While delivering papers for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, I saw a washer that someone had sat out. I put it in the back of my station wagon, took it home, and fixed it. I used it for a week or two to ensure everything was in order, and then I put an ad in the paper.

Our phone rang day and night until the ad expired. I remember saying to my fiance’ that this would be a great way to make some “extra cash” on the side. A few months passed, and I tried the same thing again with a washer and dryer; I got even MORE phone calls.

I realized that the Milwaukee used appliance market had prices that were too high and warranties that were too short, so I set out to change things:

1. I wanted to set my prices at an affordable level with a warranty that I would be happy with.
2. I wanted to give a logical person NO REASON to go anywhere else for a reconditioned appliance.
3. I wanted to be the best in town.

I spent months planning; the only thing that I needed was money to get started.

When my fiance and I got married, we had a wishing well rather than getting traditional gifts. We got about $1,700, which we used to start the business. I bought a cargo van for $600 and an appliance dolly for $100, I put what I had left along with my newspaper paycheck on a security deposit for a house with a garage and basement. Then I rode around looking for appliances. Before we knew it, we were moving into the building you see here. These events led me to become The Washing Machine Man.

Today, The Washing Machine Man is a successful business with thousands of satisfied customers. Beyond the grace of God, I attribute our success to treating customers with respect and providing excellent service with integrity.