Dealers celebrate 20 years of membership

A-1 Vacuum, Inc.
Crest Hill, IL
Owners: Paul & Sandy Studer
A-1 Vacuum Inc. in Crest Hill, IL, opened for business Dec. 1, 1985 by Paul and Sandy Studer. They started in sales and repairs of all brands of vacuums. In 1987 they expanded to the sales and installation of Vacuflo Central Vacs. In the mid 1990s, they added Audio Tech intercoms, Kleenco products and HOST rentals. A-1 Vacuum Inc. is a “Mom & Pop store,” and their store size is 1,500 square feet.
Commenting on their mission statement, the Studers said, “The Real bottom line is not the amount in the register, it is the satisfaction of the person on the other side of it.”
Reflecting on their 20 years of membership with VDTA, the couple said that by attending conventions, they have been able to stay informed about new companies and products. They have also taken advantage of the credit card programs available through the VDTA.
Looking to the future, the Studers plan to continue to provide honest and reasonable service to their customers.

Aerus-Electrolux
Kennesaw, GA
Owner: Richard J. Luisi
Aerus-Electrolux franchised all company owned stores in 2003. This was a win-win situation for everyone. Richard Luisi bought three franchises and expanded to 12 locations in the Atlanta area in 2½ years. Luisi said his mission is to make every home a healthy home. He does that by offering Healthy Home Products for floor care, air and surface. His future plans are to open many new franchises in North Georgia.
Luisi stated, “We offer a wonderful business opportunity for anyone who wants to own his or her own business. The Healthy Home focus is our driving mission.”
Over the years, Luisi said his VDTA membership has been beneficial because he has gained education, information and knowledge of the vacuum industry.

Authorized Winthrop Service
Mahwah, NJ
Owner: John F. Winthrop Jr.
In 1932, John Winthrop began his successful business career as a canvasser for the Premier Vacuum Company in Paterson, NJ. Shortly later, he opened his own repair business with the help of his mother. Within two years he rented his first store at 305 Main Street. When the city demolished that block of stores, he purchased 275 Main Street and at one time operated satellite locations in Passaic, Hackensack, New York City, Ridgewood and Syracuse, NY. In 1984, he moved the Paterson location to Mahwah, where the business has served the surrounding counties until the present time. John operated Authorized Winthrop Service for 71 years. He passed away in August of 2004 at the age of 89. For the last two years his wife, Madonna (age 91) and son John F. Winthrop Jr. (age 63) have operated the business.
Authorized Winthrop Services offers sales and service on major brands of vacuums, central vac systems, and sewing machines. Looking to the future, they hope to accept new opportunities if offered and continue in the business as long as they are able.
Speaking about their business mission, the Winthrops stated, “Our goal is to satisfy our customers and maintain our precious business relationships with our customers and suppliers.”

CFI Vacuum Service, Inc.
Richmond, VA
Owner: Jerry Small
Jerry Small started his vacuum business in July 1987 in a warehouse, buying and selling used vacuums. He moved to his present location of 1,400 square feet in July of 1989. Before he opened CFI Vacuum Service Inc., Jerry worked as a sales rep for Eureka and later for a vacuum cleaner parts house. He covered North Carolina, Virginia, most of Maryland, and West Virginia. It was during these years that he learned how to rebuild vacuum cleaners and learned the finer points about their inner workings. Shortly after this stint, he opened up the first CFI store.
Today, Jerry offers products from lines such as Sanitaire, Eureka, Sebo, Fuller Brush, ProTeam, and Carpet Pro. He also carries bags, belts and chemicals.
Jerry said he hopes to retire in the next couple of years and would like to find someone to take over and grow the business.
When commenting on the value of his membership he said, “The seminars at the convention have been the most helpful and the networking among dealers that the VDTA brought about has been great.”

Conrad Company (Vacuum & Janitorial Supply)
Joliet, IL & Shorewood, IL
Owners: Chuck & Deb Schreiner
Here is the history of Conrad Company (Vacuum & Janitorial Supply). In 1958 Conrad Studer (Deb’s father) started selling Kirby’s for LeCuyer Kirby in Kankakee. He married LeCuyer’s daughter in 1959. Then in 1960, he opened Kirby Co. of Will County at 161 E. Cass Street in Joliet. The couple raised five children. In the early 70’s, he moved west to 918 W. Jefferson Street in Joliet. This was a larger store. In the early 80’s he stopped selling Kirby and decided to offer more variety.
Conrad retired in 1986 and sold the business to his daughter and son-in-law, Chuck and Deb Schreiner. At that time, major changes were made to add cleaning supplies and equipment. In 1999, the Schreiners opened a second location in Shorewood. They raised two children through their business – current and valuable employees, Craig and Heather!
Now, the Schreiners offer everything that cleans! Some of the major vac brands they carry include Royal, Dirt Devil, Hoover, Sandia, EDIC, Miele, Sanitaire, Eureka, Simplicity, Smart Choice, and Powrflite. They also carry commercial equipment.
Speaking about their business mission, the Schreiners said their goal is “to have fun, educate our customers, and make lots of money (for the kids’ college fund)!”
To keep up to date on the vacuum industry, the Schreiners enjoy attending the VDTA Conventions. They said they go every year. Deb loves to go to the seminars, hoping to get the next spark of ideas to sell, sell, sell more. Chuck seems to enjoy seeing the reps and the newest products available.

