STRUTHERS -- The concept of family has always been a strong part of Terry Semach's personal and

STRUTHERS -- The concept of family has always been a strong part of Terry Semach's personal and business life.
His father, John, and his mother, Betty, started Semach's Northside TV in 1951 on Belmont Avenue after his father attended an electronics school in Chicago for two years.
A desire to be closer to Semach's mother's family in Poland caused his parents to relocate their business to its current Struthers location in the early 1960s.
Terry Semach, the youngest of five brothers, started working at his parents' business at age 11. He swept floors, carried tool boxes for the delivery person and performed other errands. Terry Semach also earned his first paycheck at that age.
"I mostly got in the way," he said.
In 1980, Semach earned a business degree at Youngstown State University, and within a few years his siblings had left the area. Afterward, he decided to take over the business so his parents could retire. His father, however, still comes in each morning to open the business.
Expanded product line
After taking over, Semach expanded the type of merchandise sold, as well as the business's name. One showroom displays mattresses and bedding merchandise, recliners and TVs, which include some old-fashioned sets in cabinets as well as modern high-definition models. On display in the other room are washing machines, dryers and dishwashers.
In recent years, Semach and his 11 employees have focused more on selling appliances and TVs, he said.
Offering free delivery, helping people set up their TVs and other items and demonstrating to customers how to use various complicated devices sets Semach's Northside TV apart from many competitors, Semach said.
"We deliver all over the country," he added. "Lots of people have left the area and they still call us. We're a big company, but very much a family business."
Semach also coaches Poland football and baseball teams and said he anticipates his three children following in his footsteps. "We all grew up in this business, and I see my kids getting into this business," he said.