By Lance Henderson

Pacific Power Batteries, a western Washington-based commercial and retail battery company with stores in Marysville, Everett, Monroe and Mount Vernon, is opening its first franchise location at 1511 Iowa St. in Bellingham in the 2,000-square-foot former Northwest Hot Springs location.

Frank Nelson, franchise owner of Pacific Power Batteries’ new Bellingham location, said he was a garbage man for the past 15 years, but he wanted a career that wasn’t as hard on his body.

“My chiropractor gave me about 10 years of being able to walk if I stayed in that job. Then I fell twice over the winter on some ice and my doctor gave me five years,” Nelson said.

Nelson said his friends encouraged him to get into the retail world because it seemed to fit his personality.

“Most of my friends were behind me pushing me into it,” Nelson said. “I love cars and I love people.”

Steve Ahmann, owner of Pacific Power Batteries’ four company locations, said Bellingham is a great location for his first franchise.

“It seems to have a mix that is similar to Everett,” Ahmann said. “It’s successful with commerce and residential. It also has an active port and the university.”

Nelson and Ahmann hope to have the store open in August.

Pacific Power Batteries carries vehicle and marine storage batteries as well batteries for laptops, cell phones, electric razors, backup alarm systems and more.

For more information, call (360) 715-2332 or visit www.pacificpowerbatteries.com.