No Substitute for Experience at Village Vacuum Shop

Johnny O's association with the East Setauket vacuum shop he now owns, A-O Village Vacuum, began years ago with his mother's vacuum cleaner.

"Every time she used it, she'd break it," said Johnny O, who was often charged with the task of bringing the vacuum cleaner to the shop for repair.

Then-owner Big Bob, as he was called, became a dear family friend. Eventually, he hired Johnny O as a clerk in the shop to stock the shelves, sweep, and take out the trash. About six months later, Johnny O was doing repairs right alongside Big Bob. That was in 1995.

"I've always been taking things apart," Johnny O said. "Even when they're not broken."

Big Bob passed away in 2000, and since Johnny O was still in high school, his brother-in-law bought the shop. In 2005, Johnny O took over.

He describes his first two years as "business bootcamp." He had to downsize in order to grow, moving from a larger location to his current shop at 260 Main Street in East Setauket. When he took over, business was about 40 percent sales, 60 percent repairs. Now, it's about 20 percent sales, 80 percent repairs.

"The repairs have always been the bread and butter," Johnny O said. "Business isn't what it used to be, but I can tell by the repairs it's starting to come back. I'm starting to see a lot of new faces."

He may be his own sole employee, but he's never alone in the shop. He brings his two dogs, Kona and Mini, with him to the store every day, calling them his "official mascots."

A-O Village Vacuum is an authorized dealer and warranty station for Miele brand vacuum cleaners, which start at around $300 and feature medical-grade filters, making them ideal for people with allergies or emphysema. You won't find Mieles in department stores. The shop sells a variety of other brands and repairs all brands.

"When people buy a machine from me, they know they're buying me and my knowledge together with a good machine," Johnny O said.

When shopping for a vacuum cleaner, he advises against buying a bagless model.

"A lot of these bagless machines, it's a gimmick," he said. "What you think you're saving in bags you're spending on filters and service to unclog the machine."