Southern Indiana Business September/ October 2022 | Page 28

Charlie Wilson ’ s

Generational businesses often become closely associated with a family in the eyes of the public . Few businesses in our area are more tied to an individual ’ s name and image than Charlie Wilson ’ s Appliances in Clarksville . Appliances , televisions , and mattresses will continue to be associated with the name as a second generation continues the Wilson legacy . Charlie Wilson peacefully passed away this year at the age of 96 . Charlie loved his God , his country , his family and the Kentuckiana community .
Charlie was a veteran of service in the Navy during World War II . Upon returning to the States , Charlie attended and graduated from Western Kentucky University . He opened his first appliance store at the corner of Preston Street and Eastern Parkway in Louisville in 1953 . Two years later he moved the store to State Street in New Albany but returned again to Louisville in another two years . His retail store stayed in Louisville until 2015 when Charlie Wilson ’ s Appliances , TVs and Mattresses relocated in its current location in Clarksville .
From small televisions in the 1950s to the big screen models of today , appliances and televisions have changed dramatically because of technology . One thing that hasn ’ t changed at Charlie Wilson Appliances is the customer always comes first . Charlie Wilson founded the company on honest service , quality products , and outstanding customer service . The Charlie Wilson tradition continues with David Wilson , Steve Wilson , and Krystal McCulloch , the current family owners .
Charlie worked hard to keep up with the newest trends and most advanced technology . In the 1990s when satellite television services began to emerge , Charlie wanted to be one of the leaders blazing the way . DIRECTV made its Midwest debut at Charlie Wilson ’ s store
Charlie Wilson and the second generation , his son David Wilson .
in 1993 . The president of DIRECTV was present for the ceremonies .
Local celebrities appreciated Charlie ’ s service and products . Notable customers for the appliance store included Muhammad Ali , Denny Crum , and Pat Day . Charlie ’ s dedication and outstanding customer service made loyal customers out of the storied individuals .
Like any small business , a local store in the appliance industry faces important challenges . Finding and keeping dedicated and talented employees is high on the list . It is also difficult to have the entire team focused on keeping the main thing the main thing in the business .
The Wilsons offer sage advice to families looking to work in a business together . Get as much education as you can to serve as your foundation . Work for a competitor for a couple of years to learn the business and discover a structure for how the business works . Then rely on each other through trust and love to begin the adventure . Make sure you always have a strategy to exit from the organization and industry .
The brand of a business can become etched in the mind of the community as generations pass . Charlie Wilson ’ s Appliances is a prime example of a brand well built . You have probably been singing their jingle while you have been reading this article .