Monday, May 17, 2010

HB Magazine Summer Feature: Home Appliance Co. in Fountain Valley is Your Hometown Store

For over 60 years, Home Appliance Co., Inc., has been open for business in Orange County. Located on Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach since the 1940s, the store is now on Magnolia Street in Fountain Valley. Current owners Randy Montgomery and Mark Merriott are former Home Appliance Co. employees who exercised their right to the American dream when they bought the business in 2004. Today, they’re Orange County’s largest independent retailer of major appliances.

Being the “little guys” who sell appliances, as opposed to Orange County’s big box Goliaths, has its advantages, according to co-owner Mark Merriott. “Our customers know us and our reputation—we’re not part of a giant, faceless corporation,” Mark said. “We’re able to use technology and the power of Nationwide Marketing Group, with over $17 billion in buying power, to obtain discounts from manufacturers.”

As an independent retailer, the company has also garnered its share of local media coverage. When TV news teams want to find out how small businesses are faring in the current economy, they frequently talk to Home Appliance Co. Randy and Mark have been interviewed three times over the last two years by Vikki Vargas, NBC Channel 4 News, and Rick Romero of ABC 7’s Eyewitness News team.

Home Appliance Co. sells all major appliances, including front and top-load washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, gas and electric ranges, microwaves, wine coolers, and freezers. They carry top brand name lines, such as Amana, Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, Kitchen Aid, Maytag, and Whirlpool. The showroom displays a wide selection of appliances, with everything from the plain vanilla basics to the latest, top-of-the-line models.

The store offers full service to its customers, including delivery of new appliances, free installation (a small fee may apply to some built-in models), and removal of old appliances, if necessary. Six month same as cash financing is available, and some Energy Star appliances may qualify customers for rebates provided by local utility companies. Mark and Randy pride themselves on their reputation for friendly, low-pressure customer service.

In addition to their everyday low prices, Home Appliance Company sells some discounted factory seconds and floor models as specials. There are also weekly and/or monthly specials—check the website at www.homeapplianceco.com for more details.

Find out for yourself why Home Appliance Company is recommended by friends and neighbors as the place to go for discounts on major, name brand appliances. The company is located at 17930 Magnolia St. in Fountain Valley, at the corner of Talbert and Magnolia. Hours of operation are Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call (714) 963-4436 or e-mail homeapplianceco@verizon.net.

HB Magazine Summer Feature: EyeStyles for Lifestyles in Huntington Beach Reinvents Eye Care

At Eyestyles for Lifestyles, the name says it all. The two Orange County Eyestyles locations (in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach and Huntington Beach/Westminster) provide all the vision services you need under one roof. Whether you’re looking for new glasses or contacts, considering laser vision correction, or need treatment for an eye condition, you’ll find it at Eyestyles for Lifestyles.

Since 1986, Eyestyles for Lifestyles co-founder and optometrist Dr. Robert Glass has been revolutionizing the delivery of eye care. At Eyestyles, there are no doctors in white coats and ties. Instead, it feels like a great retail store where you can choose from thousands of contemporary European and American designer frames. Eyestyles is also your sunglass and sports eyewear headquarters, and they carry all the top brands of contact lenses. If it’s not in stock, they’ll order it for you.

“Eyestyles is a unique place, where fashion, function, and eye health are inseparable,” Dr. Glass says. “We’ve created a casual, friendly atmosphere that’s designed to make you feel comfortable. Our focus is on providing a fun, pleasurable visit for everyone, from children to adults of all ages.”

At Eyestyles, the doctors and knowledgeable staff members help you make the best choices for your unique needs and lifestyle. If you play sports or engage in activities that require certain specific types of visual acuity and function, the Eyestyles professionals know how to assist you in finding the right choice in eyewear and contact lenses. As a licensed pilot, Dr. Glass specializes in the vision needs of private and airline pilots.

You can schedule an exam with a doctor six days a week, including evenings and weekends, and walk-ins are welcome. Doctors are board certified to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions of the eyes and lids, such as allergies, dryness, minor injuries, and “pink eye.” If Laser Vision Correction is the right option, Eyestyles is a TLC Affiliate, and offers complimentary consultations. Eyestyles also features the newest technologies, including Optomap retinal exams, which provide an ultra-wide view of your retina without dilation, and Izon wavefront correcting lenses that improve visual acuity and quality to high definition.

If you have a prescription from another doctor for glasses or contact lenses, bring it to Eyestyles’ complete optical lab with full-time staff. Most prescriptions can be filled within the hour, and they have an extensive selection of contact lenses in stock.

“At Eyestyles, we provide state-of-the-art eye care that’s convenient and affordable,” Dr. Glass said. “We’re dedicated to giving you an unbeatable selection of frames and lenses, the most vision correction options, and personalized service. You won’t find better quality, value or service anywhere else!”

Call or stop by to schedule your appointment today. Most major vision plans are accepted. Eyestyles Costa Mesa/Newport Beach is located at 1696 Newport Blvd (at Newport and 17th). For more information, call (949) 574-0200 or visit www.eyestylescostamesa.com. Eyestyles Huntington Beach/Westminster is located at 16498 Beach Blvd. (at Beach and Heil). For more information, call (714) 848-3937 or visit www.eyestyleswestminster.com.

HB Magazine Summer Feature: Duffy Electric Boats Celebrates 40 Years!

Back in the 1960s, Marshall “Duffy” Duffield of Newport Beach was a teenager working with friends to create his first electric boat. By 1970, he had improved upon the original idea and opened Duffy Electric Boats to sell his creations to the public. This year, Duffy celebrates its 40th anniversary as the world’s “first and finest” electric boat manufacturer. Duffy boats are sold by more than 40 dealers throughout the U.S. and internationally.

What makes Duffy boats so special? They are quiet, low-maintenance, easy to operate works of art crafted in fiberglass, metal, and canvas. Because customers specify the colors, interior fabrics, and features they want, no two boats are alike. Options include a refrigerator, running water, stereo system, bunks, a galley, dining tables, heater, and many other custom choices.

Every boat comes equipped with a quiet, high-power electric motor, maintenance-free battery system, and a patented, easy to use PowerRudder steering system. With a top speed of 5.5 to 7.5 miles per hour, Duffy boats are ideal for beginning boaters. Rent one by the hour, seven days a week, from the Newport Beach sales and rental office. Experience the beauty of an environmentally-friendly Duffy boat for yourself, and discover a lifestyle that’s been enjoyed for 40 years.

Duffy Electric Boats are available for sale or rent at 2001 W. Coast Hwy. in Newport Beach. Visit www.duffyboats.com or call (949) 645-6812 for more information.