Snoqualmie resident Ed Wentz’ business, Wentz Electronics, has grown a bit and seen some big changes in its 45-year history.

And while he’s had some offers to sell, Wentz, 76, is in no hurry to retire.

Starting out of the back of a van, Wentz opened the electronics business in January of 1962, striking out on his own. Since then, the shop has grown to five employees, several of them his own children.

Wentz may have the shortest commute of anyone in Snoqualmie. Wentz Elec-tronics has been based in a former residence next door to Wentz’ downtown home since 1953.

“On my way to work, I step across the property line,” he said. “Half of my body is at work, and half is at home.”

After 45 years in the electronics business, there’s never a dull day for Wentz.

His business has always been focused on two-way radio and providing communication for schools, police and firefighters is a critical responsibility. Wentz said his philosophy has always been to do a job “the same or better than the biggest company.”

He grew up in the electrical trade.

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