Waipahu
Waipahu, HI · Business
hawaiinewsnow.com
KITV.com
KITV.com
LightWave Reports
Connie, 88, Still Works Six or Seven Days a Week at Her Vacuum Franchise: "I Don't Want to Be Idle"
In August 2022, KITV Island News reporter Diane Ako met Connie Asentista in Aiea, Hawaii. Asentista was 88, and she was still showing up at her vacuum franchise six or seven days a week. She had a simple reason for staying on the job. “I know what’s going on in the world,” she said. “I don’t want to be idle.” KITV’s article identified her as the owner of A’s Kirby Sales & Service, a Kirby vacuum shop at Harbor Court in Aiea. She bought the franchise in 1999. “My husband said, ‘This is hard work for you,’” she recalled. “I said, ‘Well, nothing like trying.’” Ako told viewers that she did try, and that she became an award-winning salesperson. At 88, the reporter said, Asentista still showed up six or seven days a week. The station’s article also said that came to at least 40 hours a week. Ako asked why she would want to be 88 and working so hard, and whether she should be hanging out with her kids and grandkids instead. “Oh, no,” Asentista said. Her son, Michael, told the station he saw a purpose in that schedule. “She’s here to make sure that I’m set and