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From Broken Fridge to Thriving “Shark”: The Appliance Shark Story
In a region where big-box retailers and impersonal service often dominate appliance sales, a family-owned startup out of Kansas City’s suburbs is making waves. Appliance Shark, founded by Joey Lay, has quickly become a household name for affordable appliances and honest, prompt repairs. How did one broken refrigerator launch an entrepreneurial journey that now spans multiple locations and over 400 five-star customer reviews? This Kansas City Thrive editorial takes a deep dive into Appliance Shark’s story – from its humble beginnings to its community-centric philosophy – and why it matters now more than ever in an era of rising household costs and the need for trustworthy service.
Founder Story: From One Broken Fridge to a Family Business
Every big idea starts somewhere. For Joey Lay, it started in his own kitchen. “My LG fridge broke, and I had to
call someone, and I couldn’t find anybody to come to my house to fix it,” he recalls[1]. Frustrated by the lack of responsive repair services, Lay took matters into his own hands. He finally got ahold of an appliance repairman who not only fixed the fridge but also showed Joey a few tricks of the trade. “He taught me how to fix stuff, and then I just went from there,” Lay says of that fateful experience[2]. At the time, he was holding down another job, but in his off hours he began taking on appliance repair calls himself – just one man, a truck, and a growing reputation for reliability.
Lay’s side hustle quickly gained momentum. “I was working another job, and I started this business… we just started fixing appliances,” he says. Soon enough, demand pushed him to expand. “Then we hired some technicians, and ended up with a store… it’s blossomed into a big scratch-and-dent store now,” he explains, almost in amazement[3]. In under four years, that solo operation grew to a company with multiple technicians (four in the Kansas City area and another in nearby Lawrence)[4]. By early 2025, Appliance Shark had 12 employees and counting, an impressive growth for a business approaching its fourth anniversary[5]. “We’re only three and a half years into it… April, it’ll be four years. So we’re almost 4 years old,” Lay notes, the pride evident in his voice[6].
What fueled this rapid rise? Lay sensed an opening in the market from the very start. Appliance repair is a space where, in his view, top-quality service was not the norm. In the early days, he noticed that “it was an easy industry to… start and dominate, because there’s not a lot of great competition,” he says frankly[7]. Many competitors were “just in their truck doing it as a side hustle,” he adds[8]. Lay believed that by treating appliance repair as a serious profession – with professional, reliable service – he could set his business apart. With that conviction and a bit of fearless hustle, Appliance Shark was born.
Service Philosophy: Treating Customers Like Family
If you ask Joey Lay the secret behind Appliance Shark’s glowing reputation, his answer is simple: treat customers like family. “I treat them the way that I want my grandmother to be treated,” he says of anyone who calls Appliance Shark for help[9]. In fact, that guiding principle was “my whole business plan starting – just treat people good,” Lay emphasizes[10]. It’s a refreshing approach in an industry sometimes known for rushed jobs or transactional attitudes. Lay’s philosophy is that if you “put in the effort, and you care, and you take care of the customers… people respect that”[11]. Even when faced with appliances that “break all the time” or situations where a fix isn’t possible, the goal is to be honest and supportive. “We can’t always fix everything, but we can always try our hardest,” he says. “My whole goal is to just take care of anybody that calls”[12][13].
Taking care of people, in practice, means being there when it counts. Lay and his team understand that when a refrigerator stops cooling or a washer is leaking, speed is of the essence. “It definitely helps if we can get there fast and provide a solution,” he explains – especially when a broken fridge threatens to spoil “$400 worth of food”[14][15]. Appliance Shark offers same-day or next-day service whenever possible, covering a wide swath of the Kansas City metro (from Overland Park and Olathe to Shawnee, Lenexa, Lawrence and beyond)[16][17]. Achieving that with a lean team isn’t easy. “How do you pull that off without burning your team out?” the Kansas City Thrive interviewer asked. Lay admitted it’s a challenge: “We probably do burn them out a little bit… it’s a lot, I mean, because people call us all day, every day, about repairs, and then our store gets busy too”[18][19]. Everyone wears multiple hats – the office staff juggle scheduling repair calls while also helping walk-in customers at the store, and the technicians on the road handle back-to-back house calls[20]. It’s a demanding pace, but it’s intentional. Being there for the customer sometimes means long days for the team. Lay is the first to acknowledge their hard work: “They do a really good job,” he says of his crew’s dedication[21][22].
