About Us - Our Story

OVER 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

The first owner of POCATELLO ELECTRIC was Max Schaefer, who opened the store in 1902. He sold the business to Ed Hall in the early 1930’s. An early history of the store notes that the store sold radios, appliances, lighting fixtures and "gave free air and water at the curb"—water for the horses and air for automobile tires. In 1947 after World War II, Al Vigliaturo, a Navy veteran, went to work for Hall. He worked for Hall until 1973 when he bought the business and became the sole owner.

Al wanted to keep it a true family-owned and operated business, bringing in his wife Helen and son Mike. Mike later returned from serving as a Navigational Petty Officer on the submarine Sculpin to help continue the family legacy. Over the years, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management & Marketing at Idaho State University, and eventually took ownership in 1989.

After 124 years in business, the integrity and honesty of our friendly, knowledgeable staff remains unchanged. Our commitment to serving southeast Idaho continues stronger than ever.

We service what we sell, with trained technicians and knowledgeable staff ready to help you with all your appliance needs.