It was 1945, just after the end of World War II, when Middletown resident Mike Formisano (aka “Big Mike” ) decided to open a one-man appliance repair shop. Operating out of a small garage next to the family home on Cottage Street, Big Mike worked long, hard hours to make the repair business a success.

As he did, his sons Michael and Gary became interested in the appliance business as well and contracted with W.T. Grants to handle the deliveries and service on the products sold by the retail giant. With both ventures going well, the three decided in 1970 to combine their talents. Still operating out of the garage in the late 1970s, they purchased an abandoned old train station on Low Avenue in Middletown and spent an entire year renovating it. This was the point when they were able to establish Michael’s Appliance as a full-scale appliance center, with complete offerings in sales, service, and parts.

Consistent success and growth in the ensuing years led to three more moves, as the company constantly sought facilities that would allow for the excellent shopping experience it was determined to offer its customers, including a sizeable showroom and the most extensive selection of products and price ranges available anywhere. The current 15,000-square-foot facility at 585 East Main Street – conveniently located off Route 17, just minutes from Route 84 and Route 211 in Middletown – was constructed especially with this vision in mind. Among other things, it features the inspiring Living Kitchen by Wolf/Subzero that allows customers to envision products in their own home environments. 

Today, Gary Formisano leads the company in the faithful pursuit of this longtime vision – honoring the legacy of his late father and brother and leading a new generation of Michael’s professionals who continue the legacy of exceptional service and value.

Right from the start, we were committed to building a business based on excellent value and service – understanding that this did not require us to be a “high price” store. We knew that if we excelled in service and quality, we could offer products in every price range and enjoy success. So we committed ourselves to the most exceptional knowledge, experience, and skill, particularly in sales and service. Customers at Michael’s Appliance Center receive exceptional guidance and support from our highly trained, knowledgeable sales staff. From the moment they walk into the store until the delivery of their purchase – and even after that – our customers receive the highest-quality and most dedicated service from our team.

We believed all along that this approach would allow us to build excellent, long-lasting relationships – and we apply the same philosophy to our relationships with local builders, kitchen designers, and so many others in the Hudson Valley who are crucial to our business and to what we do.