Ron and Colleen Winter of Direct Appliance

By Abigail Power

We all know that Modesto is an amazing community of friends and family, but one of our most dynamic and unique attributes is our incredible network of independently owned and local businesses. We are proud to be able to learn more from our friends in the business sector here in town and we are excited to share their stories and what drives them to do business in our city. We would like to introduce you to Ron and Colleen Winter of Direct Appliance. Direct Appliance Flooring & Home brings complete floor-to-ceiling rooms to life enough so you can fully live the kitchen and bath experience and does it with Central Valley hospitality that makes customers life-long patrons. Let’s hear from longtime supporters of our community and ModestoView, Ron and Colleen Winter!

Ron Winter

What inspired you or brought you to your line of work?

My father and older brother were appliance technicians and I was an aspiring musician. They came to watch me perform at the Nutcracker one year and suggested that I have a back-up plan. I learned appliances in my 20’s and that was the beginning of the winding road I took to today.

Go Modesto!

LoveModesto on April 29th

Of all places to share your talents and passions, why did you choose Modesto to do business?

I grew up way out West Main in Turlock and I always ended up back here. I had many contacts in the appliance industry, and one of my closest friends opened Direct Maytag on McHenry and called me to join him. After 5 years, a partner and I took over the store, and have continued to grow the business. I like the still small-town feel of Modesto, the proximity to just about every part of the state in a few hours, the weather, and most importantly, the people. There is a sense of belonging when you find yourself working with clients who are second (and even-third!) generation customers.

What are your hopes and goals for Modesto, and our community in the coming years?

As Modesto continues to grow, I am hoping it continues to retain a small-town feel as best a bigger city can. I see evidence of my friends’ children and grandchildren staying in the area, which is nice that the younger generations don’t feel the pull to move to larger cities…As far as growth, I look

It’s that time Modesto when we all gather together to lend a hand to Modesto and show our Love. On April 29, at 8 am join thousands of your best friends at 11th and J St to meet up for one of the many projects around town that needs your help. There are so many different projects for kids, families, couples, grandparents and more. There is truly something for everyone. Love Modesto’s Jeff Pishney, will kick of this amazing day of service and there will be a Pancake Breakfast from the Modesto Kiwanis clubs and there will be dozens of info kiosks and ways for you to get involved at the rally. Please learn more and sign up for on of the 80+ projects at www.lovemodesto.com

Go Modesto!

Porchfest is coming May 21.

This is Modesto’s largest party of the year! Nearly 50 porches across the College and La Loma and the Bodem/Morris Area neighborhoods will be making a huge party. Grab your bicycle and go from house to house, porch to porch and hear most of Modesto’s favorite musicians. This is a fun day to hang out with friends and find new bands. Remember, the homeowners and the bands are donating their porches and their performance so PLEASE tip these folks during the day from noon- 5 pm. Bring water and lawn chairs and enjoy the day. Final maps and band listings will be posted later this month at www.modestoporchfest.com forward to more of the cultural activities and venues that have been increasing over the years. Downtown always has something going on now, and it’s amazing to see what is offered in the arts, recreation, and education. I am hopeful that as a community, we continue to support and encourage local, independently owned businesses such as our own…Having unique, local stores sets a community apart from others and fosters pride in community as well. Also, I am hopeful that our city can address the issue of homelessness and mental health services in a way that larger cities may not be able to. Part of the benefit of being smaller, like being a smaller business, is that you are often able to pivot and change and implement programs that may take much longer for larger institutions to put into effect. Having local people involved with common-sense approaches is a way I feel is helpful. Ron Winter is also in the band Remedy! Make sure to check them out when they play live to support local music and business alike! @remedyoakdale.

Favorite local night out in Modesto?

We eat out frequently at our local restaurants, and we often find ourselves heading downtown to enjoy everything from a nice evening at Camp 4 Wine followed by a show at the Gallo Arts Center, or drinks and food at Ralston or Fuzio while watching local bands in the downtown scene. We love the 10th Street Plaza concerts during the summer and Christmas months.