John Rich (Owner)
After graduating from San Diego State with a business degree, John left the corporate world when he stumbled upon the sewing and vacuum business. John enjoyed the diversity of the sewing business: working with customers and suppliers, graphic arts for advertising and spending time helping customers find their dream machines. After nearly twenty years in the business, John looks back and is pleased with his decision to go into the sewing and vacuum business. When not working to make Rich’s Sewing and Vacuum a place you love to go, John spends his time helping his four children with school work, sports and scouting events. Occasionally when time permits, John enjoys the outdoors and riding his motorcycle.
Ann Rich (Co-Owner)
Ann, Co-Owner and Office Manager for Rich’s Sewing & Vacuum, functions largely behind the scenes keeping all the books and paperwork organized and flowing smoothly. With more than 25 years in the accounting field, Ann is an invaluable asset to our organization. If you’ve had the opportunity to visit one of our Events, the delicious food and treats are most often made and/or organized by Ann. When not attending to her Owner/Office Manger functions, Ann enjoys quilting, volunteering at the church and school and being a Mom to her four children.
Dennis Dunigan (Albany)
Dennis has been with Rich’s since 2006 and can fix just about anything from Army heavy equipment to your sewing machine or vacuum cleaner. A factory-certified Babylock technician, Dennis continues with advanced technical training from the “Sewing Machine Repair Guru”- our own Tim Cox. Helping customers find the perfect sewing machine or vacuum cleaner is one on Dennis’ best skills. Dennis enjoys fishing, skateboarding and spending time with his wife Angie and their children.
Sally Adams (Salem)
Sally has worked with Rich’s since 1998. She began teaching classes at Rich’s while operating a Sewing School and eventually just moved into Rich’s full-time! Sally enjoys all aspects of Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery and is a Serger Specialist. Sally is the creative talent behind all sewing education Events, Classes and Clubs are her favorite! With and ever-present smile and an encouraging word, Sally will help you master your machine and unleash your creative potential. In a rare moment while not sewing, Sally enjoys snowmobile riding with her husband Kelly and daughter Rachel.
Melinda Yeiter (Albany)
Melinda joined Rich’s in August 2009. After completing sewing courses, Melinda looked for an opportunity to make her hobby her profession as well. Melinda enjoys embroidery, garment construction and has a passion for creating custom costumes. Melinda’s mind is always abuzz with all the creative possibilities the current line of machines offer.
Craig Lore (Salem)
Craig started at Rich’s in 2008, is a trained vacuum technician and a wonderful salesperson. Craig states that his goal is to make everyone’s experience at Rich’s not just good but great! Full of energy and a naturally helpful personality, Craig will always been there, with a smile on his face, to help you with whatever need you may have. Craig is diligent in his duties and works hard to take care of his family. When not working at Rich’s, Craig enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and following NFL football.
Karl Perlich (Salem)
Karl has worked for Rich’s full-time since 2006. Prior to 2006 Karl helped occasionally when the repair load became too heavy. Starting in the sewing machine business in 1969, Karl is a very experienced Repair Technician and enjoys being the “go to guy” when you have a machine usage or repair problem. Karl has owned several sewing machine stores over the years and currently is the Service Manager. With a lifetime of expertise, Karl offers a very practical approach to helping you find a perfect new machine or vacuum cleaner. When not repairing your machine, you can most often catch Karl, and his wife Ramona, rolling down the highways and byways as they tour the country on their motorcycle.
Tim Cox (Albany)
Tim has worked with Rich’s Sewing & Vacuum owner John Rich since 1993. They began in the sewing machine business in the Seattle area. In 1998 when John relocated to Salem, Tim decided to join John and return to his hometown. With and easy going personality, infectious laugh and well-known sewing machine repair skills, Tim has become a customer’s favorite at Rich’s. In 2002 Rich’s expanded into the Albany market and Tim became the Store Manager. An outdoorsman at heart, Tim enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time.
Susan Thomas (Salem).jpg)
Susan converted from a customer to a Rich’s Team Member in 2006. Having sewn most of her life, Susan states that she loves all aspects of sewing, but especially loves creating with machine embroidery. Susan often shows us beautiful items she’s sewn for her grandchildren. Susan is eager to help others succeed with their sewing and quickly and patiently offers her wealth of sewing knowledge to make your special project turn out just right! Susan looks forward to seeing all the beautiful sewn creations that the customers make with the machines that they have purchased at Rich’s. Susan has many interests and talents, but most of all loves spending time with her family.
Julie Cox (Salem)
Julie has been at Rich’s for a number of years and is great at keeping us all organized. She is known for her vast knowledge of available parts and notions and can get you just the right foot or thread to make your project perfect. With an upbeat personality and a quick laugh, Julie makes customers quickly feel at home when visiting Rich’s. With a wonderful knowledge of all the products Rich’s carries, including notions, accessories, software and machines, Julie is a great resource when considering a new machine. When not working at Rich’s, Julie enjoys sewing, cooking and spending time with her family.
