taking care of business
APPLIANCE CONNECTION
A Family Business Spanning Generations By Amy Falkofske | Photos by Mike Delong
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ppliance Connection is not just any appliance store — it’s a true family-run business encompassing two generations and working on a third.
It all started 34 years ago in 1985 with a four-person staff consisting of the owners Mark and Pam Tonnesen and their children Marty (15) and Andrea (12) Nohe. There was also a Chevy truck and a used van. Then, in 1995 they moved to their current location, a massive showroom on Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge. Fast forward a bit. Mark continues to be involved in the day-today business, but as the chairman. Pam is very involved with the visionary work of the store, helping them set goals, according to Marty Nohe, now president of the store. About his mom, Pam, Marty said, “She’s absolutely the mom of the family, but she’s also the mom of the business as well.” His sister, Andrea, is now vice-president. Marty’s older children, Rachel (18), a sophomore at NOVA and Nicholas (16) work at the store too. Nicholas works in the warehouse and his dad sings his praises. “He’s one of the best warehouse workers we’ve got,” said Marty. Marty and his wife Kris also have two younger boys who aren’t quite old enough to work in the store yet, although Marty will sometimes bring them in to help him on the showroom floor.
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February 2020 prince william living
A true family business, Appliance Connection has been there for the community since 1985.