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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
My friend, S. C. "Chris" Johnson had a long and successful career with the Sears Roebuck Company. He held many responsible positions in the Western United States, and when I once asked him what assignment he enjoyed the most, he said, "Managing the store in Price, Utah."
That was many years ago, so I was interested in calling on Roland Jensen who is now the owner of the Sears dealership in Price. Roland and his wife Linda and son Marcus purchased the business after Roland took an early retirement from Utah Power & Light. He had spent 23 years with the power company and retired as a control room operator but thought it would be interesting and challenging to become an entrepreneur.
Last November the Jensen family purchased the Price dealership. Sears offers advise and training on how to merchandise and sell the products. But the dealership concept that started eight years ago, allows the operators to be owners and managers.
I saw many items in the store whose trade names are synonymous with Sears. For example, we always equate Craftsman Tools and Kenmore Appliances with Sears. I also saw Maytag, Amana and Whirlpool appliances, so I asked Roland if this was something new. He told me that a couple of years ago, Sears began selling other major lines of kitchen appliances.
The store also displayed vacuums, air conditioners and many other items for the home. I was impressed with the inventory of sport equipment like treadmills and exercise paraphernalia. There was an extensive selection of TVs and other electronics. Yes, the store is smaller in square footage than the Sears stores I am accustomed to but the items and choices of merchandise are extensive.
The Jensen family and Sears are committed to customer service. The company policy reflects that commitment by requiring all of the stores to be open seven days a week to accommodate shoppers. Seven days a week! That doesn't sound much like a retirement to me.
For Zions Bank, this is Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
