Mountain High Appliance

8 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10 finding new automobiles, trucks, and SUVs has been so difficult. The same can be said for appliances, with the more high-tech and modern models run largely by similar semiconductor devices. While demand has risen for high-efficiency appliances, both through consumer interest and government mandates or incentives, those are the models that are more likely to require additional parts that remain in short supply. Some of the mid- level, well-known brands such as Whirlpool, Kitchen Aid, and GE are focusing new product lines on sustainability but are having to make more units with fewer high-tech features in the short-term just to fill demand, according to Parr. One brand making headways is Beko, a turnkey product line that manufactures 100 percent carbon neutral products. As the supply chain starts to slowly open up in the months and years ahead, that European brand will likely become more popular as consumer demand for efficiency continues to build. However, Parr believes it may be another 3-5 years before the supply chain returns to some semblance of “normalcy.” Technology upgrades and trends highlight new appliances Besides greater demand for high-efficiency products, more consumers are looking for appliances with digital and Wi-Fi capabilities. Ledwell elaborates, “There are appliances out there in all segments that can connect to your phone. Really, you could power and control just about all of your appliances by your phone these days – everything but loading up your dishwasher!” As industry tradeshows return additional newer technologies and capabilities will be introduced. One of the most prominent technology trends is the move away from natural gas and toward induction. There are many benefits, most notably that induction is safer. In fact, some communities in Colorado, including around Denver, have or are considering a ban on utilizing natural gas with new home builds as a way to reduce the impact of individual or large-scale wildfires. “The problem is lead times are longer right now with induction appliances but it won’t stay that way forever,” Parr says. He adds that many manufacturers in the appliance space want to launch new products but they won’t fully bring them to market until current orders are filled. Next up: expand the brand Mountain High Appliances expects to see growth and more customers from various parts of Colorado, including Summit County, one of the state’s fastest growing counties. Ledwell says that the company plans to invest in some new marketing to widen its customer base but for now it does not plan to open new retail locations. “We have plenty of opportunities to grow our brand and earn new business from current customer referrals,” Parr says. “We’re in a great position and are fortunate to have loyal customers.” MOUNTA IN HIGH APPL I ANCE