That's because Skip works with both of his parents, Floyd and Delores Nolan, and all six of his brothers and sisters: Denise, Debbie, Steve, Shawn, Sheldon and Sterling. All nine Nolans co-own French Lake Auto Parts in Annandale, Minn.

"The number-one question everyone asks us is what it's like working with the entire family," explained Skip, "but everyone has their own spot, and we try not to get in each others' way. Most people think that's our number-one challenge, but it's not. That's the least of our problems."

New Ideas Sparked

Floyd founded French Lake Auto Parts in 1956. He had no experience in the automotive industry; he simply loved cars.

"He was just sick of working for other people," Skip said, "so he decided to turn his hobby into a business."

The next generation of Nolans began joining the auto recycling company in the mid-‘70s, each bringing along new ideas for the future of the business.

"As each kid got out of school, we joined the business, and it changed into what it is today because of a little bit from each of us," Skip said.

Skip started his career at French Lake Auto Parts while he was still attending high school. Thanks to a high-school work program, he was able to leave school early every afternoon to work at the company.

"I can remember guys from back then who would bring in their young sons, and now those sons are bringing their sons," Skip said. "It seems that cars just stayed in their blood."

Cars are also in the Nolans' blood. Four of the brothers have been involved in racing, and Floyd, even after nearly 50 years in the business, has no plans to retire. He still comes to work every day.

"We've never pushed the issue," Skip explained. "He loves it here. It's his whole life. What could make a father happier than to come to work every day and see all of his kids? But my mom should get a lot of the credit, too," he continued. "Can you imagine having five boys all racing and working with cars and then having to wash all of those clothes when we were teenagers?"

Inventory Offers Variety

Today, French Lake Auto Parts sits on 100 acres of land, has about 13,000 cars in its inventory and processes 5,000 cars each year. The company is well-known for its large inventory of antique parts dating back to 1918, but French Lake stocks a large inventory of late-model parts, as well. Because one of the brothers, Shawn, frequently travels to Arizona for car races, French Lake Auto Parts is able to offer its customers many rust-free parts and rebuildables.

"When he's not racing in Arizona, he's hitting all the yards and buying stuff and shipping it back," Skip said.

Word Travels

While 60 percent of its customers are located within Minnesota, French Lake also ships nationwide and worldwide thanks to its web site, FrenchLakeAutoParts.com, and use of the Hollander inventory system.

"We really don't do a lot of advertising," Skip explained. "It's just word-of-mouth. We don't do any radio ads or Yellow Page ads; we just give away a lot of hats and t-shirts and take care of customers."

And those customers keep coming back. Skip said that every Saturday seems like a big swap meet at French Lake.

"We'll have 250 to 350 walk-in customers on a Saturday," he said. "The majority of them are pulling their own parts, so there are people everywhere."

Have any of the Nolans considered getting into a different line of work? Never, said Skip.

"Everyone just wanted to stay," he said. "We're a real close family."

Company Name: French Lake Auto Parts

Owners: Floyd, Delores, Denise, Debbie, Steve, Shawn, Skip, Sheldon and Sterling Nolan

Location: Annandale, Minn.

Phone: 320-286-2560

URL: FrenchLakeAutoParts.com

Years In Business: 49

Size:
Number of Acres: 100
Number of Employees: 24

Credentials: Member of ARA and ARM

Quote: "The number-one question everyone asks us is what it's like working with the entire family, but everyone has their own spot, and we try not to get in each others' way."