A female oasis awaited in BrandSource’s Women in Business group
YSN Staff
Despite a loving dad who showed her all the ropes of the appliance trade, Carie Groves found herself adrift in a male-dominated industry when she assumed control of the family business, McEntire’s Home Appliance in Lincoln, Ill.
With no peer support she blazed her own trail, which eventually led to her breaking the glass ceiling at the Maytag Channel Council. Another empowering turn was joining BrandSource’s Women in Business networking group, where female owners and executives share their experiences and unique perspectives, and Groves could provide rising stars with the mentoring opportunities she herself missed.
YSN recently spoke with the second-generation appliance store owner, who discussed the changing role of women in the appliance business and the solace she finds in dirty hands and Dr Pepper.
What was your first job?
The first job I had was de-tasseling corn and walking bean fields for a few weeks during the summer. When I turned 15 I started working concession stands at fairs and weekend festivals, making lemonade shake-ups and funnel cakes. A typical week would be 60-70 hours. It was a lot of hours for a teenager but I loved the hard work. I continued to work weekends and every summer even when I went to college.
When did you join McEntire’s?
I started working at my parents’ appliance store, McEntire’s Direct Maytag, 26 years ago. My father ran it. In 2015 I took over the store, went from a sole proprietorship to an LLC and changed the name to McEntire’s Home Appliance. I have now owned the store for almost 10 years.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
I have many accomplishments I am proud of, including being chosen Maytag Channel Dealer Of the Year this year. But I would say my greatest accomplishment in the appliance industry was being selected to join the Maytag Channel Council, which had been an all-male board until my appointment. To be the first female in a male-dominated industry to serve on the council is my greatest achievement.
Were you ever mentored by a woman, or offered career help to a fellow female?
Unfortunately, up until I joined BrandSource, I didn’t have the opportunity to have mentors within the appliance industry. I didn’t have anyone outside of my store to turn to and I didn’t know who to ask for help. I didn’t even know any other appliance dealers.
But joining BrandSource changed everything. I met other dealers and became involved in my region/channel, and I learned there were a lot of other dealers who felt the same way I did. Since I didn’t have a mentor for the first 20 years of my appliance career, I decided I wanted to be that person for other dealers. I have made the last two years since joining the Maytag Channel Council about helping other dealers. I truly want to be their go-to person.
The appliance industry has been a male-dominated business with women playing supporting roles, but I see some of that starting to change. Women are taking over businesses and are now the leads and owners of stores, and I want to be here to support strong, independent women in running successful appliance businesses.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
I have been given lots of advice over the years, but I think the best advice I listened to is “You can be afraid of change but you can’t let fear stop you from changing.” When I took over the store 10 years ago there was a lot I wanted to do, but I was afraid to make changes and I didn’t know where to start.
I also questioned the benefit of a buying group — how would paying dues each month help me make money? In the end I faced my fear of change and went all in, and it was the best decision I ever made as an appliance dealer. All the changes I was afraid to make when it came to modernizing my store paid off big time, and I have seen year-over-year growth.
What’s your definition of success?
I define my success by the fact that I love my business. My business is a place I look forward to going every day, a place where I have been able to raise two girls while I work, teaching them how to work and be independent. A business I have been able to work every day with my dad for the last 26 years. To me, being successful means being happy, feeling blessed and loving what you do.
What’s a change or improvement you’d like to see in the industry?
Hmmm … I guess I need to say margins/profits. To be competitive you must go head-to-head with the box stores. Holidays can be a rough time to compete; they price appliances below MAP [minimum advertised prices] despite any penalties, and offer steep rebates on top of aggressive online, print and TV advertising. We do compete but sometimes at the expense of a lower profit.
What’s one thing people should know about you but don’t?
I love getting my hands dirty. Whether it’s unloading semis, working on used appliances or tearing up a house, I’m most content when I have a drill or sledgehammer in my hands. It’s how I de-stress.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper and Dr Pepper.
YSN publisher AVB BrandSource is the nation’s largest merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, mattress, furniture and CE dealers.
