Nybakke would like to thank Senator Bill Brady of Illinois on his participation in our 80th anniversary. We are honored that he took time out of his busy calendar to come to our store and help us celebrate. Here is a quote from the Senator;

"I want to congratulate Nybakke Vacuum Shop for 80 years of business here in central Illinois . I am proud to know the four-generation Nybakke family business that cares about the vacuum cleaners they’re selling and the people who sell them too. Nybakke has also made a name for themselves around the state of Illinois for selling mostly American-made vacuum cleaners and products.  Supporting “Mom and Pop” local businesses that this country was built on and buying American-made products keep our communities strong and local economies thriving."

Hear Terry Nybakke being interviewed by Paul Morello of WJBC during their 80th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting Event on being a successful family business for 80 years:

BLOOMINGTON –

A local business is reflecting on 80 years of success.

The Nybakke Vacuum Shop at 814 IAA Drive in Bloomington held a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday afternoon to celebrate the occasion. Co-owner Terry Nybakke said the shop has succeeded partially because of the Nybakke’s family commitment.

“My brother and I work together well, my folks have always worked together well. It’s always been a family thing. We’ve always done well together,” he said.

Founded in 1932 by Ben and Gladys Nybakke, the vacuum shop was taken over by their son Bernie and his wife Carol in the late 1960′s. The institution is now owned by brothers David and Terry.

Terry said the business has seen some ups and downs, but has weathered the recent recession fairly well.

“Since we both repair as well as sell, we see the trend,” he said. “If money’s tight and there’s not as much disposable income we see a more repairs. So we see the trends that happen within the industry and within our business.”

Members of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, State Sen. Bill Brady, and Bernie and Carol Nybakke attended the ceremony.

“It’s hard for us to even imagine 80 years,” Terry said. “I never stopped to think about what that is and how we did it, I don’t know. Every day we knew we came to work, we unlocked the door and people came in and we did business.”

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.