About Us
Updated 5/26/20
I hope this email finds you well, and that you and yours have remained healthy through this challenging time.
Next month will mark Jeanne's and my fifth year at A1. Never at that time could we have imagined everything we have experienced with you over those years. The family and community that we've built both in and out of our store has been the thing that we've most cherished. And your continued support through this crazy time that we've currently found ourselves in has been unbelievable and has made what has been a difficult time all that much easier. We thank you for that support!
As we move into Phase 1 of our re-opening to the public, we wanted to give everyone an update on the store, our employees and what we are committed to doing to get us through what may be the next several months of our "current" reality. (I prefer the word "current" to new, as I believe we will get back to normal, but we will be working over the next many months to do so safely.)
First and foremost, our senior techs Dax and Alex are working full time to maintain and repair your sewing machines and vacuums. Both worked extra hard last week (their first week back) and made incredible progress in keeping within a week window on vacuums and within two weeks on sewing machines. To limit their exposure to the virus, we will not have them in consumer facing roles right now. We are also "quarantining" machines for three days prior to working on them. The first and last steps in service will be wiping down and sanitizing machines as well. Our store is currently set up to allow the two of them to work while maintaining social distancing. We are currently evaluating ways that would allow us to bring Sebastian back part time if needed.
Second, as our situation allows, we will be hiring Shawna back full time to begin teaching classes. We will evaluate our ability to begin in-person classes for new machine owners while maintaining distancing next week. Once we confirm that we can maintain distance and safety, we will make another announcement on these classes.
Third, our new store hours starting on Monday 5/11 will be Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm. We will still encourage curbside delivery and pick-up, however limited numbers of customers will be allowed in store on a case by case basis. Face coverings / masks are required to be an in-store customer.
The outpouring of support that we've received from our amazing community has truly touched everyone in our store family! While we long for the genuine human connection we've developed with every one of you, we appreciate your patience and understanding. And because we care for you, we are placing these safety precautions.
The A1 Vacuum and Sewing Community has become so much more than a family of customers to us. You are all a family of friends. You have all of our commitment to continue to work and innovate to find new ways of growing our connections. We've felt so much gratitude as we shift (and grow) through this unprecedented situation.
Be safe, stay well and love,
Jeanne, Patrick, Dax, Shawna, Alex, Sebastian, and Sean
About Us
Come in and experience the difference in quality and service at A1 Vacuum & Sewing. And don't take our word for it, take a look at our reviews on:
Meet The Owners:
Patrick Mulligan: Patrick spent 20 years in the Software space helping companies identify and hire senior executives. A born tinkerer, he's enjoyed becoming one of A1's certified sewing technicians. He's naturally curious and loves the tangible nature of this business. Having made the transition from talking to executives in far away cities all day to meeting our wonderful customers face to face in the store keeps him smiling and passionate about A1. In his spare time he loves to spend time with his family while climbing rocks, mountain biking, skiing, and traveling. He is a lifelong lover of the outdoors and applies this thinking in offering superior products and keeping them for a long time (vs. disposable goods), which helps sustain the environment.
Jeanne Mulligan : An early customer of A1 on both the vacuum and sewing sides of the store, Jeanne's been both a Baby Lock and Brother educator since the store started offering classes! She's passionate about sewing, crafting and creating since she was a young girl - just ask about other crafts she does. She's crazy about her family: her twins and husband. Jeanne is quick to smile and has an infections laugh - visit the store and get to know why other rave about her class community!
Meet the A1 Reno Vac and Sew Family:
Dax Kemp: Dax is our Senior Sewing Service technician and Service Supervisor. He's been A1 for three years and is a certified Baby Lock service tech, a certified Janome service tech and a master vacuum mechanic! He's quick to help customers with their machines and loves the new challenges he faces every day. He especially loves sweets and goodies brought in by the appreciative community he serves.
Shawna Kummer: Shawna has quickly become a sewist since starting at A1 Reno! She loves to share a new tip or show a cool embroidery machine feature. You'll likely find Shawna teaching one of the classes on IQ Designer/Design Center or Scan N Cut digital cutters. We're thrilled to have Shawna create some How To videos for us. Take a look:
You can see other How To videos here.
