Midwestern homeowners have shopped at Grand Appliance for nearly a century, and many think of Grand as their local, family-owned appliance store. It’s true that the general public knows Grand for its retail sales, but architects, developers, designers, builders, and property managers see another side of the company: In the past two decades, Grand Appliance has grown a 16-person builder division focused exclusively on B2B sales.
“We can cross all lines and meet the needs, from an affordable housing project up to a high-end tower,” says Ross Blount, Director of Contract Sales at Grand Appliance. “It’s that versatility and flexibility that we bring to the table, the ability to sell A to Z, high to low.”
Blount and two high performers in the builder division, Rishi Gauri and Tim Matthews, recently sat down with TRD to share how the builder division built its great reputation.
Grand’s Highest-Profile Project Yet: 400 Lake Shore Drive
Over the years, Grand Appliance’s B2B team started taking on bigger and bigger jobs. Today, the team is the exclusive supplier for a new Related Midwest development at 400 Lake Shore Drive, where two residential towers will create a visual gateway to the city. The innovative 667-residence project is positioned on the last undeveloped waterfront site where Lake Michigan meets the Chicago River. It will bring new luxury and affordable housing options to the area, as well as 4.5 acres of open and green space.
Related Midwest has a long relationship with Grand Appliance, so when they took over the development of 400 Lake Shore Drive, they reached out to Gauri. He worked with them to select premium amenities for the towers, which will feature sleek and luxurious appliances by Bosch and Thermador.
How Grand Appliance Collaborates with Builders and Developers
Developers who know Grand’s work often reach out as they’re starting new projects. They understand that the right appliances help attract potential customers, and they want to involve the team as early as possible.
“Kitchens, bathrooms, balconies and views sell or lease the higher-end apartments,” says Blount. He loves walking a developer through one of Grand’s showrooms, seeing their eyes get big, and supporting them as they make selections.
Matthews, Grand Appliance’s Builder Sales Manager focused on Indiana and Ohio, recognizes that today’s buyers expect to do more with their appliances and new appliances typically involve more technology. For builders, this makes the process of choosing appliances challenging, and that’s why they rely on the expertise that Grand’s builder division brings to the table.
“When they have so many things to choose from and so many different variables, they reach out to us to consult them through the process,” shares Matthews. “We should be looked at as not just a manufacturer rep or a vendor, but a consultant to collaborate on, ‘How do we want this kitchen to look?’ They share their vision, and we work with them to make that happen.”
An Experienced Team Focused on Relationship-Building
Gauri has been with Grand Appliance for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of expertise to every building he works on. Whether it’s luxury condos for sale or apartments for rent, Gauri views each project as a partnership with the potential for ongoing collaboration.
“Our job is to provide a product or package that fits the specific needs of each project. My goal is to offer my customers the best possible deal that makes sense for both Grand Appliance and our customer,” he explains. “When the project is completed—whether fully rented or sold— I hope the development is a success, allowing the developer to move forward with their next project. And when that happens, I look forward to the possibility of them returning to Grand Appliance for future endeavors.”
Blount has worked in the appliance industry since 1995. He has a theory about why so many Grand Appliance clients return again and again.
“We give people such great attention—and attention to detail—that it far exceeds what anybody else offers,” he explains.
The builder division has extensive knowledge and experience that allows them to identify any potential problems with a bid early on, ask the right questions, and work with the client directly to find solutions.
“We know what we’re doing,” says Blount. “If people give us a chance to review a bid or project with them, we typically come away with the job.”
Grand’s 16-person builder division works directly with clients every step of the way.
“We handle the full lifecycle of the project,” explains Matthews. “We’re not just bringing them into the showroom and selling them. We’re there for setting up delivery, for installation, and follow-up. Our goal is to see them again in the future.”
A Track Record of Continued Success
Today, Grand Appliance has 29 showrooms and four regional warehouses, offering consistent, competitive prices on more than 70 appliance brands. The builder division has extended its reach beyond the Midwest, working with developers everywhere from Florida to Tennessee and Texas. This dedicated B2B team provides premium appliance solutions and personalized service on projects of all sizes and scopes. Reach out to b2b@grandappliance.com to learn how the Grand Appliance builder division can support you on your next project.