Frank and Nancy Parra moved to Whidbey Island in 1987, when they purchased the Sebo’s store in Bayview from founder Bob Sebo. Frank had been a District Manager for the Coast to Coast corporation, covering Western Washington and Oregon.
Thirty-seven years later, Frank and Nancy are still the owners and managers of Sebo’s, as well as the Bayview Design Center located around the block. Frank was a little nervous about his transition at first, as he went from being a corporate employee to an employer. But the business has thrived, and there is a large following of South Whidbey residents who depend on Sebo’s for their hardware and plumbing needs.
Sebo’s currently has 20 employees (one person has been there for over 40 years, and two have been employees for over 30 years).
Frank says the store is more like an old-fashioned hardware store, with a large variety of merchandise in a small space. He laughingly says, “We have everything including the kitchen….sink!” He adds, “New customers who walk into the store for the first time often comment about the large variety of items that are offered for sale.”
There are two major parts to the store: the Sebo’s Do-It Center, with its large selection of items offered in a typical hardware store; and the Bayview Design Center, which offers cabinets, cabinet design, flooring, lighting and more.
Sebo’s is known for its high level of customer service. Frank notes: “You don’t have to look for somebody to help you when you come into the store. Someone will be there to answer questions and direct people to the items they need.” One of the customer service policies they promote is “If we don’t have it, we can get it.” He adds: “We are compassionate about being there for our customers.”
Another comment that is often heard from those coming to Sebo’s is “I love the feeling of an old-fashioned hardware store.” Frank and Nancy are proud of what they have accomplished. The Parras also place a lot of energy on being supporters of many of the activities and non-profits on Whidbey:
- They donate to several local causes
- Frank was on the Whidbey Island Fair Board
- They both have coached youth sports and still sponsor teams
- Frank was Mr. South Whidbey, two years in a row
- They are maintaining an excellent reputation in the community
The employees are a major part of what makes Sebo’s such a special place to shop. The individual managers choose what is ordered, and they are actively involved in maintaining the Sebo’s reputation of high quality customer service and a broad inventory.
If you haven’t made a visit to Sebo’s Do-It Center or the Bayview Design Center, Frank and Nancy and the staff invite you to stop by and see what is there and have your questions answered by whatever person greets you.
Sebo’s Do-It Center is located at 5809 Bayview Rd, and the Bayview Design Center is at 2815 Howard Rd, just around the block.
Current hours at Sebo’s are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Bayview Design Center operates Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you have questions, you can give Sebo’s a call at (360) 321-6080 or FAX them at (360) 321-2363, or Bayview Design Center at (360) 321-3080. Visit their website at: https://www.sebosdoitcenter.com/. You can also email them at: sebos.clinton@whidbey.com
