“We recognize and honor the lifetime achievements of those individuals who have been great stewards of the industry, of their brands and of BrandSource. They are living the American dream and have left and indelible mark on their colleagues, communities and family.” – Jim Ristow, CEO, AVB inc.
Mickey Reali – Orville’s Home Appliance Mickey Reali discovered at 16 that he loved sales and helping people solve problems. He turned it into a long and successful career, eventually reaching the $100M milestone and becoming CEO. |
Don Idler – Idler’s Home As president of Idler’s Home, Don Idler leads a cherished 70-year-old family business that serves California’s Central Coast with the highest quality appliances and home furnishings and charitably supports its local communities. |
Robbie VanHoose – Big Sandy Superstore Robert “Robbie” W. VanHoose Jr., CEO of Big Sandy Superstore, has expanded the family business to more than 30 locations across six states, cementing his company’s place in the home goods firmament. |
Don Hillebrand – Don’s Appliances Don Hillebrand started his career selling Maytag appliances, then took a chance on his own small business. Through natural talent and determination, he turned that shop into an empire with 12 locations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
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Julie Abbey – Appliance Center Furniture & Mattress After earning a law degree, Julie Abbey intended to help her dad at the family business for a day and never left. She has made a difference globally with the DOVE Fund, and she also established the Oswald Supporting Foundation to help her community.
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Mark Pardini – Pardini Appliance Mark Pardini started in the appliance business by acquiring a stake in the family business while in college. He ultimately became a driving force in his community and in the growth of BrandSource.
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Mark Reckling – Grand Appliance Mark Reckling grew his third-generation family business into a powerhouse with 28 locations in four states. And more than that, he established a charitable foundation to make a difference in people’s lives.
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Kevin Werner – AVB Inc Kevin Werner first joined BrandSource as a member, becoming a leader in his region. After selling his business, he came to BrandSource as a staff member, rising through the ranks to GM of member relations.
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Skip Ignaczak – Duggan’s Service & Appliance Skip Ignaczak joined his family business as a teenager. For more than 30 years he served BrandSource as a region leader, board member and was one of the founders of the first-of-its-kind, in-house inventory finance unit, BrandSource Financial.
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Tom Balistreri – Colder’s Furniture, Appliance & Mattresses Tom Balistreri was instrumental in the merger of the buying group MARTA with BrandSource, establishing the beginning of what we now know as Power Dealers, and he continues to lead many of the group’s initiatives.
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Jackie King – Nampa Appliance TV & Mattress Jackie King and her father Darry founded the business together in 1983. She has served on the regional and national board and has spent the ensuing decades becoming a role model for women in the business community.
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John Horst – Famous Tate John Horst’s crazy dream of entrepreneurship turned a roadside appliance stand into an 11-store juggernaut that dominates the Tampa Bay market. Through hard work and perseverance, he helped take the business to the $100M threshold.
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Ron Bemis – Bemis Appliance Ron Bemis grew his family business to the largest locally owned appliance store in his area by embracing change. During his career, he has always supported and advocated for fellow independents.
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Bill Pleasants Sr. – Plaza Appliance In addition to successfully running his business, Bill Pleasants Jr. made it a priority to mentor other independent retailers. As a leader within BrandSource, he traveled the world to negotiate vendor programs for members.
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Sam Abdelnour started out as a 23-year-old sales account manager and ended up VP of sales. During his tenure, Whirlpool went from fourth place to the largest appliance manufacturer in the world. |
Sam Abdelnour – Whirlpool