One advantage Appliance Shark holds over many competitors is having its own delivery and installation crew. “That kind of separates us… it allows us to do it quicker, more efficiently and more professionally,” Lay explains[23][24]. Unlike big-box stores that often subcontract deliveries, Appliance Shark’s installers are in-house employees who “actually care, instead of just contractors throwing appliances in someone’s home”[25]. This consistency ensures that whether a customer is getting a fridge fixed or a new one delivered, the service quality remains high end-to-end. It’s all part of treating a customer’s home with the same care as if it were the team’s own.
That genuine care extends to helping people avoid problems in the first place. Lay even offers preventative tips to customers, especially during busy seasons. For example, as the holidays approach each year, Appliance Shark often reminds folks to check their ovens before the big family gathering. “We tell them every year to
At the heart of it all, Joey Lay’s service philosophy remains down-to-earth: be honest, work hard, and treat every customer like you would your own family. This ethos has clearly resonated. In just a few years, Appliance Shark has amassed more than 400 five-star reviews across Google, Yelp, Facebook and other platforms[28] – a level of customer appreciation that many businesses take decades to achieve. As Lay puts it, “if you take care of the customers… whether you can fix their appliance or not, people respect that, and they like it”[29]. In other words, do right by people and the rest will follow. It’s a simple credo, but one that’s making a big impact on Kansas City households.
Price Advantage: Making New Appliances Affordable
While Appliance Shark started as a repair service, one of Joey Lay’s key insights was recognizing the value of scratch-and-dent appliances for his customers. Modern appliances, he observed, just aren’t built to last like the old days. “Thirty years ago, you used to be able to buy a fridge that lasts 20 years. None of these appliances here are gonna last 20 years,” Lay says bluntly[30]. Manufacturers cut corners with cheaper parts, and as a result, even relatively new machines break down more often[31]. That puts consumers in a tough spot: pay for an expensive repair on an out-of-warranty unit, or shell out for a brand-new appliance that might strain the family budget.
Lay found a third option: provide new appliances at discounted prices. After some trial and error, he shifted the business model away from selling refurbished used machines – which came with their own headaches. “I tried selling used appliances, because you can sell them cheap,” he says. But with used inventory, “I was running around in the early days fixing all the machines I sold” as one thing after another failed[32][33]. To “treat people right, like my grandmother,” Lay was often doing follow-up repairs for free on those used units[33]. It became unsustainable. So, he stopped selling used and looked for a better solution.
That solution was scratched or dented appliances straight from the manufacturer or distributor – essentially brand-new fridges, washers, ovens, etc., with cosmetic imperfections. These might have a ding on the side or a scuffed door, or they could be floor models that were discontinued. “They’re new machines with full warranties from the manufacturer,” Lay explains, but because of a cosmetic flaw or minor reason the big box store can’t sell them, he can acquire them at a discount[34][35]. The savings, in many cases, are substantial: “I can sell them anywhere from $200 to $2,000 cheaper, depending on what the machine is,” he says[35]. And importantly, “it’s the same machine, with the same warranty” as you’d get buying full-price off the showroom floor[36].
In essence, Appliance Shark’s scratch-and-dent store offers the best of both worlds – new, warrantied appliances at used-appliance prices. “We guarantee the best deals and service on top-quality appliances,” Lay proclaims[37]. It’s not an idle boast. Walk into their Overland Park showroom and you’ll see handwritten tags with deeply slashed prices on stainless steel refrigerators, ranges, washers and dryers. “Everywhere you look at The Appliance Shark, you’ll see scratched-off costs and signs promising major savings,” reported KCTV5 News in a 2025 feature[38][39]. It’s what the store has become known for: giving everyday Kansas Citians a break on big-ticket necessities.
