WHAT IT IS: Commercial and household vacuum sales and service store

OWNER: Jonathan Dunagan

ADDRESS: 4471 Columbia Road, Martinez

IN OPERATION: Two months

EMPLOYEES: One

WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS DO?: Quality sales and service of household and commercial vacuum cleaners; central vacuum system sales and installation; household air purification systems; floor care cleaning supplies.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS?: My father, Ray Dunagan, owned Dunagan's Sewing and Vacuum on Deans Bridge Road in south Augusta for 16 years. I managed his store for several years before I opened Evans Vacuum in Columbia County.

STRANGEST CLIENT/INCIDENT: A lady came in once and pointed to a $500 Dyson vacuum cleaner and said, "I want to buy that vacuum." I wrote up the sale and she wrote a check. The whole incident seemed suspicious, so I started searching for the merchant verification number to the bank. She asked me what I was doing, and I told her. She said not to worry about it and she would be right back with cash payment.

She never came back, but the next morning she showed up at my store on Deans Bridge Road and tried to buy a vacuum cleaner there with a check. Fortunately, I had already warned them when it happened to me. When the salesperson asked for ID, she left and never came back.

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT THE BUSINESS: I most enjoy being able to serve customers on a personal level. When you come to my store, you don't get some clerk, you get me, the owner. I offer expert advice to assist you in making the best possible buying decision. My products help people clean their homes easily and effectively.

WHAT DON'T YOU LIKE ABOUT THE BUSINESS: I pretty much like everything about the business.

WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS DO?: My business stands out as an alternative to the big discount stores. When you come to Evans Vacuum, you get me, Jonathan Dunagan, a 25-year-old college student who has worked on every vacuum under the sun. I provide the advice needed to make the best decision when buying a new vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, I offer free service for life on my select line of vacuum cleaners. When a customer needs his or her machine cleaned or repaired, I'm always here.

ORGANIZATIONS/EVENTS INVOLVED IN: I am a member of the Vacuum Dealer Trade Association.

AWARDS: None yet.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN FIVE YEARS/10 YEARS?: In five years, Evans Vacuum will be known as the "go to" place for the best vacuums and service after the sale in Columbia County.

YOUR BEST BUSINESS ADVICE: Work hard and become an expert in your field. Treat customers fairly and they will support you.

MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS PRINCIPLE: Treat customers right no matter what it takes.

BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN THE BUSINESS: The biggest challenges in the vacuum business are competing with the Internet and big discount stores and advertising with the "big boys."

ROLE MODELS/INSPIRATIONS: My dad, who was a master salesman and inspiration to many. My uncle, who is the best entrepreneur I know.

Companies interested in participating in the Behind the Business feature should contact Damon Cline at (706) 823-3486 or damon.cline@augustachronicle.com.