The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in
New Orleans, LA
February 27 - 29, 2012
at the Ernest Morial Convention Center
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The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in |
Feature Dealers celebrate 20 years of membership VDTA/SDTA honored its 20-year members during the 2009 VDTA/SDTA Convention in Las Vegas, NV. Get to know some of your fellow dealers by reading their store histories and their views as to how participation in the VDTA/SDTA has helped them be successful throughout the years. A-1 Vacuum Cleaner Co. From humble beginnings out of a basement in 1952, Sam Battisto, with help of his wife Ruth, built A-1 Vacuum Cleaner Co. from the ground up. They moved to a storefront in 1956, expanding to a larger building at the corner of Rice & Summit where the business grew to one of the larger vacuum stores in the area at that time. When a hospital was looking to expand, Sam sold the property and moved to a new building on the corner of University and Rice near the state capital. For many years, the corner was home to a growing and prosperous business. Sam and Ruth took a break from the business in the mid-60s. They moved to Hawaii with the family for a time, leaving the store in the good hands of Sam’s brother, Al. Sam dabbled in vacuums in Hawaii and made many friends in the business on the island of Oahu. When times turned tough, they returned to St. Paul with the family and moved the business to its current location on University Avenue, opening in January of 1976. When Sam and Ruth’s kids started entering the job market they brought them in to help expand the business again. In 1984, Sam turned the business over to the kids and moved to California where he currently lives in retirement, still working on vacuums out of his garage. The business grew and expanded to five stores in the metro area. One by one they were sold off to the store managers as they became profitable. The five Battisto children (Russ, Sue, Robyn, Sally and Rhonda) along with Russ’ good friend, Jim Erickson, ran the business for many years until, one by one, the girls went off to find their own interests. Jim stayed in the industry as a sales rep, eventually owning and operating his own store in Minneapolis (one of the original five A-1 Vacuums). As A-1 Vacuum Cleaner Co. marks its 57th year in business, the operation is still managed by Russ, his sister Rhonda, his wife Mary and their youngest daughter Gina, along with a loyal support crew of employees who have been with the company for many years. Three generations of the Battisto family are looking to the future with customer service and satisfaction in mind. A-1 Vacuum Cleaner Co. has always strived to offer quality equipment and expert service to their ever expanding customer base. With a huge inventory of parts and supplies at hand, A-1 Vacuum can offer customers fast turnaround and satisfaction guaranteed. Sam commented, “Membership in the VDTA means a lot to us. Also from humble beginnings, the VDTA has done much to help the independent dealers. When (the late) Dick Beall first visited with us about the vision he and Charley Dunham had, we were excited to have a friendly source for knowledge and the comfort that comes from having an industry organization dedicated to improving the independent vacuum dealers.” Carolina Sew N Vac Center Bob said, “I remember placing a parts order from Tacony. I had written the parts I needed on a cardboard box which served as a desk and order list.” A few years later the couple opened a second location when their daughter and her husband joined the business. In 1995 they bought a third store approximately 50 miles away. After three years of commuting 100 miles a day, the family closed that store and concentrated their efforts on the other two stores. “We remodeled and expanded both stores,” said Bob. “Our original store has 8,200 square feet and the other is 5,500 square feet. I’m hoping to do some additional renovations in the near future!” Carolina Sew N Vac Center offers sales and service, parts and warranty for most major brands. Product lines they carry include Baby Lock, Sebo, Lindhaus, Simplicity, Royal and Horn. Over the years, Bob and Suniy Harris said they’ve benefited from attending the annual conventions and seeing all the new products on the market. They have also enjoyed networking with fellow dealers who have shared profitable business ideas. Carolina Sew N Vac Center’s mission statement is: “To give prompt, efficient service to everyone and treat them like family.” Central Systems Inc. Ed joined the VDTA almost as soon as he started in the business. He and his wife, Gayle, enjoyed attending many of the VDTA shows and conventions where Ed felt he always got valuable information about the vacuum industry while learning about new products and getting feedback from other vac shop owners. Gayle has always used the VDTA literature and postcards to send to customers. On February 2, 2004, the vacuum industry lost a valued colleague and friend when Ed passed away at the age of 52. Since that time, Gayle and Ed’s loyal employees have dedicated themselves to keeping Ed’s dream alive by striving to give customers the same great service Ed always gave and running the store the way Ed would have wanted. Ed was highly respected by his colleagues and well-liked by customers for his honest, ethical way of doing business. Gayle shared, “We know Ed would be proud of the way our business has grown over the past five years. We have expanded the size of our store to 4,000 square feet and have participated in dozens of trade shows, home and garden shows, and home expos to promote our business. The central vacuum display that Ed designed in 1991 has been copied by numerous dealers (not just Beam dealers) over the United States and every time we use it at a show, we get a tremendous response from potential customers.” Ed also gained notoriety for installing a central vacuum system in the oldest home in Louisville, the Isaac Hite Home, a log cabin built in 1778. This paved the way for Central Systems, Inc. to install hundreds