Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
I always enjoy the "David and Goliath" business stories‹the ones about small hometown businesses thriving even when up against major multinationals. Up in Cache Valley, there's a great story about a little appliance store that has become a favorite place to shop in northern Utah.
I'm talking about Darrell's Appliance Service and Sales. Owners Darrell and Betty Ricks have for more than three decades provided the best in appliance sales and service repairs.
Their story begins on May 1, 1970. Darrell and Betty decided to open their own appliance repair service out of their home in Benson, a little town just north of Logan. Darrell had collected about 16 years of experience in the appliance business and the couple were ready to make a go of it on their own.
For the first year, Betty scheduled service requests and Darrell made the repairs. Then, Betty wrote to Maytag and inquired about obtaining a franchise. At the time, Maytag would only allow one franchise per city. With Darrell's Appliance located in Benson, 8 miles outside of Logan, their wish was granted. Betty and Darrell later added Amana to their line and became known as "Cache Valley's Maytag and Amana Dealer."
The couple constructed a building next to their house to show and store appliances. They operated the business from an office in their living room. Customers stopping to shop would ring a buzzer and Betty would cross the driveway to help them while Darrell was out on service calls. Folks in Cache Valley have come to recognize the shop as "Old McDarrell's Appliance Farm" from a radio jingle introduced in the '80s.
Through the years, the business has grown, despite competition from national chains. And as a result, a new showroom will soon open in Benson. Sons Jeff and Jay now co-own the business, managing the office, sales and delivery team. And Darrell and Betty are as involved as ever. Darrell still does installs, and chances are if you call the store, Betty will answer.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
