If you live in Owensboro, you have heard about Green River Appliance. It's been in business since 1964 but do you know the backstory of how it came to be? Well, it's kind of a crazy one! I had the pleasure of chatting with Ray Chambers, owner and operator, about their family's rich history in the Owensboro area.

Daviess County Public Library
JR Miller, Former Mayor of Owensboro -- Daviess County Public Library
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In the very early Sixties, Elton Dawson attended Western Kentucky University to study agriculture but ended up in Owensboro working for JR Miller, managing the appliance department of Green River Electric. When Green River Electric decided to focus solely on providing utilities to the community, Dawson saw an opportunity. His friend and mentor, JR Miller, the former CEO of Green River Electric, along with family, helped him to fund the original location of Green River Appliance.

In the mid-80s, Elton Dawson considered retiring from the businesses. He had been grooming his son-in-law, Ray Chambers, to take over the family business which was located on 14th and Daviess.

In 2013, the family decided to expand the business. As fate would have it, the perfect lot was located on, you guessed it, JR Miller Blvd. which is where the showroom now stands proudly.

A vintage ice tray -- Ray Chambers
A vintage ice tray -- Ray Chambers
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Finally, I asked Ray what advice he'd give to those thinking about starting their own business since he's so strongly stitched into the economic landscape of Owensboro.

"Do your homework," he advised. "Make sure you do your research. There are surprises and if you do your research, you'll be ready for them. I never thought the French door refrigerator would be so popular. After the 1950s, the bottom freezer became dated. Now everyone wants one. They've virtually killed the side-by-side. Who knew?"

He also advises them to follow their dreams and remember that service is the most important after the sale.


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