One Google reviewer, Joe N., attested to this after shopping at Appliance Shark: “Joey and his team are awesome. They helped me find a fridge that would have been $1500 more at [a] large retailer… [A] very minor scratch on [the] bottom saved me a ton. Super friendly and helpful shop – highly recommend.”[40] Another customer echoed that experience, saying “OUTSTANDING place to shop/buy major appliances! Great service and options. No high pressure sales tactics… Staff and owner were friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.”[41] These testimonials reinforce what Lay himself emphasizes: saving people money without sacrificing quality or service. As he told the KCTV5 reporter, “As long as I can get [appliances] at a price that I can still make a profit and help people, help Kansas City, I’m all for it”[38]. That mindset of balancing business and community benefit is ingrained in Appliance Shark’s pricing strategy.
Another big advantage of the scratch-and-dent model is immediacy. Big box stores often make you wait weeks for delivery on a new appliance, especially if it’s not in stock locally. Lay saw an opening there too. With his local inventory, “we can get you an appliance – the same appliance in the box stores – [and] usually have it delivered the next day,” he says[42]. In fact, if you have a way to haul it, you can buy it and take it home the very same day from Appliance Shark’s warehouse floor[43]. That’s a game-changer when your refrigerator dies unexpectedly or you need a new dryer ASAP. Speedy turnaround, combined with lower prices, means families can get back on track without a long wait or budget-breaking expense. “I can always save you money on the same machine, with the same warranty – and do it faster,” Lay summarizes, contrasting his approach with the box stores’ sluggish fulfillment times[44][45].
Of course, some customers are skeptical when they first hear “scratch and dent.” Lay acknowledges that overcoming the perception is part of the job. “People have a negative viewpoint of scratch-and-dent,” he says, but the reality is usually far better than they imagine. Often, “the exterior has a dent or two, and some of them you can’t even see,” he explains[46]. By the time it’s installed in your kitchen or laundry room, you might never notice any flaw: “When you open it up… from the kitchen or the laundry room, you can’t see any dents, and you will never know a difference, because it performs exactly the same and it comes with the same warranty,” Lay tells customers[47]. In other words, scratch-and-dent doesn’t mean subpar; it just means big savings. Appliance Shark’s team takes the time to educate customers on this, walking them through the showroom and pointing out any cosmetic marks, explaining the full warranty, and making sure they feel confident in their choice. “We teach them… what’s best for their situation,” Lay says, noting that many folks don’t really know much about appliances beyond pressing the start button[48][49]. By empowering customers with knowledge (and a great deal), the “shark” turns wary shoppers into believers.
The result is a growing base of loyal customers who not only save money but often return when they need another appliance. The word of mouth has been powerful. Appliance Shark now boasts over “400-plus five-star reviews” across platforms[28], and a steady stream of referrals. In an era of tight family budgets, the company’s “We Will Save You Money” promise (emblazoned on its website and store signage) is music to the ears of Kansas City residents looking for a break on costs[50][51]. When you can get a fridge or washer for hundreds less than retail – and have it delivered and installed by a friendly local team the next day – that’s a hard deal to beat.
Customer Satisfaction: Earning Kansas City’s Trust, One Review at a Time
Ask any Appliance Shark customer what keeps them coming back, and you’ll likely hear about honesty, responsiveness, and personal service. The company has cultivated a sterling reputation in Kansas City, as evidenced not just by the volume of five-star reviews but by their content. Here’s a sample of what locals are saying about Appliance Shark in online reviews:
“Absolutely the best experience I have had with a repair company! Professional, helpful and reasonable cost.”[52] – (Jerri Dawn P., Yelp review)
“Very prompt and highly professional service, way exceeded my expectations.”[53] – (Irene O., Angi review)
“Great family owned and ran business… The staff working here are AMAZING… very knowledgeable on their products!! I will be back for a dishwasher. Thank you so much for your help.”[54] – (Julie B., Google review)
It’s not just one or two happy customers – hundreds of Kansas Citians have taken the time to write glowing feedback like this. Many highlight the same themes: fair pricing, friendly staff, and quality work. Notably, customers appreciate that there’s no pushy upselling or gimmicks. “No high pressure sales tactics so we did not have any ‘buyers remorse’,” one reviewer noted after purchasing a appliance from the Overland Park store[41]. Another praised the team’s reliability and integrity: “The owner is very reliable… He gives top-of-the-line customer service and has morals. He gets the job done and the job is done right,” wrote a satisfied client on an Angi list for appliance repairs[55][56].
