Wayne Judd and Don Black worked together at Puget Sound Power in Everett in the 1920s.
Back then it was your power company, not a retail store, that sold and serviced household appliances. Judd maintained and repaired electric appliances, and Black installed electric meters in homes in Snohomish County. It was an exciting time in electricity — in fact the two men delivered the first-ever electric range and refrigerator to the county.
In 1939 Puget Sound Power stopped selling and servicing appliances, putting Judd out of a job. So he opened his own appliance company, and a year later Black joined him. Judd & Black Electric Company was born.
At first the pair focused on appliance repair, because the war effort meant new products weren’t being produced. When the war ended they welcomed apprentice Bob Long, a WWII veteran who would have a lasting effect on the company. Long carried an electric washing machine in the back of his truck, showing it off to homeowners while servicing appliances and wiring. That sales spirit encouraged the company to bring in more new appliances, and business started to grow.
Judd, Black… and Long
In 1955 Black took sole ownership of the company, and a few years later the store moved to a large location on Hewitt Ave., which was the flagship store until a devastating fire in 2018. Long advanced from repairman to General Manager, and in 1976 he bought the business from Black.
The Long’s relationship with Judd & Black has lived up to the family name — a long history that now spans four generations. Long’s two sons, Bob Jr. and William, who grew up sweeping floors and washing service trucks, took ownership in 1987. Bob III and Cory Long took over in 2005, and Bob III’s son Taylor Long is carrying on the tradition, currently managing Judd & Black’s Marysville location.
Modern showrooms across northwestern Washington
In the last two decades Judd & Black has seen thriving expansion, and there are now modern showrooms in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Marysville, Everett, Lynnwood.
Customers can expect hometown customer service from sales to service, as well as a sprawling selection of cutting-edge appliances. All sales staff continue to train and re-certify on the latest appliance technology, while treating customers like part of the family.
80 years in, the store is stronger than ever. Visit the showroom nearest you to see how they’re celebrating, and browse online at juddblack.com.
After WWII Bob Long started carrying an electric washing machine in the back of his Judd & Black repair truck, showing homeowners the new technology and helping Judd & Black transition to appliance sales.
A lot has changed over 80 years, but Judd & Black still offers family-friendly customer service.
