It is a changing of the guard for Detroit Paint and Glass.
After 26 years of installing glass and helping customers with their glass, paint and flooring needs, Paul Bakken said he was looking for a new challenge.
Bakken purchased the local paint and glass store from Matt Brenk and Becky Mickelson. The brother and sister duo have owned Detroit Paint and Glass since 1987.
"I've worked here for 26 years," Bakken stated. "I plan to concentrate on the glass, paint and flooring, as well as increase our window treatment offerings."
Currently Detroit Paint and Glass carries Kirsch blinds and will be adding Hunter Douglas and Levelor, he continued.
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"After we moved into our new building last spring, we really have streamlined the operation. The store can really be run by three people now, and I wanted to pursue other interests," added Brenk.
Situated next to Lakes Country Bakery, Detroit Paint and Glass moved to their new location in March of 2006, taking the "best of the best" in regards to their core business of paint, wallpaper, window coverings, flooring and glass with them, said Mickelson.
"When we moved, we tweaked our wallpaper and flooring departments during the move," added Mickelson.
Additionally, as a result of their move, the Benjamin Moore Paint supplier was able to relocate their paint chip display closer to the front of the store.
"It is really important to match up paint in natural light, so the move provided a great opportunity for us to display the color chips near a window," explained Mickelson.
Brenk and Mickelson will stay on at the paint and glass shop. Mickelson full time, and Brenk will move to part time.
Brenk, who is also a local hockey coach and a member of the Detroit Lakes City Council, remarked, going forward, he would like to spend more time on his coaching.
"It just makes sense for me to go part time. When it is busy in the spring and summer, I will be able to help out at the shop full time, and in the fall and winter, when it slows down, I will be able to reduce my hours and spend more time coaching."
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Bakken's wife, Char works at SJE Rhombus full time and will help out at Detroit Paint and Glass when possible.
With products such as Benjamin Moore Paint, Norseman Carpet and Congoleum vinyl flooring products, Detroit Paint and Glass has been helping people fill their homes with quality name brand products locally for more than 25 years.
"We do a lot of specialty glass business and are the only Benjamin Moore paint dealer in the area," commented Brenk. "Our ownership transition will be a smooth and seamless one. Our goal is to continue to offer quality products and provide the same level of attentive customer service."
The sale of Detroit Paint and Glass was finalized on April 1.