Joey Lay makes a point to engage with feedback, learning from each job and addressing any issues. On the rare occasion someone is unhappy, the Appliance Shark team doesn’t shy away. In one public response to a
less-than-stellar Yelp review, the company detailed exactly how they tried to accommodate the customer, clarifying miscommunications about delivery scheduling and emphasizing their commitment to honesty and fairness in pricing[57][58]. “Appliance Shark prioritizes honesty and fair pricing… We value happy customers and are always open to discussing concerns,” the owner wrote openly in that forum[58][59]. This level of transparency is uncommon, and it further solidifies trust. Readers of that exchange could see that even when things didn’t go perfectly, Appliance Shark was willing to make it right (they refunded the customer in that case and earned a second chance, turning a 1-star review into a 2-star update with appreciation for the prompt refund)[60][61].
It’s also telling that the Better Business Bureau gives The Appliance Shark, LLC an “A” rating for its track record[62]. While the business is not formally BBB-accredited (a paid process many small businesses opt out of), the A rating reflects the company’s low complaint volume and positive customer interactions. The BBB profile shows the business opened in 2022 and is run by Joey Lay as owner[63][64]. An A rating, combined with so many five-star reviews elsewhere, indicates that Joey Lay’s “treat customers right” approach isn’t just talk – it consistently translates into satisfied, even delighted, customers.
For Kansas City consumers, this level of trust is a breath of fresh air. Home appliances are significant investments; when something goes wrong, you want a service provider who is honest about what’s worth fixing and what isn’t, and who won’t overcharge or cut corners. Appliance Shark has built that trust one job at a time. As one local customer put it succinctly in her Google review: “Great service and options… Staff and owner were friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.”[41] Those kinds of recommendations – from regular people to their neighbors – have made Appliance Shark a top choice in the community for both repairs and appliance purchases.
Business Growth: From Prairie Village Roots to a Regional Presence
What’s striking about Appliance Shark’s growth is how intentional it has been. Joey Lay did not set out to build a quick-flip startup or expand nationally overnight. Instead, he focused on Kansas City’s needs, let demand drive expansion, and reinvested into the local operation. After establishing the original repair service in the Johnson County area (notably in Prairie Village and Olathe), the company added its first retail outlet – a scratch-and-dent showroom – in Overland Park in 2024[65][37]. The Overland Park Chamber of Commerce welcomed Appliance Shark with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that October, celebrating the arrival of “a new cost-saving resource for luxury and major brand appliances at below retail prices” in the community[65]. “We’re excited to bring our discount appliance store to Overland Park… Come see us before you head to the big box stores,” Lay announced at the time, “We guarantee the best deals and service… Help us help you save your money!”[37].
The expansion has indeed helped more people save money on appliances, and it’s raised Appliance Shark’s profile from a neighborhood secret to a region-wide contender. By late 2024, Appliance Shark had three locations listed (likely including the Prairie Village service hub, the Overland Park store, and an outpost serving Lawrence/Douglas County)[66][67]. Each step of growth has been paired with maintaining quality: technicians are master- and factory-certified, the company highlights, and even as the team grew to a dozen employees, Lay kept hiring people who share his commitment to quick, courteous service[68][69].
Growing fast wasn’t without challenges – keeping up with so many incoming calls and sales can stretch a small team thin, as Lay admitted. But those “good problems” also spurred innovations like the in-house delivery crew and cross-trained staff who can handle both sales and scheduling. Lay’s leadership style seems to be one of leading by example and mentorship. The Thrive interviewer pointed out that with such a team, he’s managing to “grow not only the character and the talent, but the responsibility of a team that… is multitasking” in a demanding environment[70][71]. In other words, Lay has been developing his staff to uphold the company’s high standards even as they scale up. That’s crucial for sustainable growth; it ensures that adding more customers doesn’t dilute the customer experience that made Appliance Shark popular in the first place.
