After 39 years,
The business is dissolving, and the building will be sold, said Peterson.
“It’s bitter sweet,” he said.
Purgatory Resort is interested in buying the building for its headquarters, as well as a rental and retail shop. However, the company is waiting on a parking variance from the city, which could be granted in April.
Peterson’s career could come full circle, if Purgatory closes on the building in May.
He started at the resort as a college student working part time because he wanted to ski and after graduation became a manager.
He spent 11 years at the resort, and he grew its rental and retail business substantially from 100 pairs of skis.
“After convincing the Duncan family that they could make a whole bunch more money if they would just invest a little bit, I ended up handing them 2,000 pairs of skis, all modern equipment, three stores, 50 employees,” he said.
Peterson left what he termed the “University of Purgatory” to make more money and became a direct competitor. The cycling side of Hassle Free Sports came later, and it grew into the more stable part of the business.
In the last five years, Peterson has noticed increasing competition from online sales. People will come into the store to browse and then look for similar products online.
“I don’t know how the retailers in the future are going to compete,” he said.
Hassle Free has had an advantage over online companies with its good service and rental business, he said.
Over the years, he estimates he has employed about 1,200 people, and he attributes his success to his employees, management and family.
“I had a great support system,” he said.
Peterson, 69, plans to continue his dump truck hauling business after shuttering Hassle Free.
“I am not going to sit out in the sun and read a book,” he said.
Hassle Free will close Sunday to prepare for its liquidation sale that will be held April 8 through April 10.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
