BONNERS FERRY — Representatives from Standard Motor products, Wix filters and Dayco joined Spokane Federated Autoparts warehouse employees at the grand opening of Grayson Auto parts at 510007 Highway 95 on the three-mile bench June 27.

“We love to get out and do this,” said warehouse VP Paul Agather, who was cooking burgers in a puff-paint emblazoned apron.

“Federated is an old-school family affair,” said warehouse inventory manager Brian Boomer, who was hanging out behind the Grayson counter for the day. “We’re an employee-owned company, and we’re big enough to be part of a buying group that gets the same discounts as other auto parts corporations, but we have more control. We’re not scared to stock three lines of alternators.”

Despite steel-grey skies and spats of rain, tables were full of customers enjoying the free fare.

“They help the little guys,” said one customer.

Grayson owner Levi Falck runs a repair shop and towing service along with the parts store.

A local, Falck has lived his life in Boundary County except for a six-year stint in the military. He wrote service for Pep Boys in North Carolina before returning home. Pep Boys locations have parts stores attached to the repair shop, which makes it easy to get in and out fast, Falck says.

Falck took over the parts store in March when he bought out the former owners.

Falck has 20 years experience in the repair business, and his employees have a wealth of knowledge as well. Ross Dally has been in the parts business for years, and manages the parts counter for Falck.

“I wasn’t interested in the parts store without him,” Falck says.

Grayson offers a full-scale auto parts and service location and works on RV’s and big trucks, AC service and even minor repairs to semis.

“We have a lot of expertise,” said Falck. “There’s nothing we can’t do here.”