Repair Shops: Good Business Sense and Good for the Community

I grew up in Rosedale and transplanted to an area of mega-homes and well-manicured lawns in western Howard Co. I often heard my a neighbor grumbling about having to “call the guy” when his sprinkler system or built-in fridge went on the fritz.

In neighborhoods like Parkville, Rosedale, Essex and Dundalk, we rarely called “the guy.” When we needed something fixed, we called a fix-it guy in the neighborhood, and payment was usually in the form of a case of Natty Boh.

There’s a lot to be said for the people who create things, but just as much homage should be paid to those who keep those things running. In Parkville-Overlea and the surrounding communities, a number of businesses have built a rejuvinating items people often toss out in exasperation as “unfixable.”

These business owners spotted untapped sales markets—good for them and good for the community. If your heel falls off your shoe or your dishwasher sounds like a screeching cat is caught inside, here are a few of “the guys” you can call to fix the problem.

. This family-owned business has been repairing appliances in the area since 1976. Technicians will come to your home to diagnose and fix problems with your appliances.  The company shares a space with and operates in conjunction with the ATeam HVAC company that repairs air and heating systems.

FYI: Appliance Service Company, 7816 Harford Rd., 410-661-1778

Cover Guard Fitness. Treadmills and stationary bikes will last years, yet you’ll see people hauling them off to the dump for what turns out to be a simple repair job. Makes house calls.   

FYI: Cover Guard Fitness, 2929 Willoughby Rd., 410-665-2828

. Cynthia Mackinnon has been breathing life into good but worn furniture from her home business for about five years. If you’ve bought your furniture at a discount store and need updated fabric, Mackinnon advises that it’s probably cheaper to replace the item. However, an heirloom or quality piece of furniture with "good bones" can be brought back to its original glory. Pick-up and delivery available.

FYI: Revitalize Upholstery, 3103 Hillcrest Ave., 410-522-3588

. Superior Sharpening Works will sharpen lawn mower blades to get that lawn mower in working order so you’re all ready for the next green season.

FYI:  Superior Sharpening Works, 7716 Harford Rd., 410-668-2055

Frederick C. Bath Piano Tuning. Frederick C. Bath will tune your piano and get it sounding like it did when you bought it. Makes house calls.

FYI: Frederick C. Bath Piano Tuning, 2917 Andrea Ave., 410-665-5391

. Jack Ashley maintains technicians on site at Aerus who can repair your vacuums, shampooers, air cleaners, floor waxers/buffers and water purifiers. Free pick-up and delivery.

FYI: Aerus Electrolux, 1702 Joan Ave., 410-882-1027

Charles Nusinov will resize rings, repair and reinforce clasps or broken links in jewelry. According to the Nusinov website, repairs can be done on site.

FYI: Charles Nusinov & Sons, 8720 Satyr Hill Rd., 401-661-5050 

. Just Guns sells and trades firearms, but also offers in-house gunsmithing services such as bore sighting and seasonal maintenance and cleaning. Repairs antique weapons, too. For more info, see the Just Guns website.

FYI: Just Guns, 7715 Harford Rd., 410-663-4867

. Jacob Yang will stitch up worn shoes, add new soles or heels, then give them a good shining so your worn shoes look new again.

FYI: Carney Shoe Repair, 9514 Harford Rd., 410-665-2014

. You've finally dropped that extra 20 pounds you’ve been carrying around for the last year, but now your clothes don’t fit. A good tailor can fix that problem and make you feel like you have a new wardrobe for the new you.

FYI: Joppa Cleaners, Tailor & Shoe Repair, 2308 E. Joppa Rd., 410-665-0025