KUDOS: Butler business hits 61 year mark

Taking a walk around the Butler square a half century ago, and taking the same walk now, you'd find this business in the same location, operating under the same name.

Inside that store you'll find two familiar faces, eagerly waiting to help you find what you need- Don and JoAnn LeNeve. That store is LeNeve's TV & Appliance on the west side, and with it comes some 61 years of business history centered here in Bates County.

From the humble beginnings, Rich Hill native JoAnn Littlefield and Don LeNeve of Hume were married February 11th, 1956 and just a few months later the newlyweds opened their first store in Rich Hill. 

Some vintage radios on display at LeNeve's

Reflecting back, the LeNeve's smiled as they recalled building rent of about $22 a month. "Times were sure different then" chuckled Don. "In those days, we mostly sold radios and televisions. And did service and repairs.  A service call was $2.50 plus parts of course".

Their business grew and a short time later it was determined a larger, more centralized location was needed; and the northeast corner of the Butler square was just that spot. Then, in 1960 the LeNeve's moved into their present location at 4 N. Delaware street.

From there forward, things moved right along. Don and JoAnn welcomed a daughter, Tammy (Heiman) into the family. Later, Don's brother Marion joined forces in the store, bringing appliances into the offering of the LeNeve lineup. 

Don and JoAnn Leneve 

At this point, the store fully consumed both halves of the building, appliances on one side, TV's and electronics on the other, storage and electronics service technicians in the back. For quite some time this was the arrangement. But like everything else, times change.

In the 1980's, big box stores began offering televisions and electronics, which gave less incentive for folks to make their way to the Butler square. Likewise, the television repair business has gone mostly by the wayside. There's also heavy competition in the appliance business. 

Anyone else might have considered closing the doors a long time ago. But being resourceful, the LeNeve's have managed to transform the family operation to better fit the market. 

And with it came a little fun as JoAnn pointed out- "Some time ago, I took over the south half of the building" as she points her inventory "JoAnn's Gifts and collectibles". And sure enough, you'll find things there you simply won't find elsewhere in the area. And certainly not in box stores. 

Running her business includes a couple of trips to Dallas each year to purchase more inventory and the smile on her face is proof she's passionate about it.

So what about everything else? The LeNeve's have shifted their appliance business to mostly include 'scratch and dent' inventory. The benefit? Substantial savings. One good example on display today was a Crosley refrigerator with a minor scratch that was well out of view. And the unit comes with a 10 year warranty, making it a very hard deal to beat.

The next time you're on the Butler square, make it a point stop in and congratulate Don and JoAnn and take a look around. It's a stop that could save you money, while enjoying the company of two of Butler's finest entrepreneurs.