The Energizer Bunny’s got nothing on Josh Blue and Brian Montgomery.

In the span of just two months in late 2024, the energetic entrepreneurs conceived, created, and launched Performance Battery in Pekin. Their knowledge of batteries and the battery industry is matched only by their self-confidence and determination to succeed. Blue says Performance Battery has doubled its revenue every month since opening in January. And they’re still going.

From a 2,000 sq. ft. space at 2410 N. 8th St. (a.k.a. Auto Row), Blue and Montgomery have established Pekin’s only independent battery supplier from scratch. Blue describes Performance Battery as a hybrid of the retail and commercial battery businesses. Customers can stop in for all manner of consumer batteries. They can have a fresh battery installed in their car, RV, golf cart, watch, or key fob. The other side of the business is aggressively pursuing private label opportunities and commercial customers like trucking firms, hospitals, golf courses and schools.

Blue says the store is fully stocked to supply virtually any size, shape, or type of battery, from auto, truck, and marine batteries to golf carts, motorcycles, lawn equipment, key fobs, watches, and hearing aids. Whether a device takes D, C, AA, AAA, 9V, or some other size or shape battery, Blue says Performance Battery has it covered. Many of their products carry the P1 brand, which was developed in Michigan specifically for independent battery dealers.

“People have the misconception that nationally branded batteries are better,” Blue says. But in many cases, he says private label batteries are from the same manufacturers and have the same design as the higher priced big-name brands.

“I don’t think you should have to take a $200 hit for a (name brand) battery that is basically the same as what we sell,” Blue says.

Montgomery says two things set the rapidly growing business apart from others: “Over-the-top service and value.”

Performance Battery is independent, so there is no franchiser to “kick up to,” says Blue. That means they can offer batteries, chargers, and accessories at deep discounts — as much as 25 percent across the board. Low prices are supported by a strong commitment to customer service. Blue says 80 percent of their products are American made and carry a national guarantee.

Blue says Performance Battery will accept old batteries for recycling at no charge “as a service to the community.” They are one of the only battery suppliers in Pekin certified to rebuild and refurbish cordless drill batteries in house. Factory reconditioned automotive batteries are also available at deep discounts.

Blue learned customer service early. His father ran a battery retailer in Peoria called Battery Patrol, and he worked there from an early age. When Interstate Battery bought his father out, Blue went to work for the new owner. He advanced with Interstate, managing a regional distributorship in Florida before returning to Central Illinois. In all, he brings nearly 26 years of knowledge and experience to the local business.

“If there was a state championship for battery knowledge, Josh would be the state champion,” Montgomery laughs. “It’s his superpower.”

It was late last year when Blue and Montgomery started talking about working together.

“When I worked for Interstate, their sales reports kept saying that Pekin would be a great place for a store, but they never pursued it,” Blue says. Montgomery owned a trucking company at the time, but he could also see the potential. He says it was just two months from the time he said “yes” to his new partner until the store opened.

“We’re like yin and yang,” Montgomery says. “We have our differences, but we work perfectly together.”

In its first three months, Performance Battery has drawn customers from throughout the region. They credit word of mouth for the early growth. Print advertising, radio, and a strong social media presence have also contributed. Blue said Performance Battery billboards will start popping up soon, and they are using Google analytics to maximize the online reach of their message. In the meantime, they have landed a large commercial account in Galesburg and are pursuing a private label deal with an equipment company in Bloomington.

What’s next? Blue says that if growth continues at the current pace, they will need at least one more employee in the near future. Their vision also has Performance Battery locations serving commercial clients in other markets. 

Their batteries are fully charged and ready to go.

Performance Battery is open Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm and Saturday, 9am to 1pm. A full list of products and services is at www.performancebatteryco.com.