Cornerstone Sew & Vac, Inc.
Douglasville, GA
Owner: Daniel Shari
Cornerstone Sew & Vac Inc. was established in 1983 by Jim & Carolyn Shari. Originally the store was located in a 1,200-square-foot space in a shopping center, carrying Singer, New Home, Eureka, and Hoover. Since then, the business has grown as square footage has been added as well as product lines. Daniel Shari purchased the business from his father in 2005.
Daniel commented, “We are now in a 3,900-square-foot location and carry Janome, Husqvarna Viking, Bernina, Royal, Electrolux, Simplicity, and Vacuflo products. We offer sales and service of vacuums and sewing machines and central vacuum installation.”
Looking to the future, Daniel said he would like to open additional locations when the timing, staffing, and location is right. In the meantime, his mission remains “to be the best at what we do in every area market we compete in.”
Speaking on the benefits of his VDTA membership, Daniel said, “I always find great information in the monthly publication. Attending the trade show in Vegas has always been not only a great time for learning, but sharing ideas with other dealers, and saving money with the manufacturers!”

Cutter Vac LLC
Fond du Lac, WI
Owner: Ron Cutter
Back in October of 1949, businessman Bob Cutter would gladly travel from home to home, demoing the latest Kirby vacuum. At that time, his business was called Cutter Kirby. In the local area Bob’s fair practices and thriving business caused his name to be synonymous with vacuums. Customers still come into their store these days and say, “I need bags for my Cutterkirby” or “My Cutter doesn’t work right.”
After performing thousands of product demonstrations, Bob could see that no single vacuum could serve everyone’s needs. In 1981, the name of the business was changed to Cutter Vac and Bob opened his door to sales and service of all brands of vacuums. In his 56 years in the vacuum business, Bob and staff sold well over 25,000 vacuums and serviced over 75,000 vacuums.
In 1997 Bob’s son Ron purchased the business, adding a new page to the Cutter Vac history. Bob did not step aside; however, he still put in an active 35-40 hours a week into the business that he started and loved so much. In February 2006 Bob passed away.
Cutter Vac will continue in the tradition that Bob started. Ron stated, “Our goal is to satisfy every customer with great products, fair prices and excellent service.”
Cutter Vac currently offers many makes and models of vacuums and central vacuum systems, as well as convenient products such as Healthy Home air purifiers and Solar Comfort zone heaters.
Looking to the future, Ron said he plans to remodel inside and outside of the store and add other home-related items.
Speaking of his business mission, Ron said it is his goal to “offer the people of Fond du Lac good values on vacuums and built-in vacs. To provide good service to our customers at a level that they greatly appreciate and are not accustomed to getting. To glorify God in what we do.”
On membership with VDTA, he said he has valued the “Education, Education, Education! We make our business better by sharing ideas and learning at the conventions.”

Darke Co. Vacuums
Greenville, OH
Owner: Larry Morgan
Larry Morgan started in the vacuum industry in July 1973 selling Kirbys. He sold for 22 years. Out of those 22 years he was a distributor for seven years. Because he needed a place to sell trade-in vacuum cleaners, he opened a 300-square-foot store in March of 1985. He moved to a bigger building (700 square feet) in 1988, and in 1995 he built a new 1,600-square-foot store to which he added on another 1,200 square feet.
“I started out with used sweepers and added products to my store,” said Larry.
Looking to the future, Larry said he will continue to do whatever his customers want and continue with new products as his customers see fit. Currently he carries central vacuums, commercial equipment, chemicals, as well as all makes of new and rebuilt vacuums.
His mission statement: “To make sure our customers are happy. To do repair work right and fair and admit when we make a mistake.”
In reference to his membership, Larry said anyone in the vacuum business should attend VDTA Shows. “The new ideas, products and seminars are worth more than you could ever spend going,” said Larry. “I have gone for 20 years.”

Foothill Vacuum & Janitorial
Upland, CA
Owner: Andrew J. Evans
Andrew J. Evans tells the history of Foothill Vacuum & Janitorial as follows: “My dad, John Evans, started rebuilding Kirbys, Sanitiare and Hoovers in 1970 out of his garage to survive. Selling to vac shops and at swap meets he expanded into a small warehouse. In 1982 he moved into our current location. As a vac and sew shop for the first eight years, he decided to cancel out sewing machines and concentrate on household and commercial cleaning supplies. A computer system was needed to manage both the accounts and customers that this decision created. Now with 200 customers a day walking into our store and deliveries daily, I am very proud of my father and the decisions he made. My dad is happily retired and travels the world while I am following his work ethics and enjoy working with my family members striving to be as good a mentor as my dad was with me.”
Products customers can select from at Foothill Vacuum & Janitorial include Sanitaire, Dyson, Sebo, Hoover, Eureka, Riccar, and more. Services provided at the business include repairs, sales, service, rentals, and knife and scissor sharpening.
Andrew said in the future he wants his business to become more efficient, and he wants to continue into other adventures that will build his customer base.
Being a 20-year member of VDTA has given Andrew what he calls “a thorough insight into the vacuum business and a feeling of being a part of something within the industry.”

