PELHAM, N.Y. Peter Camardella has owned Tiso Appliances on Wolfs Lane since 1993. The Pelham resident took over the shop started by his uncle, Carmine Tiso, six decades ago.
Camardella has kept the store in the family during his time as owner. His son, nephew and two cousins all work at Tiso Appliances. He also employs one outside man.
"And he's family, too," Camardella said.
The summer months bring a business boon to Tiso Appliances. Camardella said the store gets much busier in May as temperatures start to rise and the demand for air conditioners begins.
"The first hot day is when we start," Camardella said.
The store deals in all major appliances from air conditioners to washing machines. The owner said that his prices can compete with any appliance store in New York. Tiso Appliances repairs, installs and delivers the goods, which Camardella said has helped build solid relationships with customers.
"You do the right thing and become friendly with people and apply services that the bigger companies don't have," Camardella said.
Camardella has worked at the store for more than 35 years. He said almost all the customers at Tiso Appliances are repeat customers. He has come to know several of them during his decades of work at the family- owned store.
"We've been serving families for 40 and 50 years," Camardella said. "The same people."
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