In January 1986, a young technician named Wade Mannon embarked on a journey with C&W Appliance Service that spans four remarkable decades.
As Wade approaches his 40th anniversary with the company, we take this opportunity to reflect on his invaluable contributions, unwavering dedication, and the enduring legacy he continues to build.
A Humble Beginning
Wade‘s connection to C&W Appliance Service began through a family acquaintance. Wayne Thompson, co-founder of C&W and the “W” in the company’s name, knew Wade‘s parents, who owned an appliance store on Harry Hines Boulevard. When they decided to close their business, Wayne saw potential in Wade and extended an invitation to join the C&W family.
The hiring process was memorable. Wayne required Wade to take a lie detector test—a testament to the company’s commitment to integrity. Unfamiliar with downtown Dallas, Wade struggled to find the location and arrived too late, necessitating a return the following day. Despite the initial hiccup, he passed the test and was welcomed aboard.
Wayne’s guidance was straightforward: “All you need is a hammer, a pair of pliers, and a screwdriver, and one day you’ll make a good technician.” With these tools and a determination to learn, Wade began his career in the shop, where he honed his technical skills under the watchful eye of Philip LaPlante, C&W’s current and long-time Service Manager. (Philip, Wade and Randy Carter are three current C&W team members with 40+ years tenure)
Growing with the Company
In the early days, Wade‘s responsibilities included working on old Whirlpool appliances and driving the company’s vintage trucks—vehicles without air conditioning and with three-speed column shifters. Each service call was an adventure, often requiring multiple trips to gather necessary parts. Communication was a challenge; without cell phones, Wade relied on pagers and payphones, always carrying quarters to make calls. The dispatch system was a simple setup: a map and customer information on a table, with completed jobs marked off manually.
Wade‘s dedication saw him covering various territories, from Dallas to Fort Worth, even though he resided in Rockwall—a commute that could take up to two hours. Alongside colleagues like Randy Carter, another C&W veteran, Wade serviced portable air conditioning units, often taking them to car washes to clean the coils—a precursor to the in-home appliance maintenance services we offer today.
As the company expanded, roles evolved. While some technicians specialized in sealed systems, Wade remained versatile, handling a broad spectrum of tasks. This adaptability not only showcased his expertise but also his commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our customers.
Embracing Change and Technology
The appliance industry has undergone significant transformations over the past 40 years, with technology at the forefront. Wade acknowledges the challenges of keeping pace with these advancements but views them as opportunities to teach and mentor others. He recalls instances, such as working with Dacor convection ovens, where he could guide customers—especially those on fixed incomes—on alternative ways to use their appliances without incurring repair costs.
Despite technological shifts, Wade believes the essence of customer service remains unchanged. “Customers are the same…they’re wonderful and just want to be helped. And I just want to help them,” he reflects.
A Legacy of Dedication
Wade‘s commitment to his profession is evident in his impeccable attendance record—he has never been late to work. His discipline is rooted in his military service from 1980 to 1982 in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at Fort Sill for basic training and Fort Carson for advanced training, with deployments to Greece, Germany, and other locations.
He observes that while appliances have evolved—from refrigerators with built-in ice cream makers to today’s smart appliances with integrated TVs and AI capabilities—the core of the profession remains the same. It requires a blend of electrical and plumbing knowledge, coupled with exceptional interpersonal skills to ensure customers feel valued and understood.
Wisdom for the Next Generation
Wade‘s philosophy centers on mentorship and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of learning from seasoned professionals, stating, “We grow by growing others.” His advice to emerging technicians includes:
- Listen to the veterans: Their experiences offer invaluable lessons.
- Embrace continuous learning: Each day presents new opportunities to acquire knowledge and serve customers better.
- Prioritize integrity: As Wayne Thompson advised, “Always do the right thing. Always.”
- Balance work and life: Success transcends professional achievements; it’s about being a good person and taking care of one’s family.
Celebrating a Remarkable Journey
As we honor Wade Mannon‘s upcoming 40-year tenure at C&W Appliance Service, we celebrate not just his technical expertise but his embodiment of the company’s core values. His journey reflects a blend of dedication, adaptability, and a genuine desire to serve others. Wade‘s legacy is a testament to the impact one individual can have on a company, its culture, and its customers.
Dear <Long-time C&W Customer>,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As I sit down to write these words, I am filled with a mix of emotions that are both heartfelt and sincere.
For the past 38 years, I have had the privilege of being a C&W Appliance Technician.
It has been an honor to serve you, your families and service your appliances during this time. Your trust and loyalty have been the driving force behind every repair, every service, and every moment of support I’ve been fortunate enough to provide.
While my passion for serving you remains as strong as ever, I have accepted a role as a training mentor for our team of talented C&W Technicians. This decision was not made lightly; it is driven by my commitment to ensuring that you continue to receive the best service possible. By passing on my knowledge and experience to our dedicated technicians, I aim to pass down the timeless importance of providing quality, exceptional service to customers who deserve no less.
Please rest assured that this transition will not in any way affect our commitment to you. Our C&W team remains steadfast in serving, and I aim to help our team continue to uphold the same standard of excellence and dedication you have come to expect.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering trust and loyalty over the years. Your support has been the cornerstone of my career.
As I transition into this new role, please know that I will always be just a phone call away should you ever need any assistance or guidance.
Once again, thank you for your trust and loyalty. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you.
With warm regards,
Wade Mannon
C&W Technician and C&W Lead Trainer
wade@cwservicesinc.com | 214-358-1496
In January 1986, a young technician named 
