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"I'd like to continue with Dick's good reputation," said Clawson. "If customers are willing to drive all the way from Sauk Centre to get good service, I'll work long hours to get the job done."

Originally from St. James, Clawson began working on electric motors almost immediately after graduating from high school in 1984. He learned the trade on the job while working with his step-father at a company with branches in Rochester and Albert Lea. Within three years, Clawson was head mechanic at one branch.

Rob and Sally Clawson recently purchased the Electric Motor Center in the Industrial Park from Rich Olmscheid. The couple has lived in Paynesville since 1997.

In 1991, he took a three-year hiatus from that company to work at his step-father's shop in Litchfield, where he met and married Sally. In 1997, the family was living in Rochester when Olmscheid offered him a position. They relocated here in July of that year, and Rob started working at the Electric Motor Center.

Clawson said that working with Olmscheid helped him to get to know area farmers. Previously, he didn't have much interaction with the public at work, toiling mainly in the back of the shop. "The big thing I noticed is how much Dick knows the customers," said Clawson.

Excited to have their own business, the Clawsons are both working hard: Rob in the shop in back and Sally in front mastering the computer.

Eventually, the couple would like to become more involved in the community. In the past, Rob has coached T-ball, and Sally has coached soccer. The couple has two daughters.