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When you walk into Gulgren Appliance in Crystal Lake, what you feel first is attention: interest in what you need as a customer, helpful (but not pushy) staff members, and a whole lot of experience.
And that’s to be expected from a family business that’s been rooted in the community since 1959. The highest level of customer service has always been the focus – from the day of the sale, to the day of installation, and on through day-to-day use by families.
“We help our customers and go the extra mile to make sure they are getting something they understand how to use, and make sure it is working properly,” says Mike Gulgren, who owns the Crystal Lake store with his brother-in-law Greg Danielson.
As teenagers, Gulgren and Danielson worked after school in the family business, delivering appliances to neighborhood customers, installing them, then servicing the products. These days, you’ll still see them out and about, doing delivery and installation and servicing appliances, working elbow deep in the heart of the family business.
“There always are questions after an installation,” Gulgren says. “Maybe something doesn’t work quite right or it needs an adjustment. You can call me, and I’m going to take care of it. You won’t wait two weeks or have to call an 800 number to get help.”
The second-generation-owned business, now located at 424 West Terra Cotta Avenue, prides itself in selling only the best quality appliances such as GE, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Bosch, Maytag, SubZero, Big Green Egg, Viking, Fisher & Paykel and many more.
From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel the difference at Gulgren.
“At a big box store, you’re pretty much on your own as you look around,” Gulgren says. “But our people have a lot of experience. And we can help you decipher the difference in the products, and get you exactly what you need for your home.”
Another advantage to buying locally from Gulgren? Short delivery windows – usually two hours – mean you don’t sit home all day waiting on a truck.
“From the office staff to our service technicians, to our delivery drivers, sales team and parts department – all are essential for keeping things running smoothly and making Gulgren’s what it is today,” Danielson says.
Even the array of products that fill the store are chosen to make an impact.
“The brands we sell are picked because they are the most reliable,” Gulgren says. “We don’t stock items that experience a lot of problems. We wouldn’t push that on our customers.”
That attitude is what’s kept Gulgren woven into the fabric of the community for so many years, and a continual choice by local families.
“We live in such a wonderful area” says Danielson. “We also feel very fortunate to win Best of the Fox consistently. We take it very seriously and it’s a great feeling knowing our customers vote for us year after year.”
With the holidays upcoming, many folks will be looking to update and upgrade the appliances in their homes. Gulgren adds this is a great time to check out seasonal specials and get ready for holiday cooking. The store has all the latest smart appliances available and experts on hand to help make sense of all the new technology.
And as the appliance industry changes, rest assured the team at Gulgren is changing with it.
“Being an independent family business from the local area, we support our community,” Gulgren says. “We hope you’ll support us as well, and allow us to be your appliance experts, now and in the future.”
Gulgren Appliance
424 W Terra Cotta Ave.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-459-4380 | www.gulgren.com
Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 8:30-5:30,
Thurs. 8:30-8, Sat. 8:30-4