Hidden Gems: Meet Alex Charles of B&B Appliance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Charles.  

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our business was started in 1968 by my ex-wife’s grandfather (more on that later). Mr. Brent Rufenacht established B&B with his wife, Bernice, and quickly became the leading home appliance servicer in North County. While in the service field, Brent realized that he ought to provide replacement options for clients that owned equipment that had failed beyond repair. Brent became an authorized dealer of KitchenAid dishwashers and thus opened competition with the likes of Home Depot, Sears, and Montgomery Ward. Over time, Brent and Bernice would add several family members and key employees to the B&B team. Brent’s brother, Clint, was the first employee and would eventually manage B&B’s Service Department for over 40 years. Brent and Bernice’s daughter, Melody, officially joined the team in the early-80s (despite “helping” at the shop throughout her childhood). Bill Valleroy, Melody’s fiancé, would be added to the team 6 months later. 

Having all of the key support personnel in place, Brent handed leadership over to Bill and Melody in the late 90s, eventually retiring around 2000. 

I met the Valleroy family in 2000, as their eldest daughter became a classmate of mine. What started as a date to the Homecoming dance grew into a relationship that spanned high school and college. I started in the family business in July of 2007 after graduating from Azusa Pacific University. I officially married into the family in January 2008. Sadly, our marriage would end in 2013. However, having raised me as their son, the Valleroys reassured me that our business relationship would not change in the slightest. On good faith, I stayed with the company, and they have kept their promise in every way possible. This is family. This is what makes our store “different.” 

Having been in the business for nearly 17 years, navigating the 2009-2012 economic crisis, managing and growing through Covid-era changes in life and business, and several other trial-by-fire experiences, I am ready to assume full leadership of what will be our 3-generation business. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been as smooth as sandpaper. Understanding supply and demand has been key to our success. 

The “great recession” in 2009 was our most challenging time. Selling a $1500 laundry pair was cause for celebration. 

Covid became A Tale of Two Cities, as “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Our numbers grew off the charts. However, supply issues created backorders that often extended for more than 18 months. Our entire inventory model and strategy had to change. We doubled our warehouse size and brought in large quantity orders to adapt to changes in the industry. Ultimately, the dealer with the equipment on hand won the sale. 

The two greatest challenges that we foresee in the near future are 1) inflation and economic instability and 2) the government-led transition from gas appliances to electric. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
B&B Appliance is an independent servicer and dealer of home appliances. Our staff understands that every home has different needs. We realize that our clients are not calling us to spread butterflies and sunshine. Rather, they are having a really bad day because the washer just broke, and their 3 kids have a baseball game and dance recital TOMORROW. Or grandma’s refrigerator stopped cooling, and her medication must be kept below 40 degrees. Or, an immuno-compromised family member needs all of their dishes sanitized…or…or…or… There are plenty of stories and examples. At the end of the day, our team is here to provide a solution to the problem. Best of all, if it cannot be fixed, we are happy to provide a sales estimate to replace the product. On the sales side, we are happy to provide everything from apartment-grade to in luxury equipment. While we specialize in full-kitchen remodel packages, we will not shy away from the single-piece transaction. We are currently partnering with several builders to provide home appliances in ADUs/granny flats. Our sales team is happy to consult with the homeowner, designer, or builder to review and ultimately select the equipment. 

Most of all, it is important to note that B&B Appliance dose not outsource our work. Our installers and technicians show up with OUR NAME on the truck. They are our employees. Should any issues arise, we do not pass you on to somebody else. Instead, we take responsibility and act accordingly. 

What do you think about happiness?
For my employees, I’m happy knowing that our business feeds 25 families. Every time an employee has a child, I let the entire team know that we have another kid to provide for AS A TEAM. “Can I count on you to increase you sales?” Our team responds EVERY SINGLE TIME. 

For my clients, it is the execution and implementation of their vision. For many people, a $150k remodel is the largest re-investment they will ever make. I love partnering with customers to watch their vision come to life. 

In my personal life, I’m happiest holding hands with my wife, Kelly, as we watch our 4 children excel in all aspects of life. Whether it be in the classroom, on the baseball field, behavioral improvements, or acts of charity, nothing makes me happier than seeing their growth and improvement. 

Contact Info:

• Website: bandbappliance.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bandbappliance/