The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Joel Moore, 42, and wife Pamela are the new owners of Larry’s Auto and Marine, next to the Shell station on State Route 4.

The Moores take final possession of the auto parts store this Friday after six months of learning the business from previous owners Penny and Larry Bonds.

“The training period was a part of our sales contract,” Moore said, “ and the Bonds said they’d stay for six months while I learned the business.”

Moore said he’s a little overwhelmed by all the change in his life.

“I also recently married Pamela Anderson,” said Moore, “and she’s also my partner in the store."

A Wahkiakum native, before Joel bought Larry’s Auto he managed Art’s Electric in Longview for several years. He said Larry’s Auto will remain pretty much the same, but there are a few things that will change.

“I’ve worked in the marine industry, too, and that’s where a lot of my background is,” said Moore, “so I’m going to do bit more with that, too.”

He also said he wants to keep his connection with his NAPA auto parts supplier and keep the company on board.

Joel said he’s known Penny and Larry Bonds for years, but not in a business sense. He said a couple years back he’d asked Larry if he was interested in selling the automotive center.

“A couple of years ago I kind of asked him about selling but he wasn’t quite ready then,” said Moore.

Joel said Larry’s Auto still really wasn’t for sale when he bought it. It hadn’t been advertised, and he seems to have caught Larry at just the right time.

“I just walked up to his door and said, “Hey I’m interested.” Joel said it took awhile to convince Larry he could run the place. “I think it worked out good for everyone,” said Moore.

Joel said the fact that he grew up in Wahkiakum should give the community a sense of comfort because things at the garage will remain pretty much the same.

“Ron Horman is retiring also, but the rest of the employees will remain, and we will still have next day service delivery on parts not in stock,” said Moore.

Moore said his prices will remain competitive with other auto parts suppliers in the region.

“I think the economy is turning around, at least I see the numbers picking up here a little bit,” he said.

Moore said that DeB

riae Logging has gone back to work and their business seems to be picking up as well,

“So that helps and it all trickles down, so I think it’ll all work out,” he said.