Our Story

Peterson Electric was founded in 1923 by A.L. Peterson, a native of Winger, MN. Recognizing the burgeoning demand for trained technicians in the automotive, trucking, and agricultural industries, Mr. Peterson opened his first shop at 410 NP Avenue in Fargo. The shop specializes in magneto, generator, electric motor, light plant, and battery repairs. The business later relocated briefly to the 600 block of NP Avenue, next to the Orpheum Theater.

In 1925, Oscar Larson, Mr. Peterson’s half-brother, joined the firm after graduating from the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis. The firm was then renamed Peterson-Larson Electric. They moved to 404 NP Avenue, expanding their offerings to include Attwater-Kent radios and Bosch and Lomb accessory headlamps.

In 1928, United Electric Service and Supply Inc. was established, finally settling at its current location at 312 1st Avenue N in 1932, and that year marked significant growth with the addition of the first outside salesman, shop foreman, and office girl.

The firm continued to expand through the late 1930s, adding Ditzler automotive finishes around 1937, which signaled a solid commitment to the auto body repair industry. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, both the service and parts distribution businesses snowballed. United Electric began training its distribution customers to update them on technological advancements and service procedures, hosting clinics across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota with manufacturers like AC-Delco, Autolite, and Briggs and Stratton.

In 1954, a 2,500 sq. ft. addition was built at the rear of the building at 312 1st Ave. N. to accommodate the expanding small engine business. In 1957, a branch store was opened in Carrington, ND, managed by Wally Erickson. That same year, Dale Larson joined as the sales manager, initiating a focus on automotive and agricultural air conditioning.

In 1961, John Greene joined the firm and soon took over all bookkeeping responsibilities. A significant expansion in 1968 saw a 10,000 sq. ft. addition at 308 1st Avenue N., which dramatically increased parts and service areas. Two new companies emerged: United Electric Service and Supply and UESCO Warehouse Inc., the latter focusing on the jobber business and becoming an original equipment supplier for agricultural air conditioning.

The Carrington store was sold in 1971 to concentrate on independent warehouse distribution. In 1974, UESCO Warehouse relocated to a newly acquired two ¼-acre site at the corner of 7th Avenue and 25th Street North in Fargo. A 28,000 sq. ft. building was constructed for United Power Equipment, formerly United Tool and Supply.

The 1980s brought new service opportunities with the advent of smog controls and computer-controlled vehicles. Strong alliances with AC-Delco and other manufacturers enabled United Electric to provide essential training for technicians and customers.

In 1986, Steve Larson joined the firm as Vice President and General Manager. In 1992, United Industrial Coatings was created to blend and market PPG light industrial coatings to small and medium manufacturing firms.

With the Fargo-Moorhead population expanding southwards, United Electric recognized the need for a more convenient service location. In March 1998, property was acquired at 3232 28th St. SW in Fargo for a state-of-the-art 12-bay service facility, which opened in December 1999. In 2007, a third location was built at 728 Meyer Drive in West Fargo, north of the Pioneer Center. Today, all three locations operate under the banner of United Automotive Tech Center, continuing our legacy of innovation and service excellence.