For multiple generations, Johnson Brothers Appliances has been a favorite Bend company for home appliances, evolving with the times while staying true to its family roots. What began as a small business has grown into a locally trusted establishment offering services specific to each customer, with a thoughtful yet modern approach. Over the decades, the third-generation-owned company has expanded its showroom, upgraded technology and brought its warehouse on-site, intending to make the appliance-buying experience increasingly approachable. Whether helping customers find the perfect kitchen setup or exploring the latest innovations in home design, Johnson Brothers Appliances remains dedicated to quality, service and the relationships that have made it a lasting part of the Central Oregon community.
Q&A with Dave Johnson, General Manager of Johnson Brothers Appliances
Celebrating 75 years as a local family business is an impressive milestone. How has Johnson Brothers Appliances evolved over the decades while staying true to the values of your grandfather?
Grandpa set the precedent for friendly, personalized service, and each generation has honored that legacy while embracing forward-thinking business practices. We maintain delivery, logistics and service departments to ensure customer needs are met from start to finish. Being local allows us to respond quickly with creative solutions to challenges. Grandpa’s innovative spirit endures, and our employees—many who have been with us for decades—are our greatest asset. We invest in regular factory training to keep them updated on the latest technology, and they take pride in providing friendly and knowledgeable service to our customers.
Tell us how moving to your current location has enhanced the overall customer experience.
Purchasing the Azure Drive building allowed us to enlarge the showroom and bring the warehouse on-site, improving efficiency. We’ve expanded product lines, offering everything from budget-friendly options to luxury appliances. Our showroom creates an intuitive shopping experience where customers can see three- and four-piece kitchen packages displayed together, along with a large selection of top-brand appliances. Technology upgrades, including digital price tags and new computer and phone systems, streamline the process from selection to delivery.
What are the biggest trends in home appliances today compared to past decades?
Today’s appliances are more energy-efficient, quieter and offer greater convenience. Many cooking appliances have pre-programmed settings and can connect to apps, reducing guesswork in meal prep. Features such as steam cooking, air frying and induction cooktops are increasingly popular. Laundry machines are more effective, using less water and electricity, with some that remove pet hair or even combine washer and dryer functions. Smart appliances in every category allow homeowners to check contents, preheat the oven or start appliances remotely. There are new product categories we didn’t have years ago: Built-in coffee makers are a fun luxury and alfresco kitchens have allowed people to enjoy their outdoor spaces while entertaining more efficiently.
How do you help customers balance aesthetics and performance when choosing appliances?
Shopping at a local family business with decades of experience is beneficial. We ask the right questions to understand each customer’s needs and help them find the balance between style and performance within their budget. Some want a seamless, built-in look while others want a statement range or custom vent hood as the kitchen’s focal point. We guide customers toward choices that enhance their space and simplify daily life—whether that’s a quiet dishwasher, a refrigerator with better storage and temperature control or a cooking setup that truly suits their lifestyle.
As a third-generation family business, what do the next 75 years look like for Johnson Brothers?
Manufacturers continue to innovate and improve their products, and it keeps things on our side of the business exciting. Currently, there is a pretty fast turnover in the showroom as new appliances arrive and customers request new product categories. On the business level, we never want to grow stale, so we continue to stay open to better technologies and practices, both in customer service and employee training. The future looks bright, and we are excited to be able to provide friendly service to our community for many years to come.
Johnson Brothers Appliances
571 NE Azure Drive, Bend
jbbend.com
