east valley
Volume 1 Issue 40 Mesa, AZ
May 19, 2019
Spencer’s surprises 3 lucky customers BY KATIE SAWYER Tribune Staff Writer
T
IN THE BIZ
hree lucky Spencer’s TV & Appliances shoppers were gifted with a major prize at the store’s original location in Mesa last week. Rob Gaschler, Fred and Deanne Dresser and Kim Brontsema each won $10,000 to spend how they like in the store as a reward for being the 5 millionth customers. Any shopper that purchased an item at Spencer’s quali�ied, but customers could also enter online or in person. General Manager Clifton Orlandi said the winners were chosen through a lottery system, and could choose from anything in the store, except, “this washer dryer, they can’t have that,” he laughed, pointing at a vintage, bright yellow Maytag washer/dryer circa 1970s. Mesa native Rob Gaschler was getting gas when he received the call from Spencer’s telling him he won. The new homeowner had just purchased a washer/dryer at the beginning of March, and was ecstatic to hear about his good fortune. “It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever won!” He said excitedly. “The only other thing I’ve ever won was an iPod.” He plans to buy a refrigerator, and has his eye on the modern, double-Frenchdoor style. For Gaschler, the choice to support a small business was simple. “I used to buy from the big-name stores, (but) realized Spencer’s had better deals and better customer service, and it’s a long-time local business. I like supporting Public Notices ........... page 2 © Copyright, 2019 East Valley Tribune
that,” he said. As for what will happen to his current appliances, Gaschler hopes to share his win with his mom by giving them to her. He said his kitchen “has basic appliances — they’re new, but they’re basic. I’ll probably put those in my mom’s house because she needs new appliances,” he said. Fred and Deanne Dresser moved to Goodyear a little over Mesa resident Rob Gaschler said the $10,000 in-store credit he won four years ago, and knew where from Spencer’s TV & Appliances will help him upgrade his kitchen so can give his current appliances to his mom. (Palo Robles/Tribune to go for appliances when they he Staff Photographer) found themselves in the market thought the whole thing was a bad joke. for a refrigerator. “We got treated right in the store and She had been receiving calls from Spenthey do their own service work,” said Fred. cer’s all week before deciding to answer They’re still deciding what to do with the fateful phone call. She thought to herself, “I’ve been making their sweet prize, but in the meantime, they’ve had fun perusing the aisles of shiny, my payments on time, so I don’t know why they’re calling me!” she said laughing. stainless steel appliances. It’s no prank though, these three lucky “There’s so many thoughts,” said Fred. “We’ve never won anything like this!” His winners will be going home $10,000 richer in appliances. wife Deanne chimed in. Spencer’s TV & Appliances has been in “We’re looking at a dishwasher, a double business for 47 years, expanding to 10 oven,” said Fred. The two were overjoyed with their luck, locations in the Valley just within the last as they were �irst-time customers of Spen- two decades. Recently, however, costs for the local business have gone up due to the cer’s just a few months previously. “For one thing, it’s a real surprise,” trade war with China. “Costs have went up, but we haven’t seen a Deanne said. “It’s a real blessing, because it’s not something we would have expected change in slowing down purchases. It hasn’t nor is it something we considered very really slowed us down at all, but it’s all concerning — that’s for sure,” Orlandi said. likely. It’s just very special.” Regardless, Orlandi sees the company Kim Brontsema has been working in Gilbert for almost a decade, and at �irst, she continuing to grow and give back. (USPS 004-616) is published weekly
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