Richard Landen: A Life of Learning

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA ROSA — After growing weary of the rigors of upper management, Richard Landen decided to reroute his professional path. Nearly three decades later, he has no regrets about his choice. “I used to be a manager at Circuit City, back when that store was still in business,” he recounts. “They kept moving me from one store to another, and I finally got tired of it, so I decided to get out of management and go into a different department. I ended up transferring to the appliance sales department—that was in 1991, and I’ve been selling appliances ever since. I’ve been working at Asien’s Appliance since 2003.”

When asked about his favorite part of his job, Richard says it’s helping customers. “I have a lot of fun helping customers find what they’re looking for and working with them to complete their kitchens. Typically, they come in with rough ideas of what they want, and I basically get to fine-tune those ideas and help them find products that will meet their needs.”

A resident of Windsor (where he lives with his wife, Julie), Richard spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “Julie and I enjoy getting out and having a good time, whether it’s going to a San Francisco Giants game or going kayaking at Lake Sonoma,” he details. “We also like working on home projects together and spending time with our three grown children.”

In regard to a personal philosophy, Richard says he’s a big proponent of lifelong learning. “I learn something new every day. I’ve always told my kids, ‘Every morning when I get up, I know I’m going to learn something new that day.’ I don’t know everything, nor do I want to know everything, but I enjoy the fact that I get to keep learning and growing all the time.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: Royal China in Santa Rosa.

Q: Music or talk radio?

A: Music.

Q: What kinds of music do you like?

A: Everything but country and heavy metal.

Q: What were you most known for in high school?

A: I was kind of a jokester.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?

A: Christmas.

Jeff Teal: Applied Expertise

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA ROSA — After nearly 30 years in appliance sales, it wouldn’t be a stretch to call Jeff Teal an expert in his field. “I’ve been selling appliances since 1991,” he affirms. “I started at Sears and worked at several different companies from there, eventually landing at Asien’s Appliance. I’ve been doing this for so long that it’s basically second nature. Besides being a people person, I know just about everything there is to know about appliances, so I’m able to answer most customers’ questions off the top of my head. Occasionally, I’ll get a question that I have to look up the answer to, but I don’t get stumped very often.”

Today, as a sales associate at Asien’s Appliance, Inc., Jeff says his favorite part of his job is educating customers. “I really enjoy helping people complete their kitchen projects. As a sales associate, I believe my job is less about selling the customer on an appliance and more about educating them so they can make an informed decision for themselves.”

A resident of Santa Rosa (where he lives with his wife, Tina), Jeff spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I’ve been doing martial arts since 1978 and I continue to train and teach—mainly Danzan-ryū jujitsu,” he details. “I also volunteer with my youngest daughter, Hannah, at a local farm animal rescue organization called Goatlandia. We help with things like feeding the animals and cleaning their pens. For me, it’s both a chance to give back to the community and bond with my daughter.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Jeff says he’s all about straightforward service. “I’m a consumer as well as a salesperson, so I know what it’s like to be in the customer’s shoes. That’s why I don’t waste my customers’ time or try to coax them into buying certain appliances; instead, I try to be straightforward and just give them the facts. I also make it a point to ask questions and find out what they’re looking for so I can steer them in the right direction. That way, they feel heard and empowered to make the choice for themselves instead of feeling like they were coerced into buying something.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?

A: The San Francisco Giants.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?

A: A dog person.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?

A: Pickles.

Q: Pancakes or waffles?

A: Waffles—they hold peanut butter better.

Q: What were you most known for in high school?

A: Playing on the basketball team.

Eric Pemberton: A New Challenge

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA ROSA — Eric Pemberton had carved out a steady career in furniture sales, but when he saw the opportunity for a new challenge, he didn’t hesitate. “I’ve been in sales for a really long time—I’ve sold everything from audio CDs to insurance,” he recounts. “Eventually, I ended up at Ashley Furniture, where I worked in the sales department and later became store manager. After eight years, I was ready for a new challenge. Not long after, I saw an ad for a sales position at Asien’s Appliance and decided to go for it. It was a great decision—I really enjoy my job. In particular, I like the variety that selling appliances entails. Every customer is looking for something different and no house layout is alike, so that keeps things interesting.”

Today, as a sales associate at Asien’s Appliance, Inc., Eric says his favorite part of his job is interacting with customers. “We get a lot of customers who are remodeling their kitchens, and I enjoy being a calming voice during what can be a chaotic time. It’s really fun to meet new people, educate them about their options and help them build the kitchens of their dreams.”

Originally from Montana, Eric resides today in Santa Rosa with his wife, Stacey, and their two children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, participating in his local church and grilling in his backyard.

In regard to a professional philosophy, Eric espouses the wisdom of the Golden Rule. “I try to give my customers the same level of respect and service I expect to receive when I’m out shopping,” he explains. “When they leave our store, I don’t want them to feel like they were ignored or mistreated. I want them to walk out with a smile on their face, saying, ‘Wow, I’m glad we just met that guy!’”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Eric says he’d head for the hills. “I would probably move back to Montana. I’ve been all over that state and spent some time on the western side. I would probably find a little spot there in the mountains and just enjoy being in God’s country.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room in Santa Rosa.

Q: What’s your favorite board game to play with your family?

A: Apples to Apples.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?

A: I would probably go back to 1907 when the Cubs won the World Series. Obviously, I’m a big Cubs fan—plus, I think it would be interesting to see how different life was back then.

Q: How do you like your eggs?

A: Scrambled.

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: I collect sports memorabilia. I started with baseball cards and have since expanded into autographed pictures, uniforms, and other paraphernalia.