Alan Solley’s goal was to retire by the time he was 40. Seven years past that birthday, he is finally ready to realize that dream.
As the owner of Solley’s Appliance and Fireplace, Solley worked six days per week, often from 7 in the morning until 7 or 8 at night.
But no more.
The business his parents began more than 55 years ago was sold to Paul Valentino Feb. 16. Solley will continue as a consultant for a year.
In 1948, Alan F. Solley and Beatrice Solley started the business in a small building next to the store’s current location, 3779 M-15. The Solleys lived there with their children and soon built a new home in front of the building where the senior Alan repaired appliances.
When customers? appliances were too old to be repaired, they would request new ones. Because he didn’t sell them, Alan F. would go to Detroit to get the appliances. It wasn’t long before he began selling them and in the early ?60s he constructed the current building.
Over the years, the business sold home appliances, electronics, carpeting and furniture. The younger Alan began helping on deliveries when he was about 13-years-old. His cousin, 16, would drive. The family all worked to make the business a success.
‘We didn’t feel we needed to hire outside help,? Solley said. ‘It’s hard to find someone to achieve the same service level as family. The repeat customers we’ve had have come back because of the family.?
In 1979, Solley graduated from Albion College with a degree in business management. He returned to working for the family business, but made the decision to no longer carry furniture, as he felt it wasn’t a good fit for the size of the building. Instead, Solley’s began carrying wood-burning stoves around 1980.
Solley also recalled selling satellite tv systems in the mid-?80s and installing them with his brother-in-law Tom. It was an all-day job. Solley was working a lot even then.
‘It’s a lot of hours, a lot of work,? he said. ‘But I got to spend a lot of time with my father, which is one good thing.?
His father continued repairing appliances at the store, even after he became ill.
‘He was devoted to it,? said Solley. ‘He loved to tinker.?
The older Alan continued to fix appliances and worked right up until he died in 1987.
After his father’s death, Solley was unable to leave the store while it was open, not even for lunch. His children would even get on the bus at the store.
The business eventually evolved to selling home appliances and fireplaces only.
Solley said he began suffering burnout from all the long hours. He tried to slow down the last few years and brought someone in to run the place, but it didn’t work out. After 25 years, he is ready to do something else.
‘If I work again, it will be something fun that I enjoy doing,? said Solley, who is surprised at how quickly the change in his life has come about. He first received the offer to buy the business at the end of December.
Solley says his customers, who included third and fourth generation clients, will be in good hands. The new general manager, Mark Rigato, has seven children and his wife works for the business, so it will remain a family business, albeit a different family. Solley’s sister and brother-in-law will continue working for the business although they are close to retirement.
Solley said he appreciates the loyalty of customers over the years. He enjoyed the friendships that developed and appreciates the trust shown in him.
When asked if he will miss the business, he smiles. ‘I won’t miss it for awhile,? he said and laughed. ‘I’m sure I will, but it’s going to be good.?