The lawnmower man

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 10, 2001

More than 40 years ago, as a young teenager, Orlan Frazier began his career repairing lawn mowers.

Tuesday, April 10, 2001

More than 40 years ago, as a young teenager, Orlan Frazier began his career repairing lawn mowers.

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Frazier started working on grass trimmers under the direction and supervision of his father, when he started Frazier’s Lawn Mower and Chain Saw Repair in Albert Lea.

&uot;We used to have a bench set up with three stools,&uot; Frazier said. &uot;One for me, one for my dad and one for my twin brother Orwin.&uot;

He then spent some time working as a repairman for a Snapper dealership in California. He said he loved the job and the money was great, but he missed the friendly folks in the Midwest. So back to Albert Lea Frazier came.

Now he operates part time out of his garage, repairing lawn mowers, snowblowers and chain saws. He has collected so many mowers he had to build a shed to house several of them.

He said he stockpiles them when he can so he can sell people good quality used mowers.

&uot;I like to be honest,&uot; he said. &uot;I’ll give people a fair deal, a fair shake,&uot; he said, adding that he often tells customers when they should just go out and buy a new one if the repair isn’t worth their money.

From blade sharpening to full engine overhauls, he thinks his prices are fair. He has been able to establish many working relationships with other area businesses that enable him to keep his prices down.

&uot;I just love working on those engines,&uot; he said. &uot;I can work out there (the garage) all day and not ever get hungry, I get so into it.&uot;