Posted: 10/5/04
Bauers purchase Caledonia Electronics
by Jane Palen
Managing Editor
Caledonia Electronics, a Radio Shack franchise located at the corner of Main and Kingston Streets in Caledonia, has been sold by John Leahy to Matt and Sue Bauer of Caledonia.
Leahy owned the business for 16 years. He had a partner, Ralph Bean, until 1998. Although he wasnít looking to retire for another year or so, when the Bauers took an interest in purchasing the business, he decided the time was right.
Sue was most recently a sales associate with Computer Bay and also worked at the former Winnebago Software. She said owning a business had always interested her. Her plans are to expand into computer support, training, and troubleshooting for business. They will also be taking over the floor space currently occupied by the insurance office of Tom DeWitz.
ìItís exciting for me to be working in Caledonia,î said Sue. ìWeíre always looking for an adventure, and this was a good fit for us.î
She will be minding the store most of the time. John will stay on during the transition, and David Michelson, who has worked at the store for over 10 years, will stay on with the Bauers.
Matt Bauer has experience as an independent contractor doing satellite dish installations and antenna work for Caledonia Electronics.
ìItís been a good transition. Itís been nice to come into a turn-key operation,î commented Matt. ìWe want to build on what John has accomplished. Thereís room for growth and new ideas and we hope to pursue that.î
Sue added, ìWe want to carry on Johnís good business practices.î
John reports that he and his wife plan to stay in Caledonia and perhaps spend more time traveling.
The Bauers will keep the name of the store the same and are planning to have a grand opening in November.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com