The History of S&S

In 1969, two brothers, William and Steve Shumaker, set out with a simple goal: to provide reliable appliance service to their neighbors. They opened the doors to S&S Home Appliance — named for Shumaker & Shumaker — in a small rented building on Main Street in Wauconda.

As the business grew and moved to its own home on Route 176, the S&S family expanded. Among the dedicated team were Mike Nebgen and Doug Andersen, two technicians who learned the trade alongside the founders. When William and Steve moved on to new ventures in 1980, they knew the business was in good hands. Mike and Doug took the reins, eventually transitioning the name to Safe & Sure Appliance, while keeping that original S&S spirit alive.

For the last 24 years, Mike Nebgen has been the face of S&S, building a reputation for integrity, fair pricing, and a neighborly smile. But the Shumaker connection never truly faded.

In 2000, Matthew Shumaker — William's son — began subcontracting for the shop. Having been trained by his father, Matt had been around appliance repair for nearly his entire life. He and Mike weren't just colleagues; they were lifelong friends with a shared philosophy: treat every customer like family.

As Mike prepares to transition into a well-deserved retirement in September 2026, the story of S&S comes full circle. Matt Shumaker, now a veteran with over 40 years of experience, is stepping in to carry the torch his father lit over five decades ago.

While the ownership is changing, the mission remains exactly the same:

• Consistency: Pricing and prompt service will remain just as you've always known them.
• Integrity: Honest communication and high-quality repairs are the backbone of everything we do.
• Personal Touch: You might even still see Mike around! While he'll be busy traveling with his wife, Jean, he plans to stay connected to the company he loves.

Matt is honored to step back into the legacy his father started and is committed to earning the same trust you've placed in Mike for all these years.

Thank you for being part of our story. We look forward to being a "Safe and Sure" partner for your home for many years to come!