Brothers keep Rodenbaugh's going in downtown Allen, 64 years after their father opened it

When Donald Rodenbaugh opened his shop in downtown Allen in 1962, it fixed radios and televisions. Today his sons, Gary and Ronald Rodenbaugh, co-own the business, now called Rodenbaugh's Flooring America Kitchen Bed and Bath, Community Impact Newspaper reports.

Over the past 64 years, the store at 102 W. Main St. has grown to sell appliances, flooring, countertops, mattresses and more. It carries brands such as Cambria and Coretec. "We try to stay with some name brands," Gary Rodenbaugh said. The store also connects customers with a network of service providers who can repair their appliances.

The brothers say their main goal is to help customers understand their choices on home projects. Gary Rodenbaugh said the appliance that offers the best value is not always the cheapest one. When someone comes in asking about flooring, employees ask what room is being remodeled and whether the household has pets or a pool. Then they take a sample to the customer's house to make sure it works in the space.

Ronald Rodenbaugh said the staff tries to come up with creative fixes for customers' problems, an approach he credits to their father. "These are the types of things that Dad taught us," he said. "It's not so much a problem. It's an opportunity for me to create a solution."

The family's place in Allen history has been officially recognized. When the store marked its 60th anniversary, Star Local Media reported that Mayor Kenneth Fulk presented a proclamation naming Rodenbaugh's the oldest family-owned business in Allen.

This story is based on original reporting by Community Impact Newspaper, with additional details from Star Local Media.