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Hoot’s Sports adds outlet in Ottertail [UPDATED]
Published 8:21am Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Updated 11:22am Tuesday, May 1, 2012When a new business moves into an area the entrepreneurs look to enhance and strengthen a community while offering something that the town does not have and has expressed a need for.
That was Mike Parta and Jim Arno’s intentions when they decided to open up an off-site location of Hoot’s Sports in Ottertail April 2.
The store, located on Highway 78 near Ottertail Oasis and Ottertail Area Medical Clinic, offers a convenient stop for lake owners and boasts a showroom and repair and maintenance area.
Parta and Arno opened Hoots Sports more than eight years ago, and now has stores in Perham and Alexandria. The company offers boats, pontoons, docks and lifts, water accessories, Yamaha ATVs and repairs.
Both locations offer large show rooms with more than 30 boats and pontoons.
“We originally started as a way to offer Lund boats to both cities as the previous boat dealers left the area,” Parta remarked.
The Ottertail location will primarily specialize in docks and lifts including the Beach King brand.
The new site will also offer a drop off service for repairs or maintenance on watercrafts and include batteries, weed rollers, tubes and other accessories.
“We felt confident about opening the location due to the fact that we already had a few orders before we even opened,” Arno said. “Several people expressed that this was a need in their community and we are glad to fill that position.”
On top of their excellent customer service, Hoot’s looks to offer weekend boat shows and fishing seminars.
“Our motto is ‘we speak walleye best’,” said Parta. “Our representatives are well versed in fishing and will be able to help you best outfit your boat.”
There isn’t anymore expansion planned for the business but Arno says you can never rule out the opportunity.
The community has also been very appreciative as several other businesses have brought flowers, cookies and other gifts to welcome their new neighbors.
Arno stated this is what separates Hoot’s Sports from other businesses. “Once we come into the community we are going to be active in the community. You will see us at school functions, town events and on the lake.”
