Team
University Vacuum & Sewing
To add a team layout to this page, visit the Team folder in the section library. There are seven designed options available:
- Basic Team Layouts (4 options) – Display a photo, name, title, and (if needed) a call-to-action such as email or phone number. Do not include bios in these layouts.
- Team Layouts with Bios (2 options) – Display a photo, name, title, and a short bio. You may also include a call-to-action (email, phone, or social icons). If no image is provided, the layout can still be used without one.
- Standalone Profile (1 option) – A full page dedicated to a single team member (e.g., doctor, lawyer) with one long bio.
Choose the design that best fits the client’s content.
David
Co-Owner, Salesperson, & Technician - With University Vacuum & Sewing Since 1988
Specialties: David specializes in repairing shampooers, selling vacuums, and making the boss happy!
What is your favorite part of working at University Vacuum & Sewing?
“I love that I get to take things apart, figure out the problem, solve the
problem, and put them back together again.”
Favorite Hobbies: Motorcycle Riding, and Camping!
Fun Fact: David was hired part-time in 1988 over 3 other applicants because the owner liked that he was an Eagle Scout!
Denise
Co-Owner & Store Manager - With University Vacuum & Sewing Since 1992
Specialties: Denise is a powerhouse in the vacuum industry. Not only does she handle all of our needs in regards to product management, accounting, and sales, she can fix your vacuum too! She also loves sewing; you will often find her in her sewing room on the weekends.
What is your favorite part of working at University Vacuum & Sewing?
“I love helping our customers find the right vacuum for their needs and not
just letting them buy what the t.v. or somebody else told them that they
needed. I also love spending time with my husband David, even though
he drives me crazy sometimes!”
Favorite Hobbies: Making placemats, Traveling anywhere sunny and warm.
Eric S
Sewing Machine Technician - With University Vacuum & Sewing Since 2004
Specialties: Eric S. is our in house sewing machine technician with over 15 years of experience. He works on all different brands of sewing machines.
What is your favorite part of working at University Vacuum & Sewing?
“I love to fix things and this job is always challenging and never boring. I
enjoy coming to work every day knowing that it will be different from the
day before.”
Fun Fact: He loves punny dad jokes! He also got kicked out of the coffee club…. because he was wearing a TEA Shirt!
Eric D
Technician & Sales - With University Vacuum & Sewing Since 2015
Specialties: Eric specializes in sales, repairing Shark brand products, and lifting morale with his interesting personality.
What is your favorite part of working at University Vacuum & Sewing?
“I love educating people. I often tell customers that it is my job to educate
and it is their job to decide. Working at University Vacuum & Sewing has
been the best job I have ever had. The environment is outstanding and
when David hired me he promised there would be free ice cream. What
is better than free ice cream?”
Fun Fact: We call him the Pie Man because he loves baking! It is one of his favorite pastimes! He also LOVES Fruit Cake!
Emily
Retirement Plan, Store Owner Apprentice, Technician & Sales - With University Vacuum & Sewing Since she was Born in 1996
Specialties: Emily specializes in sales, updating the website & POS, and oddball jobs around the shop. She also gets to use the Janome Longarm and do edge to edge quilting for our customers!
What is your favorite part of working at University Vacuum & Sewing?
“I always get to do different things whether it is vacuum or sewing related,
advertisement, or sales; I get to make changes that impact our store and I
get to watch what I do make a difference.”
Fun Fact: She played roller hockey for about 17 years and roller derby for about 4 years.
Emily's Bio
- Emily Rairdin is the Sewing Instructor, Front Store Manager, IT Manager, Web Designer, and Sales Manager, among other things at University Vacuum & Sewing. That's what you get when you work for your parents: Denise and David Rairdin.
- Emily can't remember a time when she didn't spend a summer vacation, weekend, after school, and even sick days at the store. Denise and David have owned University Vacuum & Sewing since 1988. Emily has been "working" there since 1996 when she was born.
- Emily lives in Norwalk, Iowa, with her wife and two kids. Emily has a passion for sewing and teaching. It is one of her favorite parts of the job. Emily's second favorite thing is using the Janome Longarm to help customers finish their quilts!
- Come see Emily at University Vacuum & Sewing located at 5739 University Ave in Des Moines, Iowa. You can also see what Emily is doing on Facebook. Make sure to hit that like button.
Lola
Watch Dog - With University Vacuum & Sewing Since 2021
Specialties: Watching for the mail lady in the window, greeting customers at the door… unless it is naptime of course, model for ads
What is your favorite part of working at University Vacuum & Sewing?
“All the treats and love I get from customers! Oh and the squeaky toys!!!
Dad doesn’t let me have them at home… but Emily always makes sure I
have some at work!”
Firstname Lastname
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