Service plays an important part of one local business

By Ginna Young When Conrath logger Darin Duncan heard that Lake Holcombe Sales & Service on State Hwy. 29 in Holcombe, was for sale, he knew it was a good fit. Duncan talked to owner Chuck Wachsmuth and the deal was finalized July 24. Duncan, who with his wife, Melissa (a paraprofessional in the Ladysmith School District), also runs Darin Duncan Logging, LLC. “So, this is like a second business, I guess,” said Duncan. “There’s been a lot to learn,” said Mary Kostka, manager/service counter, who came on board the same time as Duncan. Kostka, who previously worked in food service, has relied on Wachsmuth to help her become familiar with the filing/computer system. “We’re doing a lot of changing and cleaning up,” agreed Duncan. The business offers a full line of Husqvarna chainsaws and lawn mowers, as well as snow blowers and weed whackers. While new equipment is on the lot and ready to go, Lake Holcombe Sales also offers repairs. “We would like to work on all brands of lawn mowers,” said Duncan. “There’s lots to do here.” In addition to Husqvarna, the business can service Kowasaki, Honda, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton engines, to name a few, as well as sharpening bars and chains for logging. They also can send chainsaws and parts anywhere by mail. Because he recognizes the need, Duncan also makes sure delivery is offered to customers. “We’ve been all the way to Radisson, once,” he said. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to noon. If someone needs to, outside of business hours, they can also drop their lawn mower off to be repaired, where they leave their name on a tag and slip it in the outside drop box. There is also a parts drop-off box. Duncan has several ideas in the works to add to the business, but for now, he just wants people to know that the repair place is under different management and ready to tackle a challenge. “We just want people to know we’re back,” said Duncan, adding that it’s important to people to have one-on-one service. “Service is so big now.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="447"] Lake Holcombe Sales & Service offers not only lawn mowers and chainsaws for sale, but also Hickory Homes, which can be rented to own or purchased from the company. Varying sizes are available for storage sheds, “she-sheds” or garages.[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="365"] Darin Duncan, owner of Lake Holcombe Sales & Service (left), has jumped into welcoming customers, along with manager Mary Kostka. Making repairs to models of lawn mowers, engines and chainsaws, is employee Josh Weggen. The business at 30578 State Hwy. 27 in Holcombe, can be reached by calling 715-595-4580.[/caption]