 years.’’