Q&A with Jeff Miceli, Owner, ApplianceTec
Tell us about your company.
Appliance Tec, Rochester, NY
How did you get into the industry?
My family owned a service company in South Florida from 1959-89 so I grew up in and around the industry. Much of my childhood summers were spent in the shop and office and I was running service calls before I graduated high school.
Do you do sales and service?
Service only.
When did you start your company?
2003
What differentiates you from your competition?
We are an exclusive servicer for Whirlpool Corporation and a proud member of their “W Service” network. This allows us to hyper-focus on one brand so we can deliver outstanding service.
How long have you been a UASA member?
I believe my first membership was in 2007
How did you first hear about UASA?
Not sure exactly but I think it was in the now defunct “Appliance Service News” magazine. What really pulled me in was a regional seminar in Albany in 2006 where I attended the “business” lecture in which Dean Landers spoke about GLEEPS and professional pricing. It was the first time I witnessed someone outside the manufacturers represent our industry with such style and professionalism. The idea that UASA was truly looking out for “our” interests was refreshing. I knew right then I had to be part of this organization. Thanks Dean!
How has the association benefitted you?
In so many ways. First and foremost is networking, as these connections can be an almost limitless source for help, opinions, and support. There is something so empowering by having relationships with the only other people in the world that completely understand what your work life is like. Then there is ASTI and the seminars which are a great source for learning the best practices and latest techniques for operating a professional, well-run appliance service business.
How many techs do you have?
7
What are your long term business goals?
Growth. Our plan is two-fold with plans to grow our market share in our existing territory while expanding the territory itself.
What is your favorite part about the Appliance Business?
Well, it is never boring and there always seems to be a new challenge around the corner. I really enjoy solving those challenges.
What do you do for fun when you aren’t running your company?
I ride mountain bikes and road bikes. I also enjoy cycling on multi-day tours.
Is there an experience or takeaway that you can share from one of the ASTI conventions you’ve attended in the past?
The experience I would like to share is not about one event but the accumulation of knowledge picked up over all the events. The early events for me were amazing because I’d head home with so many ideas and plans on how to improve the company that I barely knew where to start. As the years went on and as I learned more the volume of knowledge taken home was less but the quality and impact of what I call the “nuggets” I brought home with me was still amazing. I always leave ASTI with some of those nuggets.
