By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
After 31 years, Genuine Appliance of Hays is under new ownership.
Hays entrepreneur Jacob Proffitt has purchased the business from Mark and Keith Eilts. Proffitt is the owner of the Auman Company, as well as having an interest in several other businesses in Hays.
"We are going to continue to have the same great service that Mark and Keith always had," Colten Gideon, new manager, said.
The store, 1224 E. 27th, is carrying and will service many of the same appliance brands that it did under the former owners. However, the new business hopes to expand the brands it can service.
Gideon said Porffitt wanted to keep a small Hays business alive and retain employees in Hays.
Genuine Appliance carries a variety of large appliances for the home, including refrigerators, deep freezes, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals and hot water heaters.
Some of the brands include Electrolux, Frigidaire and Speed Queen.
The store also plans to bring in a new line, Thor, which is an upscale, full-kitchen line, Gideon said. The Thor appliances will need to be ordered, but the store will keep other appliances in stock, Gideon said.
The store also is carrying filters for reverse osmosis and water softener systems.
The store will deliver, install and service within 60 miles of Hays. Old appliances will be hauled away at no charge, Gideon said. The store will service anything that it sells.
The store is having a reopening event on March 1.
Store hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.