NEWTON FALLS -- When Larry Hicks started working at his dad's store, Lee's Appliance, in 1965, he

NEWTON FALLS -- When Larry Hicks started working at his dad's store, Lee's Appliance, in 1965, he didn't intend to stay.
Hicks, who earned degrees in chemical engineering and business administration, thought he'd eventually move on to work in the field in which he was schooled.
"When I was in college, I didn't plan on being in the business. It's just something that happened. I thought I'd just see how it went and if it wasn't for me, I could always go into the engineering field later. But I'm still here and the rest is history, as they say," said Hicks.
Hicks, who ended up taking over the operation when his father retired in 1985, said he learned the business from the ground up.
"It wasn't one of those silver spoon kind of things, I did pretty much work my way up," he said. "I delivered for years, worked in the parts department and in the office, and got into sales and purchasing. I kind of did a little bit of everything, so I got a good background in how the business operates."
Learning several aspects
Hicks said he's glad he had the opportunity to learn all aspects of the business.
"Now I know how tough those jobs can be, as opposed to somebody who's never done them and can't appreciate what a delivery guy has to go through to deliver a refrigerator and haul the old freezer out of the basement. It was good that I had to do that," Hicks said.
Hicks' father, Lee, opened the business in 1949 after attending electronics school, and started out servicing electronics. The company grew over the years and now sells furniture, bedding, appliances and electronics.
Although most of the 30,000-square foot showroom contains furniture, Hicks said the biggest seller is appliances.
Hicks said his company also services everything it sells and offers free delivery and removal of the old appliance.
Honored by Frigidaire
Lee's Appliance was recently named one of Frigidaire's longest-standing dealers in conjunction with Frigidaire's 85th anniversary. Hicks said his company was one of about 30 dealerships that were honored. He attended the awards ceremony in New York City in September.
Hicks, who enjoys traveling, said he has no problem leaving the store because of his competent and trustworthy staff. He says he's happy where he is, has no regrets and no immediate plans to retire.
"The bottom line is, I still enjoy the business. I don't mind coming to work every day. It's been a good business. I've been very blessed. Our business has grown year after year."