Local Professor Beats Cancer and Fulfills Childhood Dream
Not even cancer could deter Larry Tavlarides from living out his childhood dream.
In 2008, at age 30, the local adjunct business professor was diagnosed with Stage 2 Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, that usually starts in the body’s lymph nodes.
“I was having trouble swallowing and was choking because of the cancerous tumors in my throat,” he explained. “I immediately began eight rounds of chemotherapy and 17 rounds of radiation at the Mayo Clinic. There were days the chemo hurt so bad I felt like I had to crawl up steps versus walking because my joints were affected so much.”
Once cancer-free, Tavlarides resumed his adjunct teaching career. Frustrated by the lack of full-time teaching positions, he returned to the career center at his alma mater, Saint Vincent College. “After speaking with my counselor, he said to me ‘Larry, you’ve been talking about your childhood dream of owning a vacuum repair store, I’m going to send you to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC),’” Tavlarides said. “I paid $10 for the introductory class and was so inspired.”
SBDCs are U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and state-funded entities helping entrepreneurs in every phase of development offering free, confidential and professional consulting coupled with free or low-cost training classes. For nearly a quarter of a century, Director James Kunkel and his team have assisted more than 10,000 entrepreneurs in Fayette and Westmoreland counties. They helped Tavlarides with a business plan, calculate financial projections and shore up a line of credit that enabled him to land a start-up loan.
Three years later, in 2018, he opened the doors to High Roller Vacuum. The Lower Burrell store posting 12-15 percent steady growth each year, generating customers through social media and online ads – touting its service and full line of equipment, shampoos and deodorizers.
“Everyone has a vacuum cleaner and if I can’t make an old one like new, I can sell one that is a better value than you can get online or at a discount store,” he added. “I sell new vacuums where we have the parts to take care of our customers before and after the sale – we’re here with you forever.”
Tavlarides proudly boasts he was born for the job.
“When I was a baby, my mom would run a vacuum to help me sleep and then rested the handle against my crib,” he explained. “I started playing with it (the handle) and it kept me calm.”
At age five, Tavlarides knew how to turn on the machine, vacuum, change the bags and belts and announced to his family he wanted to own his own sweeper store. At 10, he honed his repair skills at a local shop. After graduating from high school, he became a professional vacuum and appliance salesman to help finance his undergraduate degree and an MBA from Point Park University.
Becoming a sweeping success in Lower Burrell, Tavlarides recently expanded, purchasing the Charleroi Sweeper Company last year. “I’ve been here eight months and have big shoes to fill because this store opened 70 years ago, he said. “Nothing comes easy, but people recognize passion and enthusiasm…you can’t fake that.”
The area, now brimming with an influx of Haitian and Asian immigrants, is bringing out the lifelong learner in Tavlarides. “I’m becoming adaptable in an ever-changing business environment and learning to use translation apps and read French phrase books in down times.”
SBA Western Pa. District Director Dr. Kelly Hunt is amazed at Tavlarides’ incredible journey and upbeat attitude. “I’m so grateful our agency was able to help Larry realize his lifelong dream.…not many people get that chance,” she said. “He had the idea and skills, the team at Saint Vincent College helped him put the pieces together.”
Tavlarides, who still teaches and helps others battling cancer, tells his business students to look for the people who can help you. “I had no idea about any of this, it’s overwhelming and I wish I would have known about the SBA sooner,” he stated. “But there’s no better feeling than unlocking the door to your own business.”