Chapman Vac & Sew Owner Choses Edgewater for New Business

A new businesses has opened up in the Edgewater area and with it comes an experienced owner who is passionate about customer service.

Chapman Vac & Sew opened in February at 3180 Solomons Island Rd., in the Kramer Building.

Though Chapman Vac & Sew is new, owner Edgar Chapman Jr. is not new to the business of vacuum/sewing machine sales and service.

"I've been in the business for about 29 years," said Chapman, who added he's worked at seven different stores in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore areas. 

"I started when I was 13 in Bladensburg," Chapman said. "Finally I said, 'I've had enough—I want my own.'"

Chapman, who is a resident of Severna Park, said there were several reasons why he decided to open his business in Edgewater.

"I just love the idea and the feeling of Edgewater," he said. "When I come across the bridge, it's a whole different world and feeling in Edgewater."

The people were also a factor.

"The people here are just awesome," said Chapman.  "Good people around here—they make you feel at home.  I wanted to open a business here to feel at home."  

In addition to providing sales and service of Dyson, Hoover, Sebo and Panasonic, there's another manufacturer he's pushing.

"The biggest one probably is going to be Simplicity—warranty and retailer," said Chapman.  "I decided I'm going to push them first because they're American-made."

Chapman believes that products made in America should be those first considered. 

"We live in America—we should go there first," he said.  "If people want the other stuff, I have it."

"We fix Oreck and Kirby's too," Chapman said. 

He also mentioned they service central vacuum units in homes as well. 

As for sewing machines, Chapman said there's too many to name, but he services all brands.  

Chapman may offer a variety of products and services but there is one extra component to his business that he wants people to know about.

"The number one thing I want to do at this store is put customer service back on the map," declared Chapman. "We fix first, sell second."