of central vac systems in existing homes. Ed will always be the owner and driving force behind Central Systems. His business philosophy was not to sell customers a product but to sell them a vision. He wanted his customers to buy more than a vacuum or a central vacuum. He wanted them to buy a lifestyle that could result in fewer allergies and a better, more specialized way of deep cleaning their homes. He wanted his customers not to buy just a security system but to buy peace of mind. “Ed loved to educate our customers on the services and products we offer,” said Gayle. “He wouldn’t sell any product in our store that he didn’t have complete confidence in and couldn’t recommend wholeheartedly.” Looking to the future, Gayle and her dedicated employees pledge to give all their loyal customers the same fair and honest service that Ed always gave. Gayle said, “For the past 20 years, we have been making “friends” -- not just customers and we hope to keep doing it as long as God allows us to. We know Ed would be so proud that the little vac business he started in 1989 has grown into the store we have today.” Cheeper Sweeper Shop, Beam of Frankfort Looking to the future, Lenn said he plans to retire in about five years and will turn the store over to his son. Until then, he will continue to fulfill his business mission statement which is “to be kind and courteous to our customers and always offer them a fair price.” Commenting on how VDTA membership has helped his business throughout the years, Lenn said, “I look forward to the monthly magazine. I enjoy the articles, especially the ones on selling. The magazine also keeps me informed on new products that are available.” Guarantee Vacuum & Sewing Center Plans for the future at Guarantee Vacuum & Sewing Center include striving to remain a viable and thriving business, maintaining a good working environment for the employees, and possibly expanding to other locations as opportunities become available. Speaking on the value of his membership, John said, “I have always enjoyed the friendships I have developed over the years within our organization. I always find new ideas and products at our trade show from quality vendors. I believe VDTA/SDTA is a valuable clearing house of ideas and support that helps keep our industry viable through the changing economic times.” Mission statement for Guarantee Vacuum & Sewing Center is: “To provide quality products at reasonable prices and professional service in a clean, respectable retail environment.” Vacuum Cleaner Centers, Inc. Bruce said, “I think the basic service fee was $4.95. But we did 100 repairs a week. It was a lot of work but a great way to build the company. That was when gas was 25 cents a gallon.” Bruce also remembers back in the 1970s when his father offered small appliance parts and service in the store. It was a high-volume business, repairing products such as Mr. Coffee brewers, toasters, irons, blenders, mixers and commercial food equipment. Sometimes they would repair over 100 of these products every week. Bruce said the small appliance service was offered until the late 1980s when the decision was made to phase it out. Through the years, Bruce learned the basics of running the business. It was in 1991 when he purchased the company. Today, VCC is the primary source of income for four full time employees, plus Bruce. He also has three part-time employees who help out a couple days a week. Bruce said, “A tribute to them is decades of experience.” One of Bruce’s goals is to have a variety of vacuums available at various prices. The mix includes Eureka, Emer, Dyson, Hoover, Lindhaus, Royal, Sanitaire, Vacuflo Central Vacuums and IQAir air purifiers. “Vacuum sales have become an important part of our success,” he noted. “As independent dealers we need to always remind our customers that we have parts and service. With economic conditions there is an increase in D-I-Y parts and service work. We also try to stay in touch with customers’ needs and wants. Business needs to change with the market conditions. We are able to react to changes by adding product and reducing slow movers.” Bruce said it is hard to say what the future holds. He plans to continue learning and staying informed on new products and industry trends. He said, “The VDTA does a great job in helping dealers through the annual trade show while also keeping it affordable, and the VDTA magazine and trade shows are excellent resources for learning.” Bruce concluded by stating, “My father started the business with Christian principles. Biblical principles are an important part of my company. Over the years we have been blessed, and we’ve had our share of struggles. But through it all, God has provided what is needed.” Waco Vacuum Cleaner Co. Inc. After graduation from Baylor University, Louis worked fulltime as the store manager. He purchased the business in 1984 and bought the property in 1996. Today, Louis has three employees and offers sales and service on vacuum cleaners and cleaning equipment, janitorial equipment and supplies. His store size is 1,600 square feet, and he also has 1,600 square feet of storage. Louis said he has directed growth of his store toward the cleaning professional as a non-competing partner, and he hopes to see future growth by selling commercial equipment and janitorial supplies. He plans to also target the do-it-yourself homeowners. At Waco Vacuum Cleaner Co. Inc., Louis offers “everything to clean anything.” His product selection includes Lindhaus, Sebo, Riccar, Sanitaire, Electrolux, Hoover, Royal, Bissell, ProTeam, and Rug Doctor. He also offers commercial equipment. Louis said he has benefited from being a member of the VDTA/SDTA. He values the business relationships he has made through the VDTA/SDTA, and he also appreciates the new ideas, renewed energy, and product/business knowledge he gets from the annual trade shows. VDTA/SDTA thanks the members who participated in this special section honoring its 20-year members. If you would like to join VDTA/SDTA, contact Tim at 1-800-367-5651 or apply online at www.vdta.com. Reprinted from Floor Care Professional, June 2009 |