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A-Reliable
Appliance
The Name Makes the Statement
Meet Gary DiSilvestro.
He’s an entrepreneur, accountant, technician, mechanic, electrician
and public relations specialist.
“C’mon,” you’re saying. “No one
can be all those things!” Well, those are exactly the traits one has
to have to be successful in a one-man appliance repair business. And
Gary has proven his ability to be just that.
Speaking with Gary I got the
immediate impression of a man who has confidence born of
competence. He’s been in the appliance repair business for more
than 22 years, mostly working for large organizations such as Sears.
He’s also spent some time working in a family owned retail business
which he says taught him a lot about the importance of good customer
service. About a year ago he moved to Fennville, hung out his own
shingle and went into business for himself
He services all major appliances,
including the traditional refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers,
cook tops and dishwashers. The only appliance-related task he
doesn’t take on is replacing a compressor or other job that requires
breaking into the sealed system on a refrigerator or freezer.
Because the system is hermetically sealed, this is rarely the cause
of a problem with these appliances.
Reliability is something Gary
considers important to customers. “When I get a call, I can pretty
much guarantee I’ll be there within a stated two hour time span” he
says. “A caller doesn’t have to take off work and wait around all
day for me to show up. I’ll always call them when I’m actually on my
way” he says.
“I don’t mind customers looking
over my shoulder when I’m working on their appliance” says Gary.
“When they see I’m not just reaching in my tool box for a bigger
hammer they get a sense of confidence that I know what I’m doing.”
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Comparing himself to some of the big
guys Gary says, “Some of the ‘factory authorized’ service techs are
inclined to be parts changers. You describe the symptoms to them and
they respond by systematically replacing parts. When I make a call,
I have to analyze the problem and make an accurate diagnosis. I
can’t return parts after I’ve bought them so I have to get it right
the first time.”
A normal five day 8 to 5 workweek
is Gray’s preference, but he acknowledges he has been known to make
exceptions, even going out on Sundays to handle special situations
for his customers. During our conversation, Gary continually
alluded to how important he
considers customer service. “We live in a small community and word
gets around” he says “word of mouth is the best form of
advertising.”
Here’s a quote from Gary that
pretty much sums up his attitude about how he earns his living: “If
you love your work, you’ll never work a day in your life.” And he
surely comes across as a man who loves his work.
Gary has a web site, which, among
other things, offers visitors an appliance tip of the month. Here he
lists simple appliance maintenance items that a homeowner can take
care of without expert help. He says he’s just as frustrated as the
homeowner when he has to charge for a service call to make what
turns out to be a simple repair the homeowner could have easily
fixed him or herself. His website also allows you to print a coupon
good for a discount on an appliance repair, so be sure to check it
out at
www.a-reliable-repair.com
He has a phone too, of course.
His cell number is 616-836-6003. Give Gary a call next time you need
an appliance doctor.
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