BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Same name, same place

Polson residents who have seen the for sale sign in the window of Appliance Care in Polson, can rest easy.  The company is not going out of business – it has been taken over by long-time technician Sam Allred.

While the company will still go by the name Appliance Care, the full legal name of the company is now Allred Appliance Pro. They are in the same building, the phone number is the same and the technician is the same, but Allred has plans to change the business.

Their location on Main Street will no longer operate as a retail store. Appliance Care will be strictly service, repairs and installations. Sam said they are happy to install anything someone picks up in a box store and that Appliance Care is on track to be an authorized installer for Lowe’s.

The company specializes in home appliance repair for Bosch, Maytag, LG and Whirlpool brands. Since Allred has been with Appliance Care, he has added 2 companies to the list of authorized brands they repair.

“We’re legit. We’re not a rinky-dink, nobody company,” Allred said.

Allred said he usually has between five and eight calls in the winter and double that in the summer. Because he works on everything from washers and dryers to garbage disposals, Allred carries a full parts inventory on his truck. He said this sets him apart and helps to better serve his customers.

“I enjoy the challenge,” Allred said, who is grateful for his background in electrical work. “It’s always fresh never boring. [The manufacturers] redesign it every few months. It’s fun to have all the variety.”

Allred strives to excel in pre-diagnosing problems, eliminating costly second trips.

“We will not charge the customer for learning curves,” he said.

He makes return calls to make sure the appliance is operating to customer specifications. Taking better care of the customer keeps everybody happy, Allred said.

Allred said he plans to lower prices a little bit, which will help keep their customers smiling.

“We know that Montana has a lower pay rate and lower charges, so [prices] will drop a hair to make it more reasonable for the customers,” he said.

Six months ago he had the chance to buy the business, he said, and he capitalized on the opportunity. The transition has been about as seamless as it could be, Sam said.

Allred said he is turning the business into a family outfit, starting with hiring his brother Caleb, who handles dispatches and scheduling.

Above all, he wants to reassure his customers that Appliance Care is here to stay.

“We aren’t going anywhere,” he said.