Mr. C’s Vac & Sew Center
Independence, MO & Kansas City, MO
Owners: Wayne & Carole Cooper
Wayne Cooper began in the vacuum business in 1963 as a salesman for Filter Queen. He continued to be a distributor for Filter Queen for 25 years. During this time, in 1972, he also began a vacuum store located at 2418 E 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO. He began operating under F.Q. Distributors, Inc. In 1981 he and his wife Carole had the opportunity to purchase a vacuum and sewing machine shop at 403 W. Lexington, Independence, MO. Carole still manages that store today. 1988 brought another change – they purchased a vacuum and sewing machine shop, Athenas-Royal, also located in Independence and it continued to operate under the same name. In 1997 all three stores went under a name change to Mr. C’s Vac and Sew Center.
Looking ahead, Carole is wanting to retire; therefore, they are looking at consolidating their two locations in Independence. They are also in a continuous effort to provide more personal service and increase their loyalty base.
The Coopers said, “Our mission is to sustain sales and increase growth while providing our customers with the best possible products, highest quality service and personal service.”

Newman’s Vacuum & Appliance
Santa Monica, CA
Owner: Brian D. Kim
Newman’s Vacuum & Appliance was opened in 1950 by Mr. Newman as a neighborhood vacuum and appliance store. Ownership was changed a couple of times. Major vacuum brands carried by Newman’s includes Miele, Nilfisk, Riccar, etc. Also Newman’s repairs many types of small appliances. By offering proper information to customers when selling or repairing vacuums, Newman’s business has grown consistently.
Owner Brian Kim said as he heads into the future, he hopes to obtain more commercial repair business. He also wants his staff to continue to work as a team, like family members and provide quick and proper response when customers make requests.
Regarding his VDTA membership, Brian said, “VDTA has offered helpful information on sales and store maintenance.”

Park Vacuum Center
Minneapolis, MN
Owner: Steve Loney
Park Vacuum Center was established in 1982 by Harlow, Kevin and Steve Loney. This was after Harlow’s previous 30 years in two other highly successful locations. In the last 25 years Park Vacuum Center has moved and expanded three times. Their present location is 4,000 square feet in size. Customers who shop at Park Vacuum Center can select from brands such as Simplicity, Royal, Panasonic, Sanitaire, Kirby, Oreck, Filter Queen and Hoover vacuums.
Speaking on business success, Steve said, “We have switched most of our print advertising to radio and we find this a lot more effective. And, without a doubt, our 15-year relationship with the Tacony Corporation has been a vital part of our growth.”
Future plans for the business include an expansion of current offerings and possibly remodeling to make the shopping experience more enjoyable for the customers.
Steve said Park Vacuum Center’s mission statement is “Customer Satisfaction! No matter what it takes or what it costs!”
On being a 20-year member of the VDTA, Steve commented, “It has been vital in our store’s continual growth and expansion. The articles in the VDTA and information exchanged at the conventions has been invaluable.”

Vacuum Center
Greensburg, PA
Owners: Joan Billig, Bradley Billig & Wendy Leach
Vacuum Center was established by George Green (Green Appliance) who was in business for 40 years. He had only used vacuums and wringer washing machines and repaired them. George Billig purchased the store in 1983 and began offering new vacuums, including commercial vacuums. They opened another store 40 miles away in 1991 and sold it in 2004. In 2005 they became a sub-contractor of Guardian Protection Service to install central systems. In January 2006 George Billig retired and wife and “kids” Joan and Bradley Billig and Wendy Leach formed a partnership to continue the business.
As for the future at Vacuum Center, the partners say they want to offer new products and services, always with a friendly smile and conversation.
Speaking about their VDTA membership, the partners said VDTA has assisted them in keeping up with new product information.

Vacuum Cleaner Hospital
Chapel Hill, NC
Owner: Tom Proctor
Tom Proctor opened Vacuum Cleaner Hospital in March of 1986 in a 700-square-foot space. Initially, the brands the store carried were Eureka, Panasonic, and Hoover. The store moved to its current location in March 1990. Central vacuums were added in 1992, and they continue to represent an important part of the business. Currently the store sells three different brands of air purifiers, Casabella products, wool dusters and a wide assortment of cleaning products in addition to the vacuum sales and service.
Proctor said in the future he hopes to expand his central vacuum business. His business mission is “to always exceed our customer’s expectations and provide the friendliest and cleanest floor care shopping experience imaginable.”
Regarding his VDTA membership and participation, Proctor said, “I’ve learned about many new products and met many helpful people at the VDTA conventions I’ve attended.”

Reprinted from SQE Professional, April 2007