A cooperative of the West Haven Voice and Economic Development Commission
As many Westies are aware, Zarnowski Power Equipment, located at 301 Savin Ave, is a repair shop that services lawn mowers, snowblowers, and other power tools and sells used equipment. What you may not know, however, is that Marco Zanetti and his brother, Julio, took over the business last year when long-time owner David Zarnowski – son of a former West Haven mayor – retired. To learn what the new owners are contributing to our community, read on!
Market demand for used lawn care tools is “exploding,” according to Juliio. This is for three reasons.
First, most residential homeowners are extremely cost conscious these days, as the price of new equipment continues to rise.
Second, they care about protecting the value of their homes, which can be much improved by regular maintenance.
Third, those who own, operate, and manage commercial equipment and lawnmower fleets are aware that regular servicing is likely to extend the life of every engine.
Echo, Kawasaki, Toro, and Buck are a few of the well-established brands you will find on display on the shop floor. A top seller by far, Julio says, is “Husquvarna, because it’s got a strong motor that will last a long time.” This makes it a great choice for those who want their jobs to look professional. As trends go, self-propelled mowers are popular, especially for older homeowners.
Old school business practices such as accepting trades keep customers loyal. In addition, if someone’s mower dies while they’re getting ready for a party, for example, the company will loan one out so they can finish on time. When a customer ages out of being able to take care of their own yard, or is temporarily disabled, Zarnowski will make trusted referrals.
The business wants more people to understand that seasonal maintenance is important and can take many forms. In the Fall, it is recommended to empty the tank of gas, particularly when it’s an ethanol blend. “Otherwise,” Julio says, “crystals can form in the carburetor.” An alternative is to use the non-ethanol gas sold in the shop. Spring tune-ups cost around $75-100, depending on parts required.
They will make your machine last longer, and be much less likely to break down unexpectedly. Be sure to store your equipment in a dry shed or basement, or, if that’s not possible, use one of the plastic coverings made for that purpose.
The brothers plan to paint the building soon to give it a fresh appearance and make it more visible from the street. Historical artifacts occupying a corner of the interior show how it has changed through the years. Once, 301 Savin Avenue was where West Farms residents would bring their horse-drawn carriages for repair.
Then, later, the business began repairing automobiles. Lawn mower equipment and yard tools got introduced when they became motorized. Today, Zarnwoski as a business “wants to make sure everybody gets their lawn cut,” keeping the West Haven community tidy and content.