What are your earliest and favorite vacuum memories?
Growing up, I visited flea markets a lot—and many of the vacuums there looked more like art pieces than machines. I guess that stuck with me.
When I was about 6, a Kirby salesman came to our house. He was great with kids and even used the Kirby to blow up balloons. Me and my brother still laugh about it—especially when I use my Kirby Classic to do the same.
What is the history of vacuum you have owned?
The Panasonic Jet-Flo is what started it all. I found it on Craigslist as a free old vacuum. When I brought it home, I took it apart to clean it up, and inside the bag area I found several brand new belts and folded bags.
Long memory short: I still use that same vacuum nearly every day.
I picked it up the same week I got fed up with my bagless machine, which always made more of a mess when I emptied it than what it seemed to clean.
I was tired of clogged filters ruining the suction.
Even though I’m in my early 30s, I grew up with rotary phones and 4-prong jacks. My dad collected old radios and TVs, so believing in the quality of older appliances has been lifelong for me.
Have you ever worked on, repaired and/or restored any vacuum cleaners?
(Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 2 – diagnosed)
Yes, I’ve worked on, repaired, and restored several vacuums over the years.
Vacuum ICU (Intensive Cleaner Unit):
I have a small group of vacuums in restoration, which I call my ICU. These are units waiting for deep repair or special parts before they’re returned to full working condition. I treat each one with care and only restore them when I’m in the right space to do it safely and properly.
Vacuum Philosophy:
I don’t believe in throwaway vacuums. If it still runs—or can be brought back—it deserves a second chance. I believe older machines were built with more care, and I try to bring that care back through every repair I do.
