John Rich (Owner)
After graduating from San Diego State with a business degree, John left the corporate world when he stumbled upon the sewing and vacuum business. John enjoyed the diversity of the sewing business: working with customers and suppliers, graphic arts for advertising and spending time helping customers find their dream machines. After nearly twenty years in the business, John looks back and is pleased with his decision to go into the sewing and vacuum business. When not working to make Rich’s Sewing and Vacuum a place you love to go, John spends his time helping his four children with school work, sports and scouting events. Occasionally when time permits, John enjoys the outdoors and riding his motorcycle.
Ann Rich (Co-Owner)
Ann, Co-Owner and Office Manager for Rich’s Sewing & Vacuum, functions largely behind the scenes keeping all the books and paperwork organized and flowing smoothly. With more than 25 years in the accounting field, Ann is an invaluable asset to our organization. If you’ve had the opportunity to visit one of our Events, the delicious food and treats are most often made and/or organized by Ann. When not attending to her Owner/Office Manger functions, Ann enjoys quilting, volunteering at the church and school and being a Mom to her four children.
Brian Barnhart (Albany)
Brian is a recent addition to our Rich's family and handles sales and service in the Albany store. Brian is an aircraft mechanic by trade and was in the service. His hobbies include building muscle cars and motorcycles. Brian is married and lives in the Salem area.
Sally Adams (Salem)
Sally has worked with Rich’s since 1998. She began teaching classes at Rich’s while operating a Sewing School and eventually just moved into Rich’s full-time! Sally enjoys all aspects of Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery and is a Serger Specialist. Sally is the creative talent behind all sewing education Events, Classes and Clubs are her favorite! With and ever-present smile and an encouraging word, Sally will help you master your machine and unleash your creative potential. In a rare moment while not sewing, Sally enjoys snowmobile riding with her husband Kelly and daughter Rachel.
Melinda Williams (Albany)
Melinda joined Rich’s in August 2009. After completing sewing courses, Melinda looked for an opportunity to make her hobby her profession as well. Melinda enjoys embroidery, garment construction and has a passion for creating custom costumes. Melinda’s mind is always abuzz with all the creative possibilities the current line of machines offer. Melinda is married and lives in Albany.
Craig Lore (Eugene Store Manager)
Craig started at Rich’s in 2008, and was recently promoted to store manager in Eugene. Craig states that his goal is to make everyone’s experience at Rich’s not just good but great! Full of energy and a naturally helpful personality, Craig will always be there, with a smile on his face, to help you with whatever need you may have. Craig is diligent in his duties and works hard to take care of his family. When not working at Rich’s, Craig enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and following NFL football.
Tim Cox (Service & Distribution Manager)
Tim has worked with Rich’s Sewing & Vacuum owner John Rich since 1993. They began in the sewing machine business in the Seattle area. In 1998 when John relocated to Salem, Tim decided to join John and return to his hometown. With an easy going personality, infectious laugh and well-known sewing machine repair skills, Tim has become a customer’s favorite at Rich’s. In 2002 Rich’s expanded into the Albany market and Tim became the Store Manager. In 2010, Tim became the Service and Distribution Manager. An outdoorsman at heart, Tim enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time.
Susan Thomas (Salem)
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Susan converted from a customer to a Rich’s Team Member in 2006. Having sewn most of her life, Susan states that she loves all aspects of sewing, but especially loves creating with machine embroidery. Susan often shows us beautiful items she’s sewn for her grandchildren. Susan is eager to help others succeed with their sewing and quickly and patiently offers her wealth of sewing knowledge to make your special project turn out just right! Susan looks forward to seeing all the beautiful sewn creations that the customers make with the machines that they have purchased at Rich’s. Susan has many interests and talents, but most of all loves spending time with her family.
Julie Cox (Salem)
Julie has been at Rich’s for a number of years and is great at keeping us all organized. She is known for her vast knowledge of available parts and notions and can get you just the right foot or thread to make your project perfect. With an upbeat personality and a quick laugh, Julie makes customers quickly feel at home when visiting Rich’s. With a wonderful knowledge of all the products Rich’s carries, including notions, accessories, software and machines, Julie is a great resource when considering a new machine. When not working at Rich’s, Julie enjoys sewing, cooking and spending time with her family.
Cherie Holter (Salem)
Cherie is a salesperson in our Salem store. She used to work for Bernina and is our in-house expert on Bernina systems. Cherie has been sewing all her life and is a native Oregonian with three grown daughters and several grandchildren.
Linda Hayes (Eugene)
Linda started sewing at age six. She earned the Masters of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences. She has taught different ages and varieties of sewing, serging, and interiors for over 30 years. Her specialty is custom design and fit. While running her custom sewing and alterations business, Thimblinda, she gained a reputation of taking on projects no one else would tackle. Linda loves helping people learn how to use their machines. She and her husband have just moved to Oregon to be closer to children. Combined they have 7 children and 8 grandchildren. In her spare time she loves to sew, garden, fish and boat.
Mike Smith (Eugene)
Mike has worked in the vacuum and sewing industry for over 10 years. His primary focus has been on the vacuum department but he has recently enjoyed branching into the sewing side. Mike is a specialty contractor for the installation of central vacuum systems. He enjoys spending time his wife and 3 daughters, the outdoors, and computers. Mike has lived in Eugene and Springfield for the last 13 years.
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Daniel Rich (Salem)
As the oldest son of owners John and Ann Rich Daniel has been in and around the sewing and vacuum business for most of his life. After getting married in 2011 Daniel started working in the business full-time. Whether you need a sewing machine or a vacuum cleaner Daniel is hear to help you find just what you need. While not at work Daniel enjoys remodeling his home and riding quads on the coast.
Pam Toews (Salem & Albany)
More information and a photo of Pam coming soon.
Bryan Leach (Service & Distribution)
More information and a photo of Bryan coming soon.
Faith Theida (Albany)
More information and a photo of Faith coming soon.
Jordan Curry (Distribution)
More information and a photo of Jordan coming soon.
Special Thanks to Our Wonderful Teachers
Diana McCoy (Salem)
Linda Foot (Salem)
Judy Duerstock (Albany)