Community recognition has followed the business success. Appliance Shark was voted among the “Best of” appliance services in the area – for instance, earning titles like “Best Appliance Repair in Prairie Village” and “Johnson County’s Best Appliance Store”, according to local listings[72][73]. They’ve also become the go-to expert source for media on appliance-related issues. When a major tariff on steel and aluminum was announced in 2025 – threatening to raise the cost of appliances – KCTV5 turned to Joey Lay for insight. He spoke as both a business owner and consumer advocate, explaining that while higher costs might be inevitable, he aimed to shield customers as much as possible. “Hopefully if it goes up five to ten percent I can eat some of that cost… but it all depends on what comes,” Lay said, pledging to watch the market closely[74]. His priority was clear: “As long as I can get them at a price that I can still make a profit and help people… I’m all for it,” he told the news, referencing his determination to keep prices fair for Kansas City families[75][38]. That segment, broadcast across the metro, underscored Appliance Shark’s emerging role as a champion for consumers in the region.
Despite the growth, Joey Lay has deliberately kept Appliance Shark’s focus local. “I definitely want to stay local. We want to help as many people in Kansas City [as we can],” he affirmed in our interview[76][5]. While he’s open to expanding his “team” and possibly adding more locations, he isn’t looking to franchise or take the business far beyond its home turf. Kansas City is home, and that’s where he wants Appliance Shark to make its mark. Lay was born and raised in the Southwest and eventually made Kansas his home[77], and that local-rooted perspective shapes how he runs the company. Even as they “grow fast” – and they have, by any measure – Lay says, “I’m gonna be here, always”[76]. Customers can sense that reliability. When you call Appliance Shark, you’re ultimately dealing with Joey and his close-knit team, not a distant corporate parent or a rotating cast of strangers.
Local Roots: A Family-Owned Business with Community at Heart
One of the first things you’ll notice at Appliance Shark’s showroom is a personal touch – often Joey Lay himself is around, greeting customers or tinkering with a machine. Appliance Shark proudly markets itself as a “family & locally owned” company[78], and those aren’t just buzzwords. Lay’s wife has been involved in the business, and the overall vibe is that of a family helping other families. In fact, the company name “Shark” even carries a bit of family lore – it’s playful and memorable, often prompting the question of how it came about (a story Joey happily shares with customers). The shark theme carries through their branding, from a friendly shark mascot on T-shirts to their slogan of going on a “deep dive” to find the best appliance deals.
Staying family-owned was a conscious choice. In an age when many small businesses seek rapid investment or buyouts, Lay has chosen a different route. “Even though you expanded some of your locations, you’ve chosen to stay family-owned and very local,” the Kansas City Thrive host noted[79]. “How has that shaped your decisions about growth?” Lay’s response was resolute: “I definitely want to stay local… I want a bigger team, and we’re growing fast, but we want to help as many people in Kansas City [as possible].”[76] He’s building something that can serve his community for the long haul. The Overland Park Chamber of Commerce recognized this local commitment at the new store opening, with senior VP Libbey Tucker stating, “Their commitment to offering quality appliances at affordable prices aligns perfectly with our mission… We look forward to their success and encourage everyone to explore what they have to offer.”[80] The Chamber doesn’t issue praise lightly – such a statement signals that Appliance Shark is seen as a positive force in the local business ecosystem, not just another retail player.
Being local also means giving back locally. Appliance Shark isn’t a huge corporation with a formal CSR program, but they support community needs in practical ways. They’ve sponsored little league teams, participated in local school fundraisers, and used their platform to promote tips for home safety and efficiency (for example, sharing fire prevention tips during Fire Prevention Week, tying into appliance safety)[81]. Lay mentions that “Appliance Shark doesn’t just sell appliances; we invest in Overland Park,” whether by supporting local events or simply by providing exceptional service that people can count on[82]. In the day-to-day, investing in the community might be as simple as ensuring a senior citizen gets their new washer installed properly and affordably, or giving honest advice to a young couple on whether to repair a fridge or replace it. Over time, those acts build social capital. Appliance Shark has become not just a business, but a neighborly helping hand.
Customers feel the difference. One Google reviewer, Julie B., highlighted the family aspect explicitly: “Great family owned and ran business – they are wonderful!!!”[54]. For many, knowing that the money they spend on
an appliance is going to a local family business (and saving them money too) is a win-win. It keeps dollars in the Kansas City economy and supports a company that genuinely cares about its reputation here. Appliance Shark’s A+ approach to customer service – “we treat your home as we would our own, with care and respect,” as their website states[83] – naturally stems from being a part of the community. They know their customers aren’t just anonymous transactions; they’re neighbors, friends, and friends-of-friends. This perspective fosters a level of respect and accountability that national chains often struggle to match.
In fact, Appliance Shark encourages potential customers to do their homework and read the reviews, precisely because they’re confident what people will find. “To be fair and reasonable, please check out our many verified customer reviews from across the web to see what others are saying!” the team wrote in one public response[84][85]. Transparency and trust go hand in hand. It’s the kind of ethos that turns one-time buyers into repeat customers and eventually into enthusiastic referrers. In a service business, that word-of-mouth and community loyalty is priceless. Joey Lay understands that profoundly: “If you’re not 100% happy, Joey himself is just a call away to make things right,” the company promises on its site[86]. How many store owners put their name on the line like that? In an industry sometimes plagued by fly-by-night operators, Lay’s personal accountability is a differentiator. It harks back to an older way of doing business in the Midwest – where a handshake and your word mean something.
Future Vision: Growth with Integrity and a “Customer-First” Focus
Looking ahead, Joey Lay’s vision for Appliance Shark isn’t about conquering the world – it’s about deepening the company’s impact in Kansas City. As Appliance Shark nears its fourth birthday, Lay is focused on sustainable growth. “It takes time to grow, but we’re definitely growing fast,” he says[6]. Future plans likely include adding more technicians to shorten response times even further, possibly opening an additional storefront or warehouse as demand increases, and continuing to refine their operations. But one thing Lay insists won’t change is the core mission: helping people solve appliance problems affordably and honestly. “I’m here every day,” he says, and he means to keep it that way[9]. The founder’s daily presence ensures that the company’s original values remain front and center, even as the enterprise expands.
One area of potential growth is education and expertise. Lay, who has been called a “master samurai tech” by the interviewer (a nod to advanced certification in the appliance repair world)[87], has a wealth of knowledge to share. He’s already leveraging social media – posting quick troubleshooting videos on Facebook and TikTok – and he may expand those efforts to help more people extend the life of their appliances or choose the right replacements. By becoming the trusted appliance expert in Kansas City, Appliance Shark can further distinguish itself from faceless big-box competitors. There’s an opportunity to, say, host community workshops on appliance maintenance or partner with local homebuilder shows to educate consumers. Given the company’s name recognition now, such initiatives could be on the horizon.
Lay also has his finger on the pulse of industry changes. With appliance technology evolving (smart fridges, high-efficiency washers, etc.) and external factors like tariffs affecting prices, Appliance Shark will need to stay agile. Lay’s comments on tariffs in 2025 showed his commitment to riding out economic challenges without gouging customers. He expressed hope that higher import costs might spur more American-made appliance production – implying he’d support that if it leads to better quality in the long run[88][31]. In the meantime, he’s prepared to adjust pricing modestly and temporarily absorb costs if needed to maintain goodwill[89]. That kind of long-term thinking (accepting a smaller margin now to build loyalty) is likely to shape Appliance Shark’s strategy moving forward. Don’t be surprised if the company doubles down on sourcing great scratch-and-dent deals, or even explores partnerships to refurbish and sell certain high-end used units with warranty (if quality can be assured). Whatever saves Kansas City customers money and keeps them coming back is on the table, so long as it aligns with the company’s standards.
Perhaps the clearest part of Appliance Shark’s future vision is staying rooted in Kansas City and maintaining integrity. “We’re here for you, not just for sales, but for any after-sale support – making us more than just a store, we’re part of your community,” the company proclaims[90]. As growth continues, Lay will face the test of scaling that community-first approach. All signs so far suggest he’s up to the task. After all, he’s built the company up from nothing by solving one problem at a time. It stands to reason that he’ll continue to steer growth in a way that never loses sight of why Appliance Shark exists: to fill a gap in service and trustworthiness that he himself noticed on the day his own fridge broke.
Why Appliance Shark Matters to Kansas City Right Now
At this moment in 2026, Kansas City finds itself at the intersection of economic pressures and community opportunity. Inflation and supply chain hiccups have made household purchases like appliances more daunting for the average family. In such a climate, Appliance Shark’s mission is especially timely. They’re providing a way for people to stretch their dollars without sacrificing the essentials that keep a home running. When your fridge conks out or you need an upgrade for your growing family, Appliance Shark offers an option that won’t demolish your budget – and comes with a human touch.
Moreover, trust in service providers is something hard-won and deeply valued, particularly now. We live in an era where many consumers have been burned by hidden fees, poor workmanship, or customer service nightmares. Appliance Shark stands out as an antidote to that cynicism. As a locally grown business, they trade on accountability and word-of-mouth reputation. There’s a sense that they genuinely have our backs. In the words of one Kansas City customer, dealing with Appliance Shark is like knowing “an appliance guy” you can rely on – even if most people don’t think about an appliance repairman until an emergency strikes[91][92]. Lay himself joked that nobody really wants to get to know an appliance guy (just like you hope you don’t need a plumber or a dentist too often), but when you do need one, it’s a relief to have a good one on speed dial[91][92]. That’s exactly what Appliance Shark has become for many households: the friendly experts you hope you won’t need soon, but you’re glad to know they’re there – and that they’ll treat you right.
In a broader sense, Appliance Shark matters because it exemplifies the best of Kansas City’s entrepreneurial spirit. This is a company built not on flashy venture capital or tech disruption, but on community values and hard work. Joey Lay saw an everyday problem (slow, unreliable appliance service) and solved it in an innovative way that put people first. In doing so, he created jobs, satisfied a lot of neighbors, and proved that you don’t have to be cutthroat to succeed in business. “Help us help you save your money,” he likes to say[37] – a simple slogan that captures a certain neighborly ethos. It’s almost Midwestern in its charm: We’ll help each other get through, and both come out better. At a time when trust in corporations is shaky, a humble family business that delivers on its promises is something to celebrate.
Finally, Appliance Shark’s rise sends a message about the power of local support. Kansas Citians have plenty of big-box choices when it comes to appliances, yet they’ve rallied around this homegrown underdog for a reason. It shows that if a business genuinely cares – if it offers real value and treats people well – the community will respond in kind. As household budgets tighten, Kansas City families are looking for allies. In Appliance Shark, many have found one: a business that sees its customers not as one-off transactions but as relationships to nurture for years. That approach builds not just a customer base, but a community of allies.
In the end, Appliance Shark’s story is about more than appliances. It’s about integrity in service and the idea that doing right by people is the surest path to success. Joey Lay took one broken fridge and turned it into an opportunity – not just for himself, but for everyone around him who needed a better option. That’s a story worth spotlighting, and a model worth rooting for. As Kansas City continues to thrive and evolve, it’s businesses like Appliance Shark – grounded in local values yet forward-thinking in solutions – that keep our community strong, saving one appliance (and one family budget) at a time.
Sources:
Joey Lay Interview Transcript (Kansas City Thrive)[1][9][35][14][29]
KCTV5 News – Kansas City area appliance stores brace for impact of new steel, aluminum tariffs[38][30]
Yelp Review for Appliance Shark (Overland Park, KS)[52]
Google Reviews for Appliance Shark (Kansas City)[41][54]
Angi (Angie’s List) Review for The Appliance Shark, LLC[53]
Better Business Bureau Profile for The Appliance Shark, LLC[62]
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[30] [31] [38] [39] [74] [75] [88] [89] Kansas City area appliance stores brace for impact of new steel, aluminum tariffs
[37] [65] [66] [67] [80] [93] Local Appliance Repair Powerhouse, Appliance Shark, Expands with New D – Appliance Shark
[40] [41] [54] Discount Appliance Store in KC/Overland Park | Appliance Shark – Appliance Shark
https://appliance-shark.store/?srsltid=AfmBOorMgiFCtQEMCTYvkIYwUyZWj-4Bk8iX18L-lGMPWKEopqG1N4aM
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[53] [55] [56] Top 10 Best Handymen in Dodgeville, WI | Angi
https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/wi/dodgeville/handyman-service.htm
[62] [63] [64] The Appliance Shark, LLC | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau
https://www.bbb.org/us/ks/olathe/profile/appliance-repair/the-appliance-shark-llc-0714-1000057670
[68] [69] [72] [73] [78] Expert Appliance Repair in KC | Appliance Shark Prairie Village
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[77] [82] [83] [86] [90] About Appliance Shark - Discount Appliance Store - Overland Park – Appliance Shark
[81] Overland Park Connect - Facebook
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