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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
How's this for bootstrapping your company? Almost 50 years ago Marcel (mar-sell) Dubach (doo-bock) started his business, now known as Swiss Boy Vacuum, with only $30 . . . He was married, had a 17-year-old wife and a new baby. Oh, and he had just immigrated to the United States from Switzerland.
He called his small sewing shop Swiss Boy because that's what everyone called him. Having worked for Bernina for years, he knew how to take care of sewing machines, so word about his business spread. Although the company's focus has shifted over the years, people still bring their sewing machines to Marcel to be fixed.
Today, Marcel's son, Rico Dubach, is the president of this growing Bountiful company. Swiss Boy Vacuum's specialty now is central vacuum systems, and they're Utah's largest dealer for Beam Vacuum Systems. These are vacuum units you install in your house, typically the garage or basement, with piping down the hallways and a long hose you plug into the wall when you want to vacuum. They make sense from a health standpoint because they have such strong suction they can pull dirt out of your carpet, completely remove it from your home and purify the air each time you use them.
SwissBoy Vacuum was recently named the Dealer of the Year for their strong sales and service. Rico says the company prides themselves on their mechanics, many who have been with the company for 25 years or more. They also use only the best quality parts during installation. As the president, Rico still makes it a point to go on service calls and installations because he likes the personal touches with customers. He also knows the business inside and out since he grew up with SwissBoy Vacuum.
Over the last 25 years, Rico says SwissBoy has installed around 10,000 central vacuum systems. If you visit their store in Bountiful, you'll also find a variety of portable vacuums and supplies. Rico and Marcel spent several years building up a small pioneer house to turn it into their large, modern store.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Swiss Boy Vacuum and Sound 305 N. 200 West Bountiful, UT 84010 801-298-3656 www.swissboy.biz
