Celebrating A Century

The Nelson family’s legacy in the transportation industry dates back a century. Hans Nelson and his son, Nelse Nelson, immigrated from Sweden in the late 19th century and established a hotel in Ballard with a livery and horses for hire.

In 1914, Nelse helped his son, Stan Nelson Sr, purchase a Model T Ford to start a jitney business, shuttling passengers from Ballard to Seattle charging 10 cent fares.

At age 20 in 1916, Stan Sr. purchased a one-pump gas station for $168 in Ballard on Leary Avenue. At that time, it was the only gas and automobile accessory story North of the Ship Canal.

The gas station had a small parts and tire shop, providing Stan Sr. access to wholesale parts and service to support his jitney business. Hiring more drivers, Stan Sr. ran the gas station and began buying and selling used cars. Stan Sr. would go on to grow his gas and service business to several locations across North Seattle, all named Stanley Nelson Super Service.

In 1922, Stan Sr. established Nelson & Kellogg Chevrolet in Ballard at 4918 Leary Avenue, becoming the youngest Chevrolet dealer in the country at that time. David Kellogg was bought out in 1930 and the name changed to Nelson Chevrolet. Nelson Chevrolet sold fleets of cars and trucks to local Seattle businesses including Empire Laundry Co, Buchan’s Bread, A Kristopherson Milk, and Transport Storage and Distribution Co.

The Nelsons tightened their belts and weathered the Great Depression of 1929, but always maintained an optimistic outlook. In meeting notes dated October 15, 1933, the family reflected on “the poor general economic conditions,” and charted a path forward.

Stan Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and became the youngest Chevrolet dealer in the country in 1938. At age 23, Stan Jr. purchased a Chevrolet dealership in Sedro Woolley for $2000, operating under the new name: Nelson Motor Company. A fire burned down the building down in 1951. Stan Jr. was a volunteer firefighter at the time and responded to his own business up in flames. The dealership was rebuilt and the business continued to thrive.

In 1957, Frederick Nelson, the second son of Stan Sr., purchased Nelson Motor Company in Sedro Woolley from his brother, Stan Jr., and renamed the dealership Fred Nelson Chevrolet. That same year, Stan Jr. purchased Nelson Chevrolet in Ballard from his father, allowing Stan Sr. to retire after 45 years of leadership in the car business.

The subsequent generations of Nelsons went on to expand the family business. Lynnwood Honda was purchased in 1981 with a team of shareholders led by Fred Nelson including his children Erik and Wendy, and his nieces and nephew, Barbara, Fredricka, Pamela and Stan III. Four years later, Pamela Nelson purchased Foothills Pontiac Buick Toyota in Burlington, WA in 1985 and her sister, Barbara Nelson, established Acura of Bellevue in 1986.

In 2019, the Nelson Auto Group was honored with the opportunity to purchase Apple Valley Honda and Honda of Burlington from the Sims family. The two families were well acquainted after growing up together in Sedro Woolley and both sides are thankful that Apple Valley Honda and Honda of Burlington continue to be family owned and operated.

More than 30 family members over three generations of Stan Sr.’s descendants have served different roles in the dealerships. Today, with a century of history to guide us, the Nelsons continue to uphold the family business motto: Integrity, Service and Quality. We look forward to another 100 years of serving our customers and communities.