Buettners Purchase Abramson Appliance

A century-old Holdrege business will remain locally owned and will continue to provide valuable products and services to the community after its recent sale.

Brett and Samantha Buettner, who have owned and operated Alpha Heating & Air in Holdrege for 16 years, purchased Abramson Appliance on June 21.

Buettner said he always had considered adding appliance sales and repair to his business, and this was the perfect opportunity.

“The business incorporates with the HVAC and plumbing work I already do,” Buettner said. “I thought it would be fitting to add that to my business and keep moving forward.”

The two businesses will remain separate with Abramson Appliance remaining at its location at 313 West Avenue.  Alpha Heating & Air is located at 206 Grant Street.

In 2021, Abramson Appliance celebrated its 100th year in business under the same family. Buettner purchased the business from third-generation owner Mark Abramson, who purchased the business from his parents (Evald and Mary Lou) in 1991. The business was started by Mark’s grandfather G.M. (Gustaf Malcom) in 1921.

“It makes me feel pretty good that I had the opportunity to purchase this business,” Buettner said. “For Mark to give it up and let someone outside of the family do it is pretty cool. Keeping the Abramson name to me is key because it’s been in their family for so long.”

Mark Abramson recently celebrated his 70th birthday and said he is ready to slow down as he is experiencing some health issues. He was glad to find a local buyer.

“That’s what I wanted,” he said. “I wanted to keep things going and keep it as local as we could.”

Abramson Appliance sells and services refrigerators, stoves and ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, freezers, washers and dryers. Brands available are Maytag, LG and Speed Queen. Buettner said he is also trying to secure Kitchen-Aid brands. He also would like to offer vacuum cleaners and televisions, but it has been challenging to get wholesalers to respond to his inquiries.

Buettner said former owner Mark Abramson and his staff will stay on board for now. He is seeking an appliance repair technician to add to the team.

PCDC is assisting the business transition with a gap-financing loan; business and franchise grants for working capital and improvements, initial inventory, employee training and recruitment, and construction and remodeling; and a digital development/marketing grant.

“PCDC was huge in this deal,” Buettner said. “It couldn’t have happened without them.”

For more information about PCDC grant opportunities, visit the PCDC website.