Kelly's Appliance Center

Dane Marcy: Mechanically Motivated

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

COTATI — When asked what moved him to become an appliance repair technician, Dane Marcy says he was merely recapturing a missed opportunity. “I actually should’ve started working in appliance repair a lot sooner,” he says. “I’ve always been mechanically inclined—as a boy, I used to tinker around with everything from bikes to lawnmowers. When I was a teenager, my dad’s fiancée worked for an appliance company and I wanted to get a job there. However, it was too far from where I lived and it didn’t make sense for me to commute for $7 an hour.”

After high school, Dane started working in the construction field, only to have his professional aspirations put on hold following the 2008 recession. Fortunately, just as one career path was coming to an end, he stumbled upon another. “I was browsing online one day and saw an ad for an appliance repair technician. It reminded me of the job I’d missed out on as a young man, and it still sounded fun, so I applied. I was hired, and since the day I started, I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Today, as service manager at Kelly’s Appliance Center, Dane says he enjoys both the technical and customer service aspects of his job. “I enjoy diagnosing problems, especially the tricky ones, where you really have to dive into the machine and use your deductive skills. I also like making customers happy. When I’m able to get someone’s refrigerator or washer working again, it makes their day, which makes mine in turn.”

A resident of Rohnert Park (where he lives with his wife, Jessica, and their daughter), Dane spends his free time on a variety of pastimes, from outdoor activities to brewing beer. “I love getting out and going camping, fishing, snowboarding, off-roading—basically, anything related to the outdoors,” he affirms. “I also brew beer at home, especially in the winter when there’s not as much to do outside. Other than that, I like to read and just tinker around with various projects I have going in my garage.”

In regard to his professional career, Dane espouses the importance of honesty. “I was raised by a single mom and we didn’t have much money,” he recounts. “When the washer or fridge would break down and she had to call a repairman, she was always worried about getting ripped off. Now that I’m an appliance specialist, I keep that perspective in mind when dealing with customers. I try to put them at ease by being honest and making the experience as positive as possible.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Dane says he’d become a highly refined mountain man. “If I could afford it, I’d probably buy a home in the mountains and spend my days fishing, hunting, and hanging out with my family.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite brewery?
A: Mission Brewery in San Diego.

Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted?
A: Attempting tricks while snowboarding. One time I came pretty close to being hospitalized.

Q: Who makes you laugh?
A: My wife.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Old or unusual clocks. My grandmother used to collect them, so I’ve sort of carried that on. I don’t have too many, but if I’m at a garage sale and see a neat one, I might pick it up.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Little Debbie Swiss Rolls.