Appliance Doctor - Local Expertise. Local Service
Posted
on Thursday, May 14, 2026
in
Small Business Spotlights
Appliance Doctor - Local Expertise. Local Service.
Appliance Doctor has been a trusted name in Marshalltown for more than four decades. 
Originally founded in the 1980s by Lon Malone, the business built its reputation on reliable service and a strong commitment to the community, something that continues to define it today. As current owner Laura Rasmussen puts it, “Appliance Doctor has been a community staple for over forty years providing service and appliance sales to Marshalltown and the surrounding area.”
When the opportunity arose to purchase the business from Malone in the summer of 2025, Laura saw a chance to keep a longtime business in Marshalltown. Though initially uncertain about entering a new industry, she was supported by employees who remained on staff, including three experienced technicians with nearly 50 years of combined expertise. Their experience provided both continuity and confidence. “Their knowledge bridged the gap,” Laura explains, noting their key role in maintaining the level of service customers expect.
Appliance Doctor offers in-home appliance repair along with sales of trusted brands like GE, Whirlpool, and Speed Queen. The focus remains on helping customers find lasting solutions, whether repairing an essential appliance or selecting a replacement. The team also provides delivery and warranty services for all appliances they sell.
For Laura, that impact is the most rewarding part of the job. “I love that we can help people keep their appliances working through repair or help them pick out the perfect new appliance for them,” she says. She hopes the business continues to be “a place where every customer can find or fix an appliance that suits their needs.”
Having lived in Marshalltown for nearly two decades, Laura values the relationships and support that come with being part of the community. “The people in Marshalltown are incredible, and there is a very strong network of support through the Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce,” she says. She credits that support, along with her staff, as key to her success. “I was only able to purchase and maintain the business with the support of the community and my excellent staff. I get compliments frequently about my superb staff.”
That sense of connection extends to her partnership with United Bank and Trust. “From the very beginning when I needed to open up accounts quickly, to the day-to-day deposits, I like seeing a familiar face each time I go to the bank,” she shares. With their support, she is also implementing a retirement plan for her employees, creating new opportunities to invest in her team’s future.
With a strong foundation built by its original owner and a clear vision for the future, Appliance Doctor is well positioned to continue serving Marshalltown for years to come.