Pearsons take over building supply store

John and Debbie Pearson this week announced plans to put the Colfax lumber supply store back in operation. The supply, which is located next to Pearson Farm and Fence, has been stocked with building materials.

The Pearsons have arranged to rent the buildings from the Rima family who have a long-term lease on the property.

Don and Sharon Judd, operating as JJ Building Supply, closed down their business at the end of the year.

The Pearsons have been operating their farm and fence business in part of the Pacific Northwest Farmers Co-op building since 2008. Pearson formerly operated the business out of their ranch on the North Palouse River.

Pearson said they have run out of space in the PNW building and will be able to use space in the lumber supply building.

He said they don’t plan to stock paint, power tools and other items which are available at other stores in Colfax.

“We still want to make Colfax a one-stop shopping center for builders and others, but they might have to stop at two or three places,” Pearson explained.

Bobbie Davis, who managed the store for JJ, will return to manage the building supply part of the operation.

Pearson first came to this area from New Zealand in 1985 and worked as an ag trainee for the late Bert Scholz and Lois Scholz who now resides in Colfax.

He and Debbie were married in 1987, and they decided to return to the Palouse country in 1988 and raise their family here.