By CRAIG FREILICH

POTSDAM –Edward Simon of Potsdam has purchased Hooper’s Moving and Storage from Paul Hooper.

“I worked for Paul for seven years,” Simon said, from 1989 to 1996, “and he mentioned a long time ago he might sell the business to me if I was interested.”

Recently Simon said that he had heard that Hooper was getting ready to retire, so he got in touch and a deal was made.

Simon has bought the warehouse, about a mile past the airport outside of Potsdam on St. Rt. 11B, and the name Hooper’s Moving and Storage, Simon said, because the business name is well known in the region.

The official name of the new business will be Brock’s Moving and Storage (after Simon’s son) DBA Hooper’s Moving and Storage.

Aside from the warehouse, Simon has two trucks and two 16-foot trailers, and is looking to expand “after I get the go-ahead in 48 states” from transportation authorities, he said.

Once that goes through Simon says he will invest in a new one-ton truck rigged up to haul a new 40-foot enclosed gooseneck trailer.

Simon said that, among other jobs, he has been hauling liquid aluminum for Alcoa. Paul Hooper has agreed to stay on to help Simon get up to speed on running the moving business.

Simon said Brian Starks, Simon Lashomb and Travis Davis will be working for him.

He also said there is plenty of storage space in the warehouse, if anyone is in need.

He can be reached at 274-0104.