BREWER, Maine (WABI) As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.
That’s exactly what’s happening in Brewer.
It’s not easy replacing a store that’s been around for about 80 years, like Perkins Appliance on Center Street in Brewer. But that’s exactly what Gary Coleman is doing at General Appliance, just a few doors down.
“I just walked in,” said Gary Coleman, owner of General Appliance. “Al retired and I hated to see it go.”
When Al Elkin closed the business, which had been in the family for several generations, it could have left a huge void in the community.
Coleman was determined not to let that happen.
“When Gary showed interest, I said, ‘We need to talk.’ If you’re interested at all, it would be a wonderful cause to continue,” Elkin said.
“Any time he wants to come in and hang out, I’m all for it!” Coleman said, laughing.
Not only does Coleman offer the same services as Elkin, but he still makes time for the home visits he made before opening his shop.
“I make calls in the morning before I get home and on the way home when I leave,” Coleman said.
And in between he spends his free time tinkering in his workshop.
“I do a lot of refurbishment and remodeling work for people,” said Coleman.
TV5 asked Coleman which is the oldest play he’s ever worked on.
“Mine!” He answered. “My mother’s washing machine is 42 years old… still running!”
They don’t make them like they used to.
“That’s fact!” he agrees.
Whether it’s a 42-year-old Maytag or the latest model on the market, Coleman wants every former Elkin customer to know that you’re still in good hands with him.
“We’re still here and we’re quite simply willing to help them if we can. If they find us, we can help them. We’ll do our best,” said Coleman.
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