Maytag repairman visits Pierce Pepin

• Maytag

Clay Jackson, “The Maytag Repairman,” made an appearance at Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services Friday. -- Photo by Jason Schulte

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Clay Jackson loves his job.

“I love going to work every day,” he said. “I have no Mondays.”

When your job consists of traveling across the United States and Canada, it’s hard not to blame Jackson for his enthusiasm. Jackson, aka “The Maytag Repairman,” visited Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services Friday to celebrate the business’ 75th anniversary.

Jackson has been the Maytag Repairman for over five years and is the fourth person to portray the character since its inception in 1967.

“I like to joke I have the biggest sale territory of anyone who works with Maytag,” Jackson said, as he is the national spokesperson for Maytag as he makes appearances on TV, commercials, print and for work across the United States and Canada.

Jackson was a realtor in North Carolina before he was chosen among 1,500 people to be the new salesman.

“I went up to New York City (where auditions were being held) on a whim,” he said. “I think they were looking for someone who can be dependable and reliable on TV, and in real life as well.

“People are extremely friendly when they see me. They love getting their picture taken. (The Maytag Repairman) is an iconic and generational character.”

That attitude carried over to Pierce County as well, as Jackson said he was treated very warmly.

“I don’t feel like I’m a stranger. Everyone’s been friendly,” he said. “I’ve been hearing stories about (Pierce Pepin) and Maytag.”

Jackson’s next appearance as the Maytag guy was Saturday, to help celebrate a plant opening in Cleveland, Tenn.

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