Tiffin / Ohio / United States
Ralph and Evelyn Smothers opened Ralphs Appliances to the residents of Tiffin and the surrounding area in 1950, originally selling washers and dryers, and then, over the years, adding refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and microwaves. Ralph and Evelyn continued to build a very successful business, and, in 1985, they were joined by their son, Ralph II. Soon after, the business moved from 45 N. Washington St. to its current location at 33 N. Washington St. In 1991, Ralph II added kitchen design services and cabinetry to the business. Ralph II met his wife Julie while on a ski trip, and they were married in 1994. Julie grew up in London, Ontario, Canada, and made her living in sales for an imported wines distributor. With Julies passion for cooking and Ralphs passion for kitchen design, it was only a matter of time before the idea of combining the two came to fruition. The second Ralphs Appliances opened in Fremont in May of 1995. Here, a beautiful, fully functional kitchen designed by Ralph was installed and served as the beginning of the current concept. Julie was managing the store and saw the opportunity of doing not only cooking classes, but of bringing in better quality kitchenwares. The community responded with overwhelming support! For the next three years, Julie continued to add new kitchenware lines and fill cooking classes. Ralph and Julies first son, Will, was born in April, 1998. Soon, Will was joined by his brother Sean, born in May, 2001, and their sister, Lucy, born in November, 2002. It became clear that the Joy of Living had to be moved to their hometown of Tiffin if the concept were to continue to thrive. The Tiffin store was expanded and on October 8, 2003, Ralphs Joy of Living opened with yet another new category wine!
