Performance Diesel of Nicollet, LLC
Tony Beckius had been nursing a dream for a long, long time. A lifelong mechanic, he wondered what it would be like to open his own business. In June 2020, he finally found out when he opened the doors at Performance Diesel of Nicollet.
“I always wanted to open my own shop, but with two kids in high school and sports, I just never had the time,” Beckius said. “Then my youngest graduated last spring and this building on Pine Street became available. Everything just kind of fell into place.”
Beckius has always had a passion for mechanics. He studied automotive engineering technology at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and soon he was using his new mechanical skills at the Chesley International diesel truck dealership. The dealership changed hands and names several times, becoming River Valley Truck Centers, then Westman Freightliner, but Beckius stayed on.
“I’ve been a mechanic for 30 years. This is all I’ve ever done,” Beckius said.
In 1995, Beckius moved to Nicollet. He and his wife, Jennifer, have lived there ever since, raising their kids and building a life. So, when the time came to make his dream a reality, Nicollet was the obvious choice for his new business. His shop, Performance Diesel of Nicollet, offers a full range of auto and truck repairs and services.
“I work on pretty much anything from cars and pickups to heavy trucks. Mostly I focus on diesel and semitrucks,” Beckius said. “I do anything from an oil change to a complete overhaul.”
The Nicollet community’s reception has been more than enthusiastic. Beckius said he’s currently booked out almost two months in advance and frequently logs 12-hour days just to keep up.
“The local people have been really great. Pretty much all my work comes from the surrounding area, and everyone has been great to work with,” Beckius said.
If business continues at the same hectic pace, Beckius hopes to hire another mechanic and someone to help with bookkeeping and scheduling soon.
“I’ve been very fortunate to be busy since I opened,” Beckius said. “I work by myself, so it has been a challenge to keep up with the books, invoices, scheduling, and getting the work out on time. Luckily, my customers understand.”
The Essentials
Performance Diesel of Nicollet, LLC
205 Pine Street
Nicollet, MN 56074
Phone: (507) 